On October 2, Okayama University held an opening ceremony for the autumn Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program, a Japanese language training program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and implemented by the American Councils for International Education.

Okayama University has been designated as the program host institution in Japan by the U.S. Department of State since 2019. In collaboration with the American Councils for International Education, Okayama University has launched an intensive study program focusing on Japanese language and culture for outstanding American undergraduate and graduate students selected by the U.S. Department of State. Due to the impact of COVID-19, students are not able to travel to Japan this year; however, for a 7-week period from October 6 to November 21, Okayama University will offer an online Japanese language and culture course for 13 students from the United States.

University executives, an American representative, and student participants attended the program’s opening ceremony, which was held via video conference. President MAKINO Hirofumi delivered a heartwarming welcome speech in which he stated, “Although this CLS program is online, I think you will have rich opportunities to meet, learn, and grow with people of various values both inside and outside of the class. Please make strong use of the learning experiences during these next seven weeks of your life for the future. I wish you all good luck in your studies and hope that this CLS Japan program will be a fruitful opportunity for learning.”　After his opening remarks, CLS students were introduced to university faculty members and each CLS student made a brief self-introduction in Japanese.

The online program will not only consist of online language instruction but will also give CLS students the opportunity to be paired up with Japanese language partners from the university. Additionally, live sessions simulating off-campus activities will be offered, including a virtual tour of the Faculty of Environmental Science and Technology’s conservation area, an introduction to Yakage Town, an interactive session with students from Yakage High School, and a virtual tea ceremony led by a tea ceremony master.