?The ‘Informal Chat’ for UGAS-EU students, held annually since 2015, took place at the United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Ehime University (Rendai) Research and Administration building on Monday, December 18, 2017.
?The purpose of this informal meeting is to hear students’ opinions to help Rendai improve student life and their study environment and to apply it to education and research activiteis at Rendai. There were separate informal chats for Japanese and international students. The Education research Coordinator, Prof. Yasuo Watanabe, hosted the chat for the Japanese students and Prof. Dennis Murphy did likewise for the international students. Associate Dean Kazutaka Ito and Rendai staff also participated in the chat.
?The Japanese students (5) gave their opinions about the seminars conducted in English and the curriculum and programs to be started. The chat was a good opportunity for both the students and Rendai to learn students’ views and exchange opinions.
?At the meeting for international students (7), the main topic of discussion was about the degree application process and submission of dissertations. There were also some questions and opinions relevant to only international students, and the senior students gave the new students very useful and practical advice based on their experiences.
?Rendai will reflect on what was heard at these meetings to help us to provide and develop a better environment for students. We are also committed to continuing this kind of informal meeting to give students the opportunity to air their opinions and feelings to help us improve. Similar informal chats are scheduled at Kagawa and Kochi universities during the 2017 academic year.