Ten Students from Pukyong National University Visit Ito Campus for Exchange Activities and Participate in a Field Trip to Karatsu Jul.23,2026
School of Interdisciplinary Science and Innovation (ISI) welcomed ten students and staff members from the College of Environmental and Marine Science and Technology, Pukyong National University (Busan, South Korea), one of ISI’s faculty-level partner institutions, for exchange activities. The visit formed part of a short-term program held from July 13 to 18, which included company visits and training opportunities arranged through the Fukuoka Chamber of Commerce and Industry. As part of the program, ISI organized an exchange event and welcome reception at Ito Campus on July 13, followed by a fieldwork excursion to Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture, on July 16.
After arriving in Fukuoka on the morning of July 13, the delegation visited Ito Campus in the afternoon. The program began with an introductory session by Associate Professor Ueno, who presented an overview of Kyushu University and School of ISI and the distinctive features of Fukuoka. The visitors then joined a campus tour led by IsiCON (ISI Student Internationalization Promotion Team). During the tour, participants visited major facilities across the expansive Ito Campus, including the cafeteria, the Central Library, and Shiiki Hall.
Following the tour, a student exchange event planned and organized by IsiCON was held. Approximately ten ISI students participated, including several who had previously joined the COOL Program* with PKNU. Through the Self-introduction Game and team-based Drawing game, participants quickly became acquainted with one another. What began as a somewhat formal atmosphere soon turned into a lively and friendly exchange filled with smiles and laughter.
After the exchange event, a welcome reception was held at the Big Orange Restaurant on campus. Associate Professors Pandhe and Matsuo also joined the gathering, allowing students and faculty members from both universities to deepen their friendships over dinner.
* COOL Program: A study abroad program launched by ISI in 2024 that combines online course with a short-term overseas study experience.
On July 16, the PKNU students participated in fieldwork in Karatsu City under the guidance of Associate Professor Ueno. The group visited the Karatsu Satellite of the Aqua-Bioresource Innovation Center, located within the Karatsu Fisheries Industry Promotion and Support Center. The center promotes collaborative research and fisheries-related innovation through cooperation between Kyushu University and Karatsu City. At the center, Assistant Professor Tapas Chakraborty provided an overview of the center’s activities and research projects. The students also toured the facility’s tanks and research equipment, gaining firsthand insight into ongoing work in aquatic bioresource development.
Following the visit to the center, the group visited Karatsu Castle. While learning about the castle’s history and local landmarks from an ISI staff member, participants enjoyed exploring the site at their own pace. Many expressed admiration for the panoramic views of the sea and the famous Nijinomatsubara pine forest seen from the castle grounds.
This visit further deepened exchanges between the two institutions and strengthened their longstanding partnership. Building on this momentum, both institutions look forward to expanding collaboration in education and research while fostering continued academic exchange in the future.
In front of the university sign at the end of the campus tour by IsiCON
Student exchange event hosted by IsiCON
Students getting to know one another through a self-introduction game
Facility tour at the Aqua-Bioresource Innovation Center
At Karatsu Castle