A youth-centred initiative between Tohoku University in Japan and Japanese Studies in the School of Languages and Cultures offered University of Sydney students a unique opportunity to participate in an international, cross-cultural collaboration across Australia and Japan. This work reflects the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences’ commitment to meaningful, student driven international engagement.
Connecting students, universities and communities
The project brings together young people, academics, government representatives, NGOs and community partners from both countries, modelling an innovative approach to international exchange. Students codesigned a symposium, media content and a project website featuring proposals focused on intercultural understanding, multilingual communication and future leadership. Students engaged in dynamic discussions with participants across sectors from both countries as part of the Intercultural Collaborative Learning (ICL) program. These sessions became formative moments of intercultural learning.
For Lily Mistula who is studying a Bachelor of Science degree, participating in Experience Japan (OLES2153) offered a powerful real-world encounter with themes in the symposium such as diverse perspectives on peace, conflict and cooperation.
"Being part of the discussions in Japan made me reflect on how language and cultural understanding can contribute to mutual respect and global peace. It reminded me that learning a language is not just about communication, but about fostering connection and understanding across borders," says Lily.
"Most importantly, it taught me that meaningful learning happens when I am willing to grow, reflect, and engage with the world beyond my own familiar context."
Local Japanese students who participated in the symposium echoed similar sentiments, noting how exposure to peers, educators, NGO representatives and government officials broadened their understanding of multicultural coexistence. Many described the realisation that cultural, linguistic, educational and social factors intertwine - and that shared understanding grows from acknowledging both commonalities and differences.
This project demonstrates the power of student-centred international collaboration across universities, government, NGOs and community partners. It’s the kind of transformative educational experience that FASS is committed to delivering for our students to prepare them for leadership in our interconnected world.
Dr Susan Potter
Associate Dean (External Engagement)
Student-led innovation
"During the program, they don’t just sit side by side in the classroom. They must navigate cultural and linguistic differences to complete their tasks. Along the way, they will face challenges and frustrations - but those moments are where the most meaningful learning happens," says Ai Terada, Associate Lecturer in the School of Languages and Cultures.
"We aimed to create a dialogue where youth voices are genuinely heard, where student partners serve as the main drivers of its design and delivery. They took leading roles as symposium organisers, media team, MCs and website creators."
These insights highlight the strength of youth-led policy development, intercultural collaboration and innovative exchange - key pillars of the University’s approach to global education and Asia Pacific engagement.
A shared commitment to educational diplomacy
While students drove the initiative, the project received strong support from key partners including Mr Osamu Yamanaka, Consul General of Japan in Sydney; Professor Susan Rowland, Vice Provost, University of Sydney; and Ms Susan Jones, Counsellor at the Australian Embassy in Tokyo.
Reflecting on Australia–Japan relations, Susan Jones emphasised the importance of interpersonal connections:
"Its real strength comes from deep people-to-people connections, initiatives that begin in a room like this today can lead to some of our strongest future collaborations between people in Australia and Japan."
The next round of Open Learning Environment (OLE) In-Country Experiences will open soon. Visit the website for more information and a complete list of all destinations available.
The project is supported by the Australian Government through the Australia-Japan Foundation of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.