Global Challenge for KU Freshmen: Participation in Training Program in Japan
Kyungnam University (KU) recently conducted the Hanma Freshman Global Challenge program in Japan, designed to strengthen students’ major-specific competencies and foster a global mindset through immersive cultural experiences. In May, the Departments of Music Education, Travel, Airline Service & Tourism, and Fire Safety Engineering participated in a three-day, two-night overseas training program across Osaka, Kyoto, and Kyushu. Each itinerary featured hands-on activities closely aligned with the students’ academic fields.
Experiencing the World Through Music
From May 13 to 15, the Department of Music Education held its training program in Osaka and Kyoto, combining hands-on musical experiences with opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of both traditional and modern Japanese culture.
Students visited Festival Hall and Symphony Hall, two of Osaka’s most famous concert venues. They also explored the city’s cultural landmarks, including Osaka Castle, Universal Studios Japan, Dotonbori, and Shinsaibashi. In Kyoto, the group toured traditional heritage sites including Ginkaku-ji Temple, the Nanzen-ji Suirokaku, and Fushimi Inari Shrine. During the program, students worked in groups to complete missions and produce their own activity videos, fostering creativity, teamwork, and cultural reflection.
Professor Cho Su-hyun reflected, “It was a great opportunity for freshmen to experience a different culture, build closer connections through teamwork, and develop both their global competence and a sense of belonging within their department.”
Learning the Future of Tourism in Kyushu Learning the Future of Tourism in Kyushu
From May 26 to 28, the Department of Travel, Airline Service & Tourism conducted a three-day field training in Japan’s Kyushu region to give students hands-on insight into the tourism industry.
Students explored key destinations like Dazaifu, Kurokawa, Yanagawa, and Yufuin Village, learning about local tourism models. In Ajimu, the birthplace of rural tourism in Japan, they attended a lecture by its founder and discussed the future of rural tourism.
They also visited the Oita Prefectural Government Office, where officials briefed them on regional tourism strategies and challenges, offering valuable perspectives on tourism planning.
Professor Lee Sang-tak noted, “It was a meaningful opportunity for freshmen to experience Japan’s advanced tourism firsthand and consider Korea’s future tourism direction.”
Learning Disaster Response Beyond the Books
From May 26 to 28, students from the Department of Fire Safety Engineering participated in overseas training in Osaka, Japan, enhancing their disaster response skills through hands-on simulations at the Abeno Disaster Prevention Center. They experienced fire, earthquake, and tsunami scenarios using advanced safety systems.
They also visited the Osaka Expo to explore sustainable urban safety technologies and global trends in disaster prevention, gaining insight into smart city solutions and international safety engineering practices.
Students shared that the program deepened their understanding and motivated their future career planning. Professor Jung Hyung-seok noted it was “a valuable opportunity to connect theory with practice,” and announced plans for more overseas training programs.
Experience-Based Global Education for Future Talent
KU’s Hanma Freshman Global Challenge was designed to create a dynamic learning environment that encourages active participation and independent thinking. The training programs were closely connected to the unique characteristics of each department and were structured around activities that allowed students to share their individual experiences within a community.
Through this program, students gained practical knowledge in their majors and developed a broader understanding of culture, technology, and human interaction, laying the ground work for their future growth as global talents.