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The 9th Euro-Japan Dialogue visits Strasbourg, Roehampton and East Anglia

Strasbourg students listen to YNU presenters
Strasbourg students listen to YNU presenters
Socialising with University of Strasbourg students
Socialising with University of Strasbourg students

The 9th Euro-Japan Dialogue concluded business at the University of East Anglia on October 30th 2014. This year the program took place in France and the UK. It began at University of Strasbourg, in the Graduate School of Education, with presentations and discussions on “English Teaching in Primary Schools.” Professor Eloise Caporal and Dr. Christine Helot expertly hosted a thought-provoking session, where considerations of the increasing necessity of English proficiency for both Japan and France were analyzed. The discussions continued over coffee and snacks in the early evening. Many of the Strasbourg students were also working teachers and their chalkface experiences added depth to the session.

Campus tour of Roehampton University
Campus tour of Roehampton University
Euro-Japan Dialogue session at Roehampton
Euro-Japan Dialogue session at Roehampton

After traveling on the TGV and Eurostar to London, the YNU cohort visited the Business School at the picturesque central London campus of University of Roehampton and presented on “Immigration in Japan” and “Inequality.” A busy day-and-a-half schedule saw students consider cultural identity issues with Professor Christopher Bond in the Monday morning session. Students explored the basic assumptions they carry that are the cornerstone of their cultural identities. On Monday afternoon we looked at migration in historical terms with Dr. Joyce Jiang. Dr. Jiang was intrigued by the recommendation of the YNU presenters that Japan adopt an Assimilation Model for immigration in the 21st century. On Tuesday morning, the various aspects of inequality were critiqued with Professor Stephen Drinkwater. Focusing on Thomas Piketty’s Capital in the Twenty-First Century as a core text, the measurements, causes and consequences of inequality in Europe and Japan were compared and contrasted.


Presenting at University of East Anglia
Presenting at University of East Anglia

Traveling to Norwich the next day, at University of East Anglia, the afternoon began with a welcome from Professor Lee Marsden, Head of the School of Politics, Philosophy, Language and Communication Studies. Japanese culture and society then came under scrutiny as both sets of students presented on topics such as cinema, fashion, cuisine, and design and innovation. Chaired by Dr. Mika Brown, this session was a fascinating insight into how Japan is seen from overseas. The cross-cultural comparisons continued in a lively social session that evening.

Visiting the European Parliament
Visiting the European Parliament

The program aims of carrying out authentic academic presentations and debate, promoting international exchange and deepening knowledge of mutual issues related to economics were more than achieved over the eight-day visit to these three venerable institutions. Our grateful thanks goes to the staff and students in Europe whose professionalism and hard work allowed us to carry out the 9th Euro-Japan Dialogue.

In addition to the Dialogue sessions, the YNU cohort paid a visit to the European Parliament at Strasbourg to gain insight into the inner workings of the EU. Guide Michel explained the history of the EU and the Strasbourg site, as well as technical details such as the faction system within the parliament and the considerable task of translation that is required on a day-to-day basis.

For many of the YNU students this was their first trip abroad and it added perspective and experience to their on-campus studies. Our European colleagues praised the presentations and analyses displayed by the YNU group. As always, the trip was the culmination of extensive research, planning and studying of Academic English in the preceding months. A session of reflective practice presentations by the group will be held during the 5th period on Friday, November 14, 2014, in the International Lounge. All are welcome to attend.

Visiting the European Parliament
Visiting the European Parliament