With the aim of nurturing students who can play active roles internationally, Okayama University plans and conducts language training and short-term overseas training during summer and spring vacations. Due to the global spread of COVID-19, only online programs have been held since 2020. However, starting with the 2023 spring program, 4 summer programs were held over August and September.

A total of approximately 100 students were sent to the University of Adelaide (Australia), the University of York (U.K.), the AUN-SUN/SixERS Study Visit Programme (Thailand), and the Cross-Cultural Experience Program (Singapore). Each program has its own unique characteristics, but each program is designed to study English and local culture.

In the program at the University of York, students conducted research using English in the city of York, which has many historical buildings dating back to Roman times. One of the participants, MATSUHISA Kana who’s doing a master's degree in the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences commented, "I participated in the program to improve my English and communication skills, as I will be attending EPOK from next February. The most impressive part of the program was the group presentation. We did a street survey about the differences in work-life balance between Japan and the U.K. in York city. Although I got nervous about speaking to local people since I had no confidence in my English, that was a very valuable time. Now, I want to make use of the experience at EPOK, and continue to learn and absorb various things while enjoying communication.".

The experience of stepping outside of the classroom to interact with people who have diverse backgrounds and learn about different cultures directly brings new insights. That must be valuable for students to survive in this globalized world.

【The Spring Language Training in 2024】
Okayama University is now accepting applications for the spring language training in 2024 We welcome those who are interested in studying abroad, those who want to work globally in the future, and of course, those who want to experience life in a foreign country but are not confident in their English. For details of the program and application procedures, please refer to the following website of the Global Human Resource Development.
　https://intl.okayama-u.ac.jp/outbound/studyabroad/sa/learninglang/