Asia Pacific College implements online study abroad program with the University of Hawai'i

The College of Asia Pacific, a short-term overseas study and student exchange program led by the International Student Center at Kyushu University, conducted a PBL (Problem-Based Learning)/TBL (Team-Based Learning) program with the University of Hawai'i at Manoa (UH) as a part of its program.

CAP Online with University of Hawai'i 2022, which was offered as a Kikan Education General Course, was held online from August to September 2022 and consisted of seven lectures all together. Associate Professor Hiroko Kinoshita of the International Student Center and lecturers from UH aimed to develop problem-finding and problem-solving skills through lectures, group work, and discussions among students on common issues in the greater Asia region.

The lectures, given entirely in English, covered topics such as religion and society, gender, international migration, and social movements in the greater Asia region. The students actively participated in the lectures by deepening their understanding and formulating solutions. Group work provided an opportunity for an active exchange of opinions with UH graduate students from different backgrounds.

After the program, one of the participating students commented, "I learned that even the glamorous image of Hawaii has a tragic past and racial problems, and I became more aware of the other side of the image. I felt the importance of expressing my opinion without hesitation in discussions."

While it is not easy for students to study abroad due to COVID-19 and unstable exchange rates, the live lectures by UH lecturers and group work with the graduate students provided valuable and meaningful time for the participating students. The program will cultivate the power of proactivity and problem-solving skills of students.

【College of Asia Pacific】

The College of Asia Pacific (CAP) is a short-term study abroad and international education collaborative program for Japanese and international students.

Participants study with university students from the Asia Pacific region to learn about common issues in the wider Asia region through collaborative learning in the form of problem-based learning (PBL) and team-based learning (TBL). Participants learn firsthand differences in the way in which people perceive and solve problems as the program promotes intellectual exchanges among students with different cultural and social backgrounds.

With a view to studying abroad for a longer period of time in the future, students have the opportunity to join the international community and take a first step toward becoming global citizens.

Related link: College of Asia Pacific Overview

This Hawaii program takes place during summer vacation and participating students can receive 2 credits for the Kikan Education General Course, which is open to all undergraduate students.