On Saturday, November 25, 2023, the “Shimanami Bus Tour with International Students from Three Ehime Universities” was held. This tour is one of the projects of the University Consortium Ehime International Exchange Support Subcommittee, and its purpose is to help foreign students gain a deeper understanding of Ehime and to invigorate exchange among foreign students in the prefecture. Twenty-nine international students from China, Taiwan, Korea, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, France, Kenya, and Eswatini participated in the tour from Ehime University, Matsuyama University, and St. Catherine’s University.
First, the international students visited Saiki-kito-ya in Imabari City to see the direct sales of agricultural products and other goods. After the tour, they enjoyed dishes using locally produced seasonal ingredients at the cafeteria.
After that, the group moved to the Murakami Kaizoku Museum, where they watched a video explaining the footsteps of the Murakami Kaizoku and viewed the exhibits. At the hands-on corner, participants were able to try on armor and kosode (sleeveless kimono) to feel the atmosphere of the time.
Finally, at the Kurushima Kaikyo Service Area, we enjoyed the view of the Seto Inland Sea, and at the store, we enjoyed selecting souvenirs for our family and friends back home.
One of the participating international students commented, “It was fun to visit places that I don’t usually have a chance to visit. It was good to see the sea. I would definitely like to participate again next time. Blessed with good weather, the tour provided an opportunity for international students to interact with each other and rediscover the charms of Ehime Prefecture.
＜International Relations Division＞