Mount Union Students to Experience Japanese Culture, Study Peace Issues in Hiroshima
December 23, 2009
This summer, a group of Mount Union College students will have a rare opportunity to experience Japanese culture and study peace issues in Hiroshima, Japan through a partnership with the Hiroshima Peace Culture Foundation.
Since its destruction on August 6, 1945 from the atomic bomb, Hiroshima has been dedicated to the promotion of peace worldwide. It is also the center for one of the largest peace movements in the world. Hosted by the Hiroshima Peace Culture Foundation and the Mayors for Peace organization, students will be attending a week-long academic program that will include seminars and lectures given by leading Hiroshima scholars and independent research projects at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. They will also have the opportunity to live with a Japanese host family and experience Japanese culture first-hand.
“This will be a unique opportunity for Mount Union students to study peace issues and experience Japanese culture,” said Dr. William Coleman Jr., professor of communication and assistant to the president for diversity affairs at Mount Union, who will be attending the week-long academic program with the students. “Only a few American colleges and universities have been selected to participate in this program. Mount Union is one of only 12 U.S. colleges and universities that have a formal relationship with the Hiroshima Peace Culture Foundation.”
Students will depart for Japan on May 14, 2010 and return on May 23. The Hiroshima Peace Culture Foundation will cover all expenses except airfare to Japan and rail transportation to Hiroshima. This extraordinary program will provide students with a unique perspective on peace issues and an introduction to Japanese culture.