One of the longest-standing partnerships at Elms College is our popular student exchange program with the University of Kochi (UoK)/高知県立大学, Kōchi Kenritsu Daigaku in Kochi, Japan. The program was established in 1998.
Every spring, a group of Japanese UoK students, accompanied by a faculty member, visits Elms to learn about American culture, study English, and attend classes related to their majors.
Elms students serve as “Friendship Partners” for the Japanese students during their visit, organizing various learning activities on campus as well as trips to local attractions in western Massachusetts.
For Elms students interested in learning more about Japan and studying abroad at UoK, they gain added perspective on Japanese language and culture by staying connected with their “Friendship Partner.” Faculty-led study abroad trips to Japan are available in May every other year, and individually, for a semester or academic year.
“We want our students to see themselves as global citizens and to learn what binds us as people with common concerns and common interests,” says Joyce Hampton, associate vice president of Strategic Initiatives and dean of School of Arts, Sciences and Professional Programs.
Elms students have numerous opportunities to experience international cultures and gain a global perspective. See our Study Abroad opportunities here.