The Japan-Thailand Student Exchange “Summer Camp”
- August 1st 〜4th , 2022
- (Thai students staying from August 1st to 6th)
- Kobuchizawa, Yamanasi Prefecture “Forest of the Goddess”
The Japan-Thailand Student Exchange “Summer Camp” was held from August 1st to 4th at “Forest of the Goddess (Megami no Mori)” in Kobuchizawa.
The global pandemic has forced the cancellation of many planned OCA activities. The training program for Thai students in Japan, which had continued until now, was also canceled for three years, and it was a pity that we could not have real face-to-face exchanges. Under such circumstances, entry to Japan from overseas has been eased, and the entry to Japan from Thailand has also become feasible.
From August 1st to 6th, we welcomed 17 students and a professor from Thailand, and exchanged with Japanese students at the “Forest of the Goddess” facility in Kobuchizawa, Yamanashi Prefecture.
From Thailand, 14 students and 1 professor from Chulalongkorn University, 2 from MFU (Mae Fah Luang University), 17 from Chuo University, 2 from Saitama University, and 10 students from Keio University from Japan, and 4 staff members. It was an exchange meeting with a total of 50 people.
In the midst of the Corona pandemic, we were able to implement it without anyone having a fever or an infected person with the cooperation of all participants by creating a detailed risk management manual, considering infection control thoroughly, implementing body temperature test one week in advance, wearing a mask, measuring temperature every morning, washing hands thoroughly, and checking with antigen test kit.
The participants from Thailand took a bus directly from Narita Airport to Kobuchizawa on August 1st.
At 15:00, the Japanese students joined and the summer camp started from the orientation.
After self-introduction and grouping, the 4-day exchange meeting started.
On the second day, we experienced farming at the “Forest of the Goddess” organic farm, which implements environmentally friendly farming that does not rely on pesticides.
For lunch and dinner, each group had a culinary competition using vegetables harvested from the farm and foodstuffs they had purchased. The menu was decided based on everyone’s ideas, and it was a fun dinner party where various dishes were prepared.
After lunch, each group took on a challenge of searching for points hidden in the forest for a limited amount of time and solving the mystery with friends. They ran around in the forest and competed with each other in puzzle solving.
A talk session by Thai students was held on August 3rd. This is an extension of the Thai study group that had started in April this year, and it is a study group to ask Thai students “problems that they want to ask but are difficult to ask.” We have been holding seminars and study sessions on the migration of foreign workers and the problems of mountain tribes. At the summer camp, we solicited Japanese students to submit themes they would like to discuss the “Thailand’s problems that they want to hear but are difficult to hear.” More than 40 themes that Japanese students wanted to hear came up.
Ms. Ishida from Chuo University, Ms. Eve from Chulalongkorn University, and Ms. Mizuno from Keio University served as moderators for the talk session. We decided to narrow down the themes of the talk session to the following three.
Theme 1 “Why did marijuana become legal in Thailand?”
Thailand recently allowed the cultivation of cannabis. Japanese students asked a lot of questions because it is unthinkable in Japan. Eve introduces photos of marijuana-infused drinks sold at convenience stores and marijuana-infused menus at Japanese restaurants. A photo of cultivating cannabis in gardening was also introduced. Japanese students were surprised at the explanation that the cultivation of cannabis is for medicinal purposes and the sale of marijuana cigarettes is illegal.
Theme 2 “We want to know about the Japanese emperor system and the Thai royal family”
The Emperor of Japan exists as a symbol of the country.How do you feel about the Thai royal famiiy?
There were questions on the Theme 2 from Japanese students.There were many exchanges of opinions among the Japanese and Thai students.
Theme 3 “What do young people in Japan think about LGBT?”
Thai students asked various questions about LGBT. Japanese students also introduced their friends’ experiences and expressed their own opinions, which made the discussion lively.
After the talk session, we went out to the garden and played a game that each group came up with.
At night, enjoy a barbecue party and fireworks display. A roaring success!
On the 4th day, after having an organic lunch at “Forest of the Goddess” (Arsoa), we looked back on the summer camp.
We deepened our friendship by talking about our memories, feelings, and things that remained in our hearts during the four days we spent here.
Four days passed by in the blink of an eye, and the first summer camp came to an end with each person’s thoughts in their hearts.
After the camp, the students from Thailand were supposed to spend one day in Tokyo, but due to the risk of Corona infection, three Japanese students accompanied them to Hakone, where they spent the whole day.
(We requested them to remove their masks for taking the photos)
Participant Comments
Overall Impression of the Summer Camp
I was very worried at first, but I really felt that I had a very rich and good experience for 4 days. I would definitely like to participate again. (Mayuki)
At university, I don’t have the opportunity to speak English only, and even English classes are conducted in Japanese, so I’m glad I had the opportunity to use English. Also, I feel that this summer camp was a good opportunity for me to grow as a person. I’m so glad I participated in summer camp! ! ! ! (Izumi)
I thought it was amazing that this kind of camp was possible after the Corona pandemic. (Ayumu)
Since entering university, I haven’t been able to experience a big event due to the Corona pandemic, but by participating in this summer camp, I was able to create memories that represent my university days. (Airi)
The facilities were good and I had a comfortable time. The content of the summer camp was substantial, and I had many opportunities to talk with the Thai students, and I am glad that I became friends with them through the event. It was fun to be able to consult with each other and take actions for one purpose.
