From September 15th to September 23rd, 2019, 26 students from 3 laboratories (Suda-Laboratory, Ueda-Laboratory, Kaneko-Laboratory) of Kagoshima University (KU) participated in the Taiwan-Japan Bilateral Workshop 2019 at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) in Taiwan as part of US-Kagoshima-Asia Triad Program. Most of the participants were 1st and 2nd year Master’s degree students and very few had ever been abroad. Besides KU students, Osaka University students also participated in the workshop.
After arriving in Tainan (Taiwan) NCKU students and Professors threw a big welcome party for us. There were so many Taiwanese foods that it was a feast for both our eyes and our mouths. We were able to relax and enjoy ourselves with our hosts.
During our 8 days stay, we conducted a workshop in the first half. Professors and students from each University made a presentation or some short speech and then discussed it in English.
We were taken to a local restaurant by Taiwan students and professors to eat delicious Taiwanese cuisine. It was a great night and we managed to forge strong bonds between our universities.
Day 4: Student Exchange (Excursions)
We had student interaction and participated in a culture tour. We visited a historical town and a local large temple, and we shopped together at a large market nearby.
In the Later Half, a Chemistry lecture in English was Given by a Professor of Taiwan. Althogh it was the first time for Japanese students to sit through such a long lecture in English, the presentation was easy to understand. At the end of the lecture, the students asked so many questions which showed that they were so interested in the topic.
After the lecture, we were taken for a tour around some famous places and historical buildings in NCKU and then we took a group photo together for posterity. In the evening, after the lectures, we were taken to a large-scale night market called “Hanazono Night Market” and a local restaurant. We had a great time learning all about Taiwanese culture.
Group photo in front of Chinese banyan tree 
Beautiful lake (成功湖)
Farewell party (Dinner party) at a local restaurant
Hanazono Night Market 
Day 7: We were given a laboratory tour by NCKU students. The facilities were very well equipped, and the students were working diligently on their research, which shows the high standard of NCKU.
Laboratory Tour
Day 8: We visited Tainan’s daytime market and history museum for a culture and history tour. Everyone was enjoying themselves as they walked around.
Tainan’s shrine 
Tainan’s daytime market (古堡街) 
Tree House
In this international training and student exchange, not only did we have the opportunity for academic exchange and learning, but we were also able to deepen our cultural understanding and international exchange.
I would like to express my great gratitude for this valuable opportunity.
