TSUKUBA
Report on the Visit of Students and Faculty from the School of Physical Education and Sports at the Ohio State University
From May 7 to May 15, 2024, seven students, two faculty members, and one administrative staff member from the Ohio State University visited Institute of Health and Sport Sciences at the University of Tsukuba. The primary purpose of this visit was to provide the Ohio State University students and faculty with an opportunity to experience the traditions, history, and culture of physical education and sports at the University of Tsukuba.
During the nine-day visit, the participants visited the Empowerment Studio, where they experienced the VR system “Large Space” and 3D images in the multifunctional exhibition space, the Grand Gallery, as part of learning about an inclusive smart society through sports and physical education. They discussed how VR technology could be utilized in the fields of physical education, sports, and coaching. Additionally, at the Center for Cybernics Research, they learned about wearable cyborgs that support humans externally and exchanged opinions on the potential application of wearable cyborgs in the field of adapted physical education and sports. Moreover, open lectures by faculty members from the Ohio State University and the University of Tsukuba were held (outdoor education, motor development, and disabilities and sports), and a promotional video was also filmed.
Furthermore, with the planning and support of the faculty and students of the University of Tsukuba, the Ohio State University students were able to experience judo and kyudo. In the compulsory course “English for Specific Purposes A” of the School of Health and Physical Education, Health & Sport Sciences, seven types of activities (such as pickleball and goalball) were prepared, and the students communicated and interacted with the Ohio State University students in English. Regarding the introduction of the graduate programs of the Institute of Health and Sport Sciences, international students enrolled in the Joint Master’s Program in International Development and Peace through Sport and the Tsukuba International Academy for Sport Studies (TIAS) gave presentations to the Ohio State University students and faculty about the attractions of the University of Tsukuba, short-term study abroad, graduate school admissions, and life in a foreign country.
As part of the off-campus program, they visited Kenkyugakuen Elementary School and Junior High School, where they were introduced to the school’s educational philosophy and events, and joined classes to interact with the children. During the weekend, they visited Meiji Jingu and Sensō-ji, experiencing Japanese culture and history.
Through the Inter-University Exchange Project, faculty and students from both universities felt that they had meaningful international exchange experiences.
Reported by Takahiro Sato, Institute of Health and Sport Sciences