UTokyo GUC Internship Experience Program 2026 Successfully Concludes!

The UTokyo Global Unit Courses (GUC), a short-term program organized by the Center for Global Education, welcomed international students to the University of Tokyo for a successful summer session. The newly launched Internship Experience Program took place over approximately two weeks, from June 1 to June 11. Eleven students who successfully passed the selection process participated in the program, gaining valuable learning experiences both on the University of Tokyo campus and through an internship program in Okinawa.

After completing their preparatory coursework on Okinawa's history, society, economy, education, and tourism at the Hongo Campus, the students visited Shuri Castle and its surrounding area, as well as the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST). By combining coursework in Tokyo with these site visits in Okinawa, the students were able to deepen their understanding of Okinawa's history, culture, as well as its social and economic contexts.

In this year's program, students were divided into groups and participated in their respective internships. We were pleased to receive generous cooperation from Orion Breweries, Ltd., Zuisen Distillery Co., Ltd., Novotel Okinawa Naha, DoubleTree by Hilton Naha Shuri Castle, and the Okinawa Churashima Foundation as host institutions.

The students' learning journey culminated in a final presentation on the last day of the program, with representatives from each organization in attendance. Drawing on what they learned and experienced firsthand, the students presented innovative ideas aligned with the program's overarching theme, "Sustainability and Tourism"—proposing initiatives that achieve both sustainability and tourist appeal.

Feedback from the students was highly positive, with comments such as "I really enjoyed the topics of the classes and the guest lecturers, who were leading experts on each topic," "The company internships were extremely meaningful," and "Our host organization was very welcoming, and I learned a great deal about the company culture."

Host organizations also shared positive feedback, including comments such as "The students provided fresh perspectives unique to their backgrounds," and "Their participation brought fresh ideas and insights to our staff."