Ten students from the University of Arkansas (U.S.A.) visited Okayama University on May 26 to participate in an interaction meeting with Okayama University students.

This interaction meeting is part of the Japan Study Abroad Program (JSAP includes a tour of Japanese corporations and participation in historical, cultural and traditional events), which has been run by Dr. Robert Stapp, Clinical Professor of the Department of Economics at the University of Arkansas for more than 20 years. It was the second time that such an interaction meeting has been held at Okayama University after being held at the University last year. Mr. Takashi Yamashita, a member of the House of Representatives, who helped arrange the meeting, also attended and made a speech.

In his welcome address, President Hirofumi Makino mentioned that Okayama University and the University of Arkansas were established at around the same time and that both universities have a history of about 150 years. He also expressed his hope for further exchanges between the two universities in the future.

Participants from Okayama University included students enrolled in the Special Course for Global Human Resource Development and students who have study abroad experience. After a self-introduction session, students from both universities interacted with one another, exchanging views on topics of interest and taking a walk together around the campus. Though it was only a short period of time, the students of both universities developed friendships and parted reluctantly at the conclusion of the meeting.

This meeting is expected to build an even closer relationship between the two universities and promote exchanges among faculty members and students on both sides.