One of the staff of Japanese Language and Culture Study Program, Akbar Rizqi Dhea Habibi, was invited by Progressive School Bumi Shalawat Sidoarjo to fill the Cross Cultural Experience activity on May 6-7, 2024. The activity was attended by Japanese Class extracurricular students. This activity consisted of a sharing session by Akbar Rizqi, accompanied by an international student from Japan, Yoshikawa Ryoga, who is studying at INCULS FIB UGM. The topic raised in the activity was discussing school life and environment in Japan and Indonesia. In addition, it was followed by a workshop and practice of writing Japanese calligraphy (Shuuji). In the sharing session, Akbar Rizqi provided in-depth insights on how to get a scholarship, learn Japanese language and culture, and shared experiences about school life and environment in Japan. There was also a sharing session by Yoshikawa Ryoga about his experience as a foreign student in Indonesia.
In addition to the sharing session, the event also included a workshop and practice of writing Japanese calligraphy, known as Shuuji. In this session, the participants were taught the basic techniques of writing Japanese calligraphy, which not only enriched their knowledge of Japanese art and culture, but also practiced their fine motor skills. This activity not only provided academic and cultural insights, but also strengthened the bond between students through collaborative activities. The Cross Cultural Experience went smoothly and left a deep impression on all participants. The students were very enthusiastic listening to the experiences and tips shared by the speakers, which are expected to motivate them to pursue study abroad opportunities, especially in Japan.