11月15日（土）・16日（日）の週末、留学生と日本人チューター、そして教職員が四国への交流旅行に出かけました。2日間を通して、四国の歴史や文化に触れながら、参加者同士の交流を深める充実した時間となりました。
初日は、瀬戸大橋を訪れました。本州と四国を結ぶ巨大な橋を目の前にして、その迫力に学生たちは思わず歓声を上げていました。昼食後に向かった四国村では、醤油づくりや砂糖づくりの歴史に触れ、日本の伝統的な暮らしについて学びました。なかでも「かずら橋」は揺れる橋であったため、渡るのをためらっていた学生は、帰りには勇気を出して渡り切り、みんなで笑い合う楽しい時間となりました。紅葉が美しい季節でもあり、灯台や歌舞伎舞台、滝など、風情ある景色の中でたくさんの写真を撮ることができました。続いて訪れた「駄菓子屋ひなた」では、倉庫のように広い店内に懐かしいお菓子やおもちゃが並び、学生たちは子どものように夢中になって買い物を楽しんでいました。
2日目は、日本に現存する貴重な山城を訪れました。二つの山を結ぶように築かれた日本最大級の城郭で、ガイドさんから防御の工夫や歴史について説明を受け、昔の人々の知恵と技術に参加者は深く感銘を受けていました。「一度も敵に侵入されたことがない」という逸話にも、多くの学生が驚いていました。帰りのバスでは、遊び疲れた様子の学生たちが多く見られましたが、どの顔も満足にあふれていました。今回の旅行を企画し、引率してくださった先生方への感謝とともに、留学生、日本人チューター、教職員が一緒に笑い合い、交流を深めた2日間は、参加者にとってかけがえのない思い出となりました。今回の経験を通して、互いの距離がさらに縮まり、より一層強い絆が生まれたことを実感できる旅行となりました。
On the weekend of Saturday, November 15 and Sunday, November 16, international students, Japanese tutors, and faculty members went on an exchange trip to Shikoku. Over the two days, participants deepened their connections while experiencing the history and culture of the region.
On the first day, the group visited the Great Seto Bridge. Standing before the massive bridge that connects Honshu and Shikoku, the students could not help but express their amazement at its scale. After lunch, they headed to Shikoku Mura, where they learned about traditional Japanese life, including the history of soy sauce and sugar production. One of the highlights was crossing the Kazura Bridge. Because the bridge sways as one walks, some students were hesitant at first, but by the return trip they gathered their courage and crossed it successfully, creating a joyful moment filled with laughter. Since it was the peak of the autumn season, participants were able to take many photos of scenic spots such as the lighthouse, kabuki stage, and waterfalls among the beautiful fall colors. The next stop was “Dagashiya Hinata,” a large, warehouse-like shop filled with nostalgic candies and toys. The students enjoyed shopping with childlike excitement.
On the first day, the group visited the Great Seto Bridge. Standing before the massive bridge that connects Honshu and Shikoku, the students could not help but express their amazement at its scale. After lunch, they headed to Shikoku Mura, where they learned about traditional Japanese life, including the history of soy sauce and sugar production. One of the highlights was crossing the Kazura Bridge. Because the bridge sways as one walks, some students were hesitant at first, but by the return trip they gathered their courage and crossed it successfully, creating a joyful moment filled with laughter. Since it was the peak of the autumn season, participants were able to take many photos of scenic spots such as the lighthouse, kabuki stage, and waterfalls among the beautiful fall colors. The next stop was “Dagashiya Hinata,” a large, warehouse-like shop filled with nostalgic candies and toys. The students enjoyed shopping with childlike excitement.
On the second day, the group visited a historically valuable mountain castle. Spanning across two mountains, it is one of the largest surviving castle complexes in Japan. With explanations from a guide about the castle’s defensive features and historical background, participants were deeply impressed by the ingenuity and technical skill of people in the past. Many were also surprised to learn that the castle had “never once been breached by enemies.” On the bus ride home, many students appeared tired from a full day of activities, but their faces were filled with satisfaction.
Along with gratitude to the teachers who planned and accompanied the trip, the two days spent laughing, learning, and interacting together became an irreplaceable memory for all participants. Through this experience, everyone felt that the bonds among international students, Japanese tutors, and faculty members grew even stronger, making the trip especially meaningful.
Along with gratitude to the teachers who planned and accompanied the trip, the two days spent laughing, learning, and interacting together became an irreplaceable memory for all participants. Through this experience, everyone felt that the bonds among international students, Japanese tutors, and faculty members grew even stronger, making the trip especially meaningful.
