Five ECU students were afforded the opportunity to travel to Tokyo.
Five students from Edith Cowan University (ECU) have shared their experiences from a five-week study tour to Japan, in a collaboration with Tokyo City University (TCU).
During their stay, which was funded through the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), students participated in several cultural experiences, and undertook language training, seminars, lectures, field studies, and laboratory work at TCU's Graduate School of Environment and Information Studies.
The Japan study tour was a pilot programme between ECU and TCU initiated by former TCU President Dr Chitoshi Miki in 2022 as part of the development of a new Joint Master of Environmental Studies. This unique Master's programme has been designed so students from both universities can explore global environmental problems and initiatives and contribute to a sustainable society.
"Getting to experience a new culture and country was amazing and really broadened my perspective when it comes to not just my studies but my life overall," student Jonathon Pitcher said.
"Starting in 2024, I am transitioning into environmental engineering from a general technology (engineering) degree, so this study tour being focused on environmental sciences was great at giving me more foundational knowledge on the topics and showing me how the other adjacent environmental fields work and view the world."
Student Helen Claxton said the tour offered her invaluable insights into Japanese culture, fostering cross-cultural understanding.
"Networking opportunities were abundant, creating professional connections and knowledge exchange. Immersive cultural experiences and engaging interactions with professors enriched our understanding of Japan's academic landscape."
Christopher Glackin said the hand's-on experience was a significant boon during the study tour.
"Each professor had their own expertise and experience to share with us and the field trips they took us on allowed us to see that knowledge in practice," Christopher said.
"I liked that I could create my own research proposal and had the help of the other research students to explore and understand a variety of topics. I also loved getting to know other students, exploring Tokyo and Kanagawa, and developing my Japanese language skills and knowledge of Japanese culture."
ECU Manager, Internationalisation, Simon Davies Burrows noted that ECU and TCU have had a longstanding partnership since 2016.
Over 1,200 TCU students have since studied and completed the Tokyo City University Australia Program (TAP) in Perth. Between 2017 and 2023, over 100 ECU students have visited Japan and TCU, supported through New Colombo Plan funding.
"Under the leadership of ECU Vice-Chancellor Professor Steve Chapman and TCU President Dr. Chitoshi Miki, the universities have pioneered a ground-breaking model of large-scale, cohort-based international student mobility," said Mr Davies Burrows.
Mr Davies Burrows noted that ECU would be welcoming a further 107 TCU students early February for TAP.
Meanwhile, students enrolling in the Master of Environmental Studies will complete three semesters of study at their home institution and undertake one semester of exchange study on location at the partner institution.
ECU students will also have the option of completing a two-week internship in Japan as part of their course. This joint degree program has received MEXT approval as well as funding. Eligible students from both ECU and TCU can access MEXT funding to cover travel and accommodation for their exchange semester, with the funding being available for the first three years of the program.
Find out more about joint and dual degree programs.
