September 12, 2023

Unlocking global practices and cultures: UOW Business and Law Students' journey in Tokyo and Osaka with New Colombo Plan

UOW Business and Law undergraduate students experienced the vibrant academic and business cultures of Osaka and Tokyo, with the support of the New Colombo Plan (NCP). This two-week study tour offered a unique blend of educational insights, corporate exposure, and cultural immersion.

Eighteen UOW Business and Law undergraduate students were lucky enough to experience the vibrant academic and business cultures of Osaka and Tokyo, supported by the New Colombo Plan (NCP).

The first half of the program kicked off in Osaka, with a visit to Wakayama University where participants had the opportunity to hear from academics and students alike. The group then had a crash course in both working life in Japan and Japanese culture, through visits to Noritsu Precision, Suntory Brewery, Peel Lab and the Toyota Kaikan Museum, interwoven with walking tours of the Dotonbori area and the Kuromon Market. The students also enjoyed visiting the Hozenji temple, the Nagai Botanical Garden, and historic Osaka Castle. The week ended with watching Sumo wrestling in Nagoya, and a soccer match where Cerezo Osaka played the Urawa Red Diamonds.

For the second half of the program, the group headed to Tokyo via the Shinkansen. They visited the Australian Embassy to hear about the Embassy’s role in fostering bilateral trade and the relationship between Japan and Australia. Over the week participants also met with Lendlease, Mitsubishi Logistics, Saputo and EY. The study tour concluded with a visit to Senshu University, one of UOW’s international partner institutions.

Vimbai, a Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Laws student shared “The biggest difference I found when completing this subject was how practical it was in comparison to other subjects. Instead of the traditional classroom learning, we learnt through site visits and actually getting to interact with employees, asking them questions and essentially gaining first hand exposure”.

“The course was really rewarding. The extra-curricular trips to the soccer and sumo wrestling were such a treat, along with talks by large Japanese multi-nationals. I met wonderful students, who I now call friends. It was a really positive experience all round. I am so glad I decided to go.”

The two-week study tour to Tokyo and Osaka was part of subject BUS 302, and led by BAL academics, Anura de Zoysa and Matthew Pepper. It is just one of the many international opportunities on offer to BAL students. If you are interested in joining a study tour like this one, undertaking an internship overseas, or even going on a semester exchange, check out the upcoming programs or contact us at bal-mobility@uow.edu.au.

Study Tours coming up over the next few months:

• September 2023: Economics and Finance Vietnam Study Tour
• November-December 2023: Thailand/Laos Study Tour
• November-December 2023: Contemporary Technology and Business Environment in China
• January 2024: Singapore/India Study Tour
• January 2024: Sustainable Investments - Malaysia Study Tour