Collaborative Online International Learning with the University of Warsaw: “Encountering Other Cultures”
On Monday, March 2, 2026, as a part of the Global Frontier Leader (GFL) program of the Cooperative Faculty of Education at Gunma University, an online exchange session was held with students from the University of Warsaw. This event was organized with the aim of deepening mutual understanding of different cultures through interaction with students studying Japanese at the University of Warsaw.
The theme of the day was “Encountering Other Cultures.” Students were divided into small groups to discuss similarities and differences between Japanese and Polish cultures, strategies for learning foreign languages, and other related topics. As they shared their experiences and values, many participants gained new insights and perspectives, making the session highly meaningful.
Participants commented:
Student A “While explaining the distinction between Yamato words and Sino-Japanese vocabulary, I was reminded of the depth of the Japanese language and its linguistic culture. My understanding of Europe also became clearer, and the session was full of discoveries—an extremely engaging experience.”
Student B “I learned about cultural differences, such as how university entrance exams are more challenging in Japan, whereas graduating is more difficult in Poland, as well as the different meanings embedded in personal names. We also bonded over shared interests like anime, and I felt a cross-border connection in being able to talk about the same topics despite being far apart.”
This exchange program provided a valuable opportunity for students to broaden their international perspectives while reflecting on their own cultural backgrounds. We will continue to promote ongoing interaction to further support students’ autonomous learning and strengthen their global connections.
-
- Scene from an online networking session
-
- University of Warsaw
