From September 2023 to January 2024, Mr. Kakeru Furukawa, a student in the School of Integrated Arts and Sciences, Hiroshima University (HU) studied at Cairo University in Egypt as an exchange student for approximately five months. Prior to that, Mr. Furukawa had participated in a short-term study program in Indonesia and was considering a semester abroad as his next step. Mr. Furukawa became a friend with Mr. Hany George, an exchange student from Cairo University, through an international circle and chess at HU. Also he was originally interested in vegetation in desert climates and, thus, decided to study at Cairo University. Prior to his trip, Mr. Furukawa took an introductory course of Arabic at HU to learn the local language and culture in preparation for his study abroad. 　

When Mr. Furukawa arrived at the Cairo airport, Mr. Hany was there to welcome him. It was his first time in Egypt, and he was a little anxious, but seeing Mr. Hany’s smile made him feel at ease. After that, Mr. Furukawa was able to adjust to the local lifestyle thanks to Mr. Hany’s guidance and taking him to local restaurants and a chess club.

Cairo University is a large university with over 200,000 students. Mr. Furukawa studied the environment at the Faculty of Agriculture at Cairo University. The courses he took were conducted in English, and he studied together with students from Zambia, South Sudan, and other countries. He also showed a video about the postwar reconstruction of Hiroshima to Egyptian students and exchanged opinions with them, and engaged in activities to convey the importance of peace.

During his vacation, he also visited historical sites and other cities in Egypt to experience the multilayered and diverse nature of the country.

In Egypt, with no Japanese around, he faced various problems on a daily basis, but with the support of Egyptian students, Mr. Furukawa acquired the ability to overcome difficulties with flexibility and persistence. Since returning to Japan, he has been actively involved in support activities for international students from abroad.

Mr. Furukawa later participated in a short-term program to India in August 2024, where he learned about efforts to address global issues.

We hope that Mr. Furukawa will use his international experience at HU as a foundation to hone his expertise, expand his circle of friendships, and play an active role in the world in the future.