It’s nice to hear everyone’s feelings at the last reflection meeting. (Ryo)
All in all it was the best 4 days. It’s been a long time since I’ve overcome language and cultural barriers, communicated with people from other countries, and made friends, so it was a lot of fun. The Thai people and the people from other universities are all good people, and I was able to make a lot of great memories. Even after the day’s schedule was over, we all talked and played games until late at night, so when I went home, I was dizzy, but I think I was able to enjoy the summer camp 100%. (Kento) Throughout the program, there were a lot of events, but all of them were very good activities for deepening friendships with both Thai and Japanese students, and I really enjoyed them. In addition, I was surprised that I was able to deepen our relationship with each other more than I thought while working as a family. I am glad that I participated in the camp. (Raimu)
It’s the best camp in my life. We spend the time together in this camp. We have argument, happiness and sadness together. So, this camp make a priceless relationship with our students.（Tah）
New milestone for the OCA program. Summer camp make students to be friends easily. (Piti）
I think that this camp helped me to grow and regain my child’s mind, which gave me curiosity and made me think about what kind of things I should be conscious of in my future life.(I’m not overestimating it!!!) (Izumi)
I knew what I was lacking. It was frustrating to have a language barrier, and I hated not being able to speak satisfactorily, so I seriously wanted to improve. It was really nice to be inspired. (Ochii)
Comments about the Program
I think it was a very valuable experience to be able to hear opinions about the Thai royal family that I could hear because I was in Japan. After the talk session, I asked several people for their opinions, and they were very different from Dr. Piti’s. I thought it was wonderful that each person had a strong opinion about how the country should be. (Kento)
It’s the best camp in my life. We spend the time together in this camp. We have argument, happiness and sadness together. So, this camp make a priceless relationship with our students.（Tah）
New milestone for the OCA program. Summer camp make students to be friends easily. (Piti）
I think that this camp helped me to grow and regain my child’s mind, which gave me curiosity and made me think about what kind of things I should be conscious of in my future life.(I’m not overestimating it!!!) (Izumi)
I knew what I was lacking. It was frustrating to have a language barrier, and I hated not being able to speak satisfactorily, so I seriously wanted to improve. It was really nice to be inspired. (Ochii)
Comments about the Program
I think it was a very valuable experience to be able to hear opinions about the Thai royal family that I could hear because I was in Japan. After the talk session, I asked several people for their opinions, and they were very different from Dr. Piti’s. I thought it was wonderful that each person had a strong opinion about how the country should be. (Kento)
Some of the activities such as treasure hunts was in Japanese and Thai students could not help much. If there is any games or questions that both Thais and Japanese can understand. That would be great. I recommend providing longer period for the talk session and the camp days, since it is really fun. Also, if the price is a little bit cheaper, that would be nice for Thai students. All in all, I would say that it was awesome to have time in Japan with everybody（Eve）
I think I had a very good time exchanging opinions with everyone at the final reflection meeting. At the talk session in the morning of the 3rd day, I was able to exchange opinions with Thai people and it was fun, but I wanted more time. (Seina)
BBQ and fireworks were very impressive. Since it was the last day, I felt that everyone’s relationship was suddenly tightened. (Rinto)
Cooking and Talent shows. Very productive way to create friendship.(Piti)
It was sad that a lot of food ended up in garbage when we had a cooking showdown because the amount was too much. I think it would have been easier to move if the time schedule had a little more time. (Seina)
Overall, it was a very fulfilling four days, but I think it was difficult for Thai students to participate because the treasure hunt was all in Japanese and there was no translator. If possible, I would appreciate it if you could prepare an English version of the treasure hunt. (Miki)
In my opinion, treasure haunt should have English version so that Thai students can enjoy more!(Belle)
Other Comments from Surveys
When asked about the appropriate number of participants for a summer camp, 72% said around 50 people and 22% said around 40 people. When asked whether they prefered mountains or the sea for this type of camping, 63% said the sea and 28% said the mountains.
We were deeply moved by the fact that we were able to implement a face-to-face exchange program that had not been possible for nearly three years. In the midst of a global pandemic, technical exchange methods have certainly developed and have enjoyed some effects, but we were able to reaffirm the wonderfulness of being able to actually meet face to face and talk in the four days. The sight of everyone trying to understand each other’s cultures, lifestyles, ways of thinking, learning about each of the participants, and noticing and understanding the differences was irreplaceable. Not only the differences between Thai and Japanese, but all the people gathered here should know the differences between themselves, think about those differences, respect each other, and cooperate in one thing. The wonders of being able to complete it. We feel that it was a summer camp that we were able to share that.