University of Findlay welcomes exchange students

(AP) - Four Fukui Prefectural University students will be spending two weeks at the University of Findlay and visiting local healthcare facilities to gain understanding of healthcare in the States. Akie Fujita and Yuika Ishibashi, sophomore nursing majors; Chikoto Morikawa, junior social welfare major; and Hinata Myo, sophomore social welfare major, will visit CHOPIN Hall, Blanchard Valley Hospital, Bridge Home and Hospice, and Birchaven Village, among many other facilities during the two weeks. "I want to experience a lot of things in Findlay and I want (to eat) something delicious," said Morikawa. This is the students' first time in the United States. The girls said they are most excited to visit the Kan Du Studio, a non-profit organization that allows people with disabilities to express themselves through art and crafts. The University of Findlay has welcomed exchange students from Fukui since 2006. The university usually welcomes one University of Fukui student for one academic year, but the exchange program has since expanded to include sending six UF nursing and physicians' assistant students to Fukui in the summer through a grant from the Japan Foundation. "When (students) enter the university, Japan (is) not in their mind at all," said Dr. Hiroaki Kawamura, associate professor of Japanese, director of Modern Language, and the international relations representative and liaison at the university. "But somehow because of this program we have developed over the years, they encounter Japan. And sometimes it clicks and it becomes a part of their life." The University of Findlay has had a long-standing relationship with Japan. Students can major in Japanese Language and study in Japan as a requirement for their degree completion. Visit findlay.edu to learn more about the Japanese program and exchange opportunities offered.