Messages from OUICP-S Participants (SDGs Field Study on UOsaka ASEAN Campus BAMBOO: The Philippines)
ITOH Waichiro (Division of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering) He participated in the OUICP-S program “SDGs Field Study on ASEAN Campus BAMBOO: The Philippines” in 2024-25.
Q1: What made you want to participate in this program?
I poured most of my energy into activity in a rugby club as an undergraduate student, so I didn’t have an opportunity to study abroad. But since my activity in the club ended during my 4th year, I thought of trying a short-term study abroad program.
While searching, I found information about some short-term programs on the KOAN Bulletin Board and decided to participate in this field study. It was after I had received a job offer, so the timing was perfect.
While searching, I found information about some short-term programs on the KOAN Bulletin Board and decided to participate in this field study. It was after I had received a job offer, so the timing was perfect.
Q2. What did you learn through OUICP-S?
In this program, I visited places where tourists usually don’t go in order to pursue SDGs-related issues, so I was able to learn more about Filipino culture and history. I was able to actually see the Philippines which achieved rapid economic growth and population growth. That was a very valuable experience.
For me, who grew up in an economically and technologically advanced country, the gap between the rich and the poor and shanty towns in the Philippines were quite shocking to see.
I also learned about issues in Southeast Asia and their solutions, which will be useful in my future studies.
For me, who grew up in an economically and technologically advanced country, the gap between the rich and the poor and shanty towns in the Philippines were quite shocking to see.
I also learned about issues in Southeast Asia and their solutions, which will be useful in my future studies.
Q3. What influence have your experiences in this program had on your future career?
Connections overseas are essential in every field and industry in this globalizing modern society. Many Japanese companies have part of their supply chain in Southeastern Asia. International cooperation, including technical cooperation by JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency), is also actively implemented.
Although it was a short experience, the program made me aware of the current situation in one of these nations first-hand and realize real social issues. The OUICP-S program made me start seriously thinking of how to address these issues through my career.
Although it was a short experience, the program made me aware of the current situation in one of these nations first-hand and realize real social issues. The OUICP-S program made me start seriously thinking of how to address these issues through my career.
Q4. Looking back on your study abroad experience, what advice would you give to students considering studying abroad?
Applying for a long-term study abroad program involves hurdles, but you can participate in a short-term program without sacrificing your extra-curricular activities and studies, so OUICP-S is a great opportunity. Participating in this program not as a vacation, but as an education program is very meaningful. It is a very valuable experience to get a deeper understanding of the culture and academia of the local area and actually interact with experts.
In this program, I also delivered a presentation in English with other students on a SDGs-related topic. Though I didn’t mind delivering presentations in English, I wasn't confident in my skill when it came to everyday conversation. But, I had many opportunities to speak in English, so the program was a good chance to overcome my weakness.
It was very meaningful for me to interact with students with different backgrounds. I learned to view one thing from different angles, which was also very meaningful. Through my experience in the Philippines, I was able to reconfirm the importance of viewing the world from a broad perspective. I’m very glad I participated.
In this program, I also delivered a presentation in English with other students on a SDGs-related topic. Though I didn’t mind delivering presentations in English, I wasn't confident in my skill when it came to everyday conversation. But, I had many opportunities to speak in English, so the program was a good chance to overcome my weakness.
It was very meaningful for me to interact with students with different backgrounds. I learned to view one thing from different angles, which was also very meaningful. Through my experience in the Philippines, I was able to reconfirm the importance of viewing the world from a broad perspective. I’m very glad I participated.
SAKURAI Kaori (School of Human Studies) She participated in the OUICP-S program “SDGs Field Study on ASEAN Campus BAMBOO: The Philippines” in 2024-25.
Q1: What made you want to participate in this program?
I participated in this field study because one of my seniors in graduate school recommended the program to me when I was a first-year student. From our conversation, I figured out that the field work fit me, so I looked up the details and decided to participate.
I had been interested in studying abroad but I was worried about studying abroad long-term. So, I thought about getting some experience studying abroad through a short-term program first. Also, I had been studying English conversation, so I felt that this was a great opportunity to further improve my practical English skills, which led to me apply.
I had been interested in studying abroad but I was worried about studying abroad long-term. So, I thought about getting some experience studying abroad through a short-term program first. Also, I had been studying English conversation, so I felt that this was a great opportunity to further improve my practical English skills, which led to me apply.
Q2. What did you learn through OUICP-S?
This program reduced my hesitation in taking classes in English in particular.
When it came to agriculture, the topic of the program, I was initially confused with technical terms and contents. But by preparing for the next class and looking things up after class, I gradually became confident in understanding the topic.
In addition, I saw the wealth divide and the state of poverty with my own eyes in derived areas in the Philippines, which deepened my understanding of different cultures.
Experiencing local food was also a valuable experience. For example, I ate duck eggs in the slums, which, while a bit bizarre to me, deepened my knowledge of Filipino food culture.
When it came to agriculture, the topic of the program, I was initially confused with technical terms and contents. But by preparing for the next class and looking things up after class, I gradually became confident in understanding the topic.
In addition, I saw the wealth divide and the state of poverty with my own eyes in derived areas in the Philippines, which deepened my understanding of different cultures.
Experiencing local food was also a valuable experience. For example, I ate duck eggs in the slums, which, while a bit bizarre to me, deepened my knowledge of Filipino food culture.
Q3. What influence has your experiences in this program had on your future career?
I have a strong interest in educational systems, so being able to learn about educational and school lunch systems overseas through this program was extremely meaningful. In my final report, I discussed “The School Lunch System of the Philippines” by comparing the school lunch system of Japan with the current state of the Philippines.
I was able to gain crucial perspectives on education and social systems through my experiences in the Philippines. Also, I feel that my international perspective was cultivated through interactions with local residents.
For my career, I’m also considering working for an international organization as one option so that I can contribute to education and social welfare.
I was able to gain crucial perspectives on education and social systems through my experiences in the Philippines. Also, I feel that my international perspective was cultivated through interactions with local residents.
For my career, I’m also considering working for an international organization as one option so that I can contribute to education and social welfare.
Q4. Looking back on your study abroad experience, what advice would you give to students considering studying abroad?
If you’re wondering whether or not you should study abroad, I recommend just going for it. You’ll learn more and realize more than you think if you try. You may also be nervous to go abroad, but nothing will ever happen if you just worry. By actually gaining experience abroad, you can really feel how much you can grow.
I myself have learned many things and have grown through this program in the Philippines. If you find yourself in trouble, it’s important to consult with the people and teachers around you without hesitating. As I received a lot of support from my seniors, so I was able to learning through this program at ease. A study abroad experience is a great opportunity to broaden your perspectives.
I myself have learned many things and have grown through this program in the Philippines. If you find yourself in trouble, it’s important to consult with the people and teachers around you without hesitating. As I received a lot of support from my seniors, so I was able to learning through this program at ease. A study abroad experience is a great opportunity to broaden your perspectives.