From July 1 to 3, 2025, the University of Shizuoka hosted an international exchange program in collaboration with the University of Parma, Italy. Centered around the School of Informatics and Management, and the School of International Relations, the program brought together students and faculty for a wide range of activities, including academic lectures, cultural experiences, and field tours.

This exchange program was designed to foster academic and cultural exchange between the two institutions. The following diverse activities were conducted over the three-day period:

Academic Lectures

• "Matrix Accounting, Giovanni Rossi, and the Yuji Ijiri Research Program"
  (Prof. Andrea Cilloni, University of Parma)
• " Japan's Inbound Tourism and Japanese Hospitality"
  (Amnaj KHAOKHRUEAMUANG, School of Management and Informatics, University of Shizuoka)
• "Gastronomy Tourism in Italy"
  (Prof. Mario Veneziani, University of Parma)

Cultural Experiences

• Matcha Workshop and How to Brew Delicious Green Tea
  (held at the Tea Science Research Center, University of Shizuoka)
• Field Tours: Nihondaira, Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, and Miho no Matsubara

Student Presentations and Exchange Activities

• Presentation of outcomes from the WIDE Program
• Interactive discussions and networking to promote mutual understanding

Though brief in duration, the program provided an intensive and meaningful opportunity for participating students to broaden their international perspectives and deepen their understanding of how academic theory connects with practice in their respective fields. Through hands-on experiences with Japanese food culture and historical landscapes, participants were also able to rediscover the value of regional resources.

Students who had previously taken part in the WIDE Program held in March 2025 or the study tour to Parma University in September 2024 played a central role in planning and implementing the program, contributing actively to its success.

This program marks another step forward in the ongoing collaboration between the University of Shizuoka and the University of Parma. Both institutions are committed to continuing and expanding this fruitful international exchange.

July 1: Courtesy visit to the University President, Lecture on Tea Science, Prof. Cilloni’s lecture, Student project presentations
July 2: Tourism-related lectures, Field tour in Shizuoka City, Networking dinner
July 3: Lecture on Gastronomy, Closing of the program

(7/15/2025)