GUNMA

Day 3 - 9: Exploring Regional Revitalization with students at Kyoai Gakuen University

Learning Activities

Visit some of Gunma’s genkai shūraku (“marginal hamlets” – a merged town or village in Japan that has experienced depopulation and in danger of disappearing altogether). Students will partner with students at Kyoai Gakuen University to gain insight into the challenges of rural depopulation and community revitalization.

Meet Japanese Elementary Students

Connect with local kids during a visit to a Japanese elementary school!

Give English Presentations

Share your culture and language through fun English presentations!

Visit Rural Japan

Experience daily life and community spirit in rural Japan

Enjoy Japanese Cooking Lesson by Your New KGU friends

Learn to cook Japanese dishes—with help from your KGU partner students

Day 3 – Welcome to Gunma!

Take the bullet train to Maebashi, Gunma
Check in to your hotel in Maebashi City (arrival around 4:00 PM)
Welcome Party: Meet your partner students from Kyoai Gakuen University (KGU)

Day 4 – School Visit & Cultural Exchange

Visit a local elementary school
- Interact with Japanese students and enjoy a school lunch (kyūshoku) with them*
Reconnect with your KGU partner students
- Visit a local Japanese grocery store
- Cook dinner together with your partner students

Day 5 – Travel to a Rural Town (Genkai Shūraku)

Take a chartered bus with KGU students to a rural town, Minakami (two hours from where we stay in Gunma)
Engage in service-learning activities (details to be finalized)

Possible project themes include:
• Designing ecotourism or green tourism experiences
• Supporting agricultural and sustainability efforts
Stay at a local hotel (breakfast/dinner & hot spring (Onsen) included)

Day 6 – Continue in the Rural Town

Activities: TBD
Continue your service-learning experience in the rural community

Day 7 – Campus Visit & Presentation Prep

Prepare for your group presentation in the morning
Visit the KGU campus and interact with local university students

Day 8 – Presentations & Farewell Dinner

Give your group presentation to peers and faculty
Celebrate your time in Gunma at a farewell dinner with your partner students

Day 9 – Travel to Nagasaki

Early morning departure from Takasaki Station
Arrive at Tokyo Station – 1 hour free time to grab breakfast or a bento box
Board the Shinkansen Nozomi toward Hakata
Arrive at Hakata Station – 1 hour break to grab snacks
Travel to Takeo-Onsen Station, then transfer
Evening arrival at Nagasaki Station

Partner University: Kyoai Gakuen University

共愛学園前橋国際大学
Located in Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture, Kyoai Gakuen University (KGU) is dedicated to cultivating "Glocal" individuals—those who possess a global perspective and are equipped to address local community challenges. This mission is embodied in the KYOAI GLOCAL PROJECT, which integrates international studies with community-based learning experiences. KGU maintains partnerships with 23 institutions across 13 countries, providing students with ample opportunities for study abroad and global exposure.

As part of your study abroad experience, you'll collaborate with Dr. Takeuchi's students on a service-learning project, engaging in meaningful community work. This hands-on approach allows you to immerse yourself in Japanese culture, build lasting connections, and gain insights into local societal issues.

Meet Dr. Ai Takeuchi!

Dr. Ai Takeuchi is the lead faculty member supporting our partner student group at Kyoai Gakuen Maebashi International University. Passionate about cross-cultural exchange, she is excited to welcome you to Japan and help facilitate meaningful interactions between students from both countries. With her warm and engaging approach, Dr. Takeuchi looks forward to introducing you to local perspectives, guiding discussions, and making your study abroad experience both enriching and unforgettable!

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse