Finally, two years after the development, this program was conducted in February-March 2022, though it was online. Rich network of professors in the Chuo Faculty of Law and senior students, realized this very special program, which I believe only Chuo Law Faculty can achieve.

Although it was difficult to feel the on-site, students enjoyed the local taste to some extent through the interactions with local people by video calls and watching the introductory video which is pre-recorded. In the program, students set research “questions” and found “answers” by collecting information through lectures, Q&A, observations, interviewing and interactions with Cambodian students as required. In the final session, students gave presentations of their research outcomes to Cambodian professors and students. 

In the program, students use both English and Japanese depending on the situation. They asked questions and watched videos repeatedly when they could not understand Cambodian English. It was very intensive three weeks, but students expressed their achievement in and satisfactions with the development of intercultural understanding, and knowledge and idea of the role of law in the society.

Students from both countries met online in December 2021. Students at Chuo gave comments on the research plans of Cambodian students’ preparing for graduate school in December, and in turn, Cambodian students gave comments and questions during the final presentations of Chuo students in March 2022. Since they met in December, they continued the interactions and advised to each other in their research activities. Both as a law major career, they will bear heavy responsibility for the future development of their countries. During the process, I hope they will benefit from these interactions, develop relations to help each other, and will support their societies as experts in 10 or 20 years.

We look forward your participation in FY2022 program. 

Maki Tomita