This program was made with two important educational goals in mind for ITM（Faculty of International Tourism Management）students. First, to use and develop communication skills for real world activities and second, to share knowledge of culture and tourism with people from different countries. This helps our students to become more internationally aware and improve their skills for future jobs. The program took place over one week in October 2024.

Fifteen students from Thailand’s Thammasat University’s College of Innovation (CITU) joined students from ITM (Faculty of International Tourism Management) for a program of in class lectures and field trips (including sustainability, Japanese rail transport, cultural preservation, and eco-tourism, with the locations being Tokyo Station, the Palace Hotel Tokyo, Kawagoe and Hanno cities in Saitama). Both Thai and ITM students agreed the experience was valuable and that deep learning took place.

Programs like the CITU-Toyo short program really add value to the education on offer in ITM and Toyo University. I would like to offer deep appreciation for the staff at the Toyo International Affairs Office, Bangkok Office as well as faculty of ITM and Thammasat University who kindly participated in developing and implementing this program. I would also like to thank the students for taking part. Their willingness to encounter new cultures, learn and share values and ideas is what ultimately made this program great. We look forward to our growing relationship with Thammasat University, its teachers and students.（Prof. Graham Robson, Faculty of International Tourism Management)

"It was my first time interacting with Thai university students, and I gained many insights. Although it was a short time, I was happy to have experienced cross-cultural communication through simple conversations, sharing our cultures, and talking about ourselves. This experience made me want to visit Thailand even more, and I feel it was a valuable experience. It also boosted my motivation to study English."

--- First-Year Student, Faculty of International Tourism Management

"This was the first time I applied for an international exchange like this, and I’m really glad I had the courage to participate. Throughout the day, I was able to ask many questions and talk with the Thai participants, even though I’m not fluent in English. That made me happy. The lectures were also very informative. I want to express my gratitude for the wonderful opportunity to visit a five-star hotel. The stories behind JR, especially about the Shinkansen, were also incredibly interesting."

--- Second-Year Student, Faculty of International Tourism Management

"I actively approached the Thai students and was able to make friends with a few of them. Since it was my first time participating in such an activity, it became a valuable experience. I also learned about ecotourism, which I believe will be helpful for my tourism studies, IELTS topics, and English classes. I would love to participate again if I have the chance."

--- Third-Year Student, Faculty of International Tourism Management