A Report on the Short-term Study Program in Three Andean Countries
Mar 29, 2017
The second short-term study program in three Andean Countries was carried out from February 25th to March 16th with the six participants from Yamagata University, National Institute of Technology, Tsuruoka College and Yamagata Prefectural Yonezawa University of Nutrition Sciences. This time, the participants visited to the campus of four partner Universities in Peru as well as those in Bolivia, and Chile, and conducted fruitful exchange activities with more than sixty local students. In spite of some tough climate and travel conditions, everybody completed the journey in good health and returned to Japan with valuable experience, improved Spanish and personal growth.
The report with photos are as follows.
February 25th (Sat)
Leaving Narita and arriving at Lima, Peru. (United Airlines)
Peru February 26th (Sun) – March 2nd (Thu)
Nazca – A visit to a geoglyph in the shape of a llama found by Yamagata University / A lecture and presentation at the Yamagata University Nazca Research Institute / A visit to the Antonini Museum.
Lima – A lecture and welcome meeting at the Catholic University of Peru, National University of San Marcos, La Molina Agricultural University, and National University of Engineering.
▲Geoglyph in the shape of a llama – Nazca
The students left the hotel before dawn. The llama could clearly be seen in the morning sun.
▲A robot presentation at the Catholic University of Peru and commemorative photo shoot - Lima
The robot NAO can also greet in Japanese. Five PUCP students who came to Japan last August also participated in the session.
▲Archology Museum at the National University of San Marcos - Lima
A wonderful Manto of Paracas. A tour of valuable exhibits that are not open to the general public.
▲Welcome meeting at the National University of San Marcos – Lima
There was a passionate exhibition of traditional folk dance in which Japanese students were also invited to join.
▲“Caballo de Paso” by students from La Molina Agricultural University - Lima
A horse dance with an elegant female rider.
▲A pepper farm belonging to La Molina Agricultural University – Lima
300 species of peppers are planted here, and they expect Japan to be the second largest potential market after the USA. How do the peppers, not yet launched in Japanese market, taste?
Bolivia March 3th (Fri)- March 8th (Wed)
Leaving Lima and arriving at La Paz (LATAM Airlines)
La Paz - Introduction to Bolivia and an exchange meeting at San Andres University / a city tour
Uyuni – A visit to the Train Cemetery, a visit to a garbage dumb, a visit to a local elementary school, and Salar de Uyuni
Potosi – A visit to Moneda Musuem
▲An exchange meeting at San Andres University – La Paz
Bolivian students introduced traditional songs and dances. Japanese students introduced Japan and Yamagata.
▲The Train Cemetery – Uyuni
The trains were introduced from Europe in order to haul tin from the nearby mine, but they were abandoned due to a combination of technical difficulties. The sight reminded the students of the importance of international relations and technology.
▲A garbage problem lesson at a local elementary school – Uyuni
At first the children were surprised, but they later warmed up to the students. A merciless Spanish lesson?
▲A commemorative photo at Salar de Uyuni
This should be the official DTP photo in 2017!
Chile March 9th (Thu) – March 13th (Mon)
Leaving La Paz and arriving at Santiago (LATAM Airlines)
Talca – A lecture and exchange meeting at Talca University / A dinner party at the hotel featuring dishes cooked by the students / A visit to suburban villages
Santiago – Mercado Central / A lecture at the National Astronomical Observatory of Chile
Leaving Santiago and arriving at Lima (LATAM Airlines)
▲An exchange meeting at Talca University - Talca
A special lesson on the traditional dance, Cuecca.
▲Preparation for a dinner party – Talca
After shopping at a supermarket with UTALCA students, Japanese students cook Soboro-gohan and Chilean students cook their traditional bread.
▲A dinner party – Talca
After students from both sides gave presentations, they enjoyed the wonderful dinner!
▲Yelbas Buenas museum – Talca suburb
The museum was built on a historical battle field from the wars for independence. The students came in contact with a part of South American history.
Back to Peru – March 14th (Tue)
Lima – A visit to the city center, and free time in Miraflores
▲Plaza de Armas – Lima
23 students from 4 universities joined the tour, and displayed their history and culture. Students from the Faculty of Tourism at the National University of San Marcos served as guides.
▲Back to Japan March 15th (Tue) – March 16th (Wed)
Photos with hand written messages from friends in Peru