ISW Program Held on August 25 to 29

The Graduate School of Dentistry hosted “International Student Week (ISW)” from August 25 to 29.  Four students from Newcastle University (the United Kingdom) and three students from the University of Malaya (Malaysia) participated in the program.

The first day started with an orientation by Associate Professor HIROSE from the Department of Microbiology, followed by Welcome Lunch hosted by Associate Dean OHBA and Professor TAKEDACHI, head of ISW Working Group. This event provided a warm and friendly atmosphere for getting to know each other.

In the afternoon, Professor MURAKAMI, Director of the Center of Global Oral Health at the University of Osaka Dental Hospital, led a guided tour of the hospital facilities. The visiting students actively asked questions.

From the second day onward, the students joined featuring lectures, clinical observations and department visits. The students had the opportunity to observe cutting-edge research and technology, and appreciated the detailed explanations given by our faculty members in their respective specialties, which offered them valuable learning experiences.

A welcome party was also held during ISW. Professor TAKEDACHI delivered an opening address about the importance of experiencing international exchange. Students from each participating university then gave presentations in English introducing their home countries and universities. Some of the University of Osaka dental students also participated, making the event an internationally diverse gathering that would help to foster lasting connections.

One of visiting students shared that attending the research lectures developed an academic interest in pursuing a doctoral degree. They also expressed that the ISW was a positive experience in terms of exploring their current interests and future career paths.

Graduate School of Dentistry at The University of Osaka will continue to actively promote international exchange and collaboration through programs such as ISW, with the aim of fostering dental professionals and researchers who can play active roles on the global stage.

The next ISW is scheduled to take place from September 29 to October 3, with students from Seoul National University (Korea) and Srinakharinwirot University (Thailand) expected to participate.