Finding a unique way of learning that can be used after starting a career

After graduating high school, I wanted to study abroad in Japan. I found Hiroshima to have a more interesting feel than Tokyo or Osaka, and most of all, I was intrigued by the unique and innovative course provided by EUH, which are focused on liberal arts and unlike those at other universities. The actual learning always feels fresh. Through classes including Facilitation, Project Management, and Studies in Diversity and Multiculturalism, I learned ways of thinking and practical skills I never had before. I had a particularly valuable experience in PBL II. That was going to Osakikamijima for fieldwork. This was the most ambitious place we had ever gone. We spent two days there engaged in activities under our theme of, “creating an environment increasing overall life satisfaction/well-being”. We went around the island, holding interviews and experiencing what life is like for the local residents as we surveyed what kind of environment is needs for well-being. However, there is definitely no clear answer to this theme. This is because everyone has different values and understandings of well-being. Also, as eclect, Inc., the corporation cooperating in our project, accepted a wide range of thoughts and various ideas, this allowed us to find new perspectives on problem-solving.

Ambitious and valuable experiences changed my perception of things

By this, I mean that providing solutions does not necessarily make the people on the island happier. Like we learned in our survey, people have different ways of perceiving well-being. While daily life is not as convenient as in a large city, the people are happy with their lives. We discussed from various angles how people’s lives could impact a corporation’s initiative, using communication to repeatedly share opinions and considered what we could do to form a consensus. This taught me many important ways of thinking.

Wanting to independently disseminate the possibilities for social system design

I am currently engaged in my degree project, where I aim to encourage the prosperity of cultural tourism and promote local hidden gems in Hiroshima. Ensuring that money goes back into the local economy to help establish independence is the social system design that we have learned. I hope to apply these skills to revitalizing local economies and businesses in the future.

July 2024 contribution