Tokai University and NUS exchange program.

By Soli Wilson

An exchange program between National University of Samoa and Tokai University from Japan was held at the national university to give the foreign students a taste of the Samoan culture.

The exchange program started with an ‘ava ceremony followed by traditional performances from both university students, and refreshments.

On Thursday, Tokai University docked at Matautu wharf on their Research and Training Vessel “Bosei Maru” marking their fourth time arriving to Samoa.

Kazuhari Yoshida, vice chancellor of Tokai University, said this year marks 50 years of the Bosei Maru student cruise and were very excited to be on island.

“A total of 98 students and 14 university faculty staff excluding the seamen who are in Samoa and we are very happy to be here.

 “In this cruise we have planned to exchange programs with only Samoa, we are stopping over at other ports but exchange programs with only Samoa,” said Mr. Yoshida.

Tokai University student, Tomoya Nakasone, said he was happy to be a part of the event with the students from NUS describing the Samoan students as “very funny people but kind to Japanese.”

“I love Samoan people. I was very excited to be a part of this and I still am excited even after all the performances.

“Samoan performances [are] very good and I was surprised and excited and I hope Samoan people love Japan too,” he said.

Similar sentiments were echoed by Samoan students who were putting on a show for their visitors saying they enjoyed the opportunity to meet and learn from the Japanese students.

Tokai University is one of the many universities in Japan that receive Samoan students through Japan International Cooperation Agency education scholarship schemes.

Bosei Maru departed our shores yesterday.

By Soli Wilson
Samoa Observer

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