International Student Week “ISW” Successfully Held!

From May 18 to May 22, Graduate School of Dentistry hosted the international exchange program “International Student Week (ISW)”. We welcomed students from Chulalongkorn University (Thailand) and Centro Escolar University (Philippines). This was the first time that Centro Escolar University participated in the ISW program. The opportunity was made possible following a courtesy visit last year by Dean LACANITENTA of the School of Dentistry at Centro Escolar University to Professor Kazuhiko NAKANO, Dean of our Graduate School of Dentistry, during which Dean LACANITENTA expressed interest in joining the program.

From the very beginning, the participating students quickly became comfortable with one another and joined an orientation session led by Professor Kenji HATA. This was followed by a welcome lunch hosted by Dean NAKANO, with Professors HATA and Hironori HOJO also attending. The lunch provided a warm and friendly atmosphere for meaningful communication and conversation.

Starting on the second day, the full program began in earnest, featuring a variety of activities including lectures and clinical department tours. As the students were exposed to cutting-edge research and technologies, they appeared highly stimulated and engaged. In particular, many expressed strong interest in our integrated education and clinical system that combines prosthodontics and implant treatment, describing it as a valuable learning experience.

We also held a welcome party. Participants from Chulalongkorn University and Centro Escolar University delivered presentations introducing their universities, which our students listened to attentively. After the presentations, everyone enjoyed sushi and Japanese sweets while deepening communication, and many students actively conversed in English. The event also proved to be a valuable opportunity for students who are scheduled to study at Chulalongkorn University later this year.

With the J.MORITA MFG. CORP. (Kyoto), the program included a visit to the company. Morita is known for many “first in Japan” and “first in the world” technologies and products. During the tour, the students asked many questions and showed strong curiosity during the guided explanation by Morita staff. The visit clearly left them impressed and inspired.

At the end of the five-day program, the students received certificates of completion. Many commented that their interactions with faculty members were especially memorable, and that they were deeply moved by the warm welcome they received in Japan. Students also expressed appreciation for the opportunity to learn about Japanese dental education and for the various international communication events, including the welcome party. Overall, the program was a highly rewarding experience for all involved.

The next ISW will be held from June 22 to June 26, and students from The University of Hong Kong, National Taiwan University, and The University of Sydney are scheduled to visit Japan. We look forward to another week full of new encounters and discoveries.