On Tuesday, October 18, 2022, five students from Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG, India) completed their studies of "International Joint Department of Food Science and Technology between Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati and Gifu University (master's)" at Gifu University and returned to India the following day of October 19.
"International Joint Department of Food Science and Technology between Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati and Gifu University" is one of four international joint degree programs (JDP) which were launched in 2019 among Gifu University, IITG and National University of Malaysia (UKM, Malaysia).
Five IITG students (1st year students, and the third batch of JDP students) arrived on campus on June 14, 2022, starting their four-month studies at the University. They attended lectures, engaged in research activities at labs under a joint supervision of IITG and GU academic staff. They also joined internship programs offered by Japanese companies.
On Monday, October 17, a farewell party was held for the five students with every attendee taking infection prevention measures. It was attended by a GU student currently studying at IITG (participated online), GU students planning to study at IITG from next year, Professor KOYAMA Hiroyuki (Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, an original member of JDP initiative), Specially Appointed Professor MIWA Shinichi from Gifu University Organization for Promotion of Glocalization (GU-GLOCAL) who coordinated internship programs for the students. In the party, students and staff spent some time to enjoy casual conversations. Professor Koyama expressed his strong hope for their active roles in serving as a bridge between Japan and India. Professor Miwa set up the time for sharing individual students’ experiences of attending internship programs with others. The farewell party provided a valuable opportunity for IITG students and GU students who are wishing to study at IITG in the future. Students later exchanged their contact information with one another in hopes of continued friendship even after the students returning to India.
The JD program for IITG students was supported by the Student Exchange Support Program (Scholarship for Study in Japan under Agreement) 2022 of the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO). Five students continue to work for their respective research themes to obtain international joint degree diploma in June 2023.
Photo) Group photo in front of a framed motto "washite douzezu*" by NITOBE Inazō (1862–1933) a Japanese educator and diplomat
*washite douzezu: agree to disagree
