From Sunday, July 13 to Monday, July 14, 2025, a group of 20 students from the IG and IM courses at Ritsumeikan Uji High School took part in a campus tour of Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU), located in Beppu City, Oita Prefecture. This tour was organized for students considering APU as one of their future university options.

Day 1 – Beppu City Tour with Ritsumeikan Uji Alumni
On the first day, three current APU students who graduated from Ritsumeikan Uji guided the group through Beppu. They introduced local restaurants, shops, and cultural spots in the city. The students experienced the unique atmosphere of Beppu, taking in the scenic beauty and the iconic steam rising from the hot springs that characterize the town.

Day 2 – Experiencing APU Campus Life
The second day featured an on-campus program at APU, consisting of four main activities:

1. University Introduction
   The tour began with an overview of APU, covering its founding philosophy and educational mission. Established in 2000 as a global initiative of the Ritsumeikan Trust, APU hosts students from all over the world. Approximately 90% of its courses are taught bilingually in English and Japanese, fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment. Nearly half of the student body are international students, representing 111 countries and regions. Many participants were amazed by the university’s global scale.

2. Mock Lecture by Professor Hiroki Tahara
   Professor Tahara shared his personal journey of becoming interested in the Vietnamese language and gave tips on language learning. He also offered an inspiring message, encouraging students to “enjoy envisioning your future while putting in the effort.” Students listened intently and were visibly engaged throughout the session.

3. Campus Tour
   In the first half of the tour, students had the opportunity to speak with current APU students and ask questions such as, “Why did you choose APU?” and “What makes APU special?”
   In the second half, they toured AP House, APU’s student dormitory that has also been featured on NHK. Students were particularly interested in the facilities and daily life in the residence hall, asking many questions during the visit.

4. English Exchange with International Students
   In the final session, five international students from Bangladesh, Singapore, Italy, Kenya, and Uzbekistan engaged with our students in English. They exchanged questions and stories about their countries and daily lives, providing a valuable experience in cross-cultural communication. The students came away with a renewed appreciation for APU’s rich international diversity.

This two-day program gave participants a vivid glimpse into student life at APU and inspired many to envision themselves as part of a truly global university community.

参加した生徒が2日間で学んだことを1枚の紙にまとめました