Liverpool Hope University was delighted to host students from Japan on campus.
The group of students, alongside their Professor, Tom Kanayama from Notre Dame Seishin University, Okayama, visited the University for a week-long stay this August.
The visit comes as part of the University's growing partnership with the Japanese institution, a relationship established by Dr Wendy Bignold, Dean of Global Engagement, and builds on a Global Hope exchange project initiated last year.
In August and September 2024, Simon Davies, Vice Chair of Global Hope, led a group of Hope students in Japan for four weeks, where they were warmly welcomed for part of the trip at Notre Dame Seishin University before working with the local community for the final two weeks.
With the support of the local tourist board, students enjoyed unique cultural experiences, from exploring Japanese heritage to harvesting limes, a highlight that even inspired two students to commemorate the experience with lime tattoos.
This summer’s reciprocal visit has allowed Hope students and staff to reconnect with their Japanese peers. Activities have included a visit to a local mosque followed by Yemeni cuisine, led by MSc Psychology graduate Maryam Farahani, and an art workshop hosted by BA Fine Art student Jasmine Murphy, whose own time in Japan inspired her exhibition Ryoko (meaning travel). Students were honoured to meet Vice-Chancellor, Professor Claire Ozanne whilst in the city.
The students enjoyed social gatherings during their time in Liverpool, including a barbecue off campus where alumni including Abigail Gorman (Class of 2024) joined in. The evening ended with an impromptu talent show that put the visiting students’ creativity in the spotlight.
The group delivered well received presentations on Liverpool and were supported throughout the week by the Global Centre team, Emily Duffy, Mbachi Mphande, Ryan Neal and undergraduate ambassador Aaron Godman.
The visit highlights Hope’s commitment to building meaningful international partnerships and providing opportunities for students to develop global competence skills. As both universities continue to collaborate, these exchanges are proving invaluable in creating lasting friendships, cultural understanding, and unforgettable memories.