The 3-week exchange program to Osaka City University (OCU) for 10 students from universities in Shanghai finished on 3 March. OCU organized a farewell party for them on the evening before their departure. During the party the students repeatedly said they had felt at home in Osaka.

Many students told how they enjoyed their lessons as well as the various excursions. The home visit in the weekends, in which each student visited a home of a Japanese family for one day, seemed to have been an especially great success. At many families they cooked and ate together, were given a chance to try on a real kimono, or were shown around Osaka. A few students even planned a second visit.

One of the students in his farewell speech eloquently expressed how direct contact between people from different countries is the best way to foster mutual understanding. This is certainly true and we are happy to see the group enjoyed their stay and left with good memories of Japan and new international friendships.

We hope to see them all back for study, work or travel in Osaka again in the future!