SASKATCHEWAN POLYTECHNIC
Building more than circuit boards

Anime, music and the differences between life in Canada and Japan were the topics of conversation as students were gathered around workbenches consulting schematics, soldering components and assembling battery testers on custom purple printed circuit boards.

Building circuits in a lab was one of many opportunities for Saskatchewan Polytechnic and Nagano College students to connect during a two-week exchange that builds on the partnership between the institutions. The relationship continues to create opportunities for students in Canada and Japan to broaden their perspectives, develop global competencies and build lasting relationships through reciprocal exchange experiences.

This September, a group of ten students from Nagano College visited Saskatoon campus to learn alongside Sask Polytech students, explore Saskatchewan and experience Canadian culture. Among them were Mechanical Engineering student Yuki Matsuzawa and Civil Engineering students Rio Kobayashi and Yoki Katsuyama.

During their stay, they took part in hands-on academic activities and Indigenous learning on campus. They also visited Wanuskewin Heritage Park, Innovation Place, the Canadian Light Source, Beaver Creek and the Meewasin Valley.

For Kobayashi, the opportunity was motivated by a desire to experience a different culture firsthand.

"I wanted to see Canada for myself, learn about the culture and communicate with Canadian people," she said.

The students quickly discovered that learning extended beyond labs and project work.

Earlier in the trip, Nagano students shared aspects of Japanese culture through presentations on anime, music and origami. Those demonstrations sparked conversations throughout the visit.

For Matsuzawa, the experience offered a chance to see a different learning environment while continuing to study the subjects he is passionate about.

"There are many similarities between what we study in Japan and what students learn here," he said. "It was interesting to experience different facilities and learn alongside Canadian students."

There were many memorable experiences during the trip.

Matsuzawa reflected on an evening spent making music with local friends.

"During our free time, we spent an evening with some of the Canadians we met and played music together," he said. "It wasn't something I expected when I came to Canada and it's a memory I will remember for a long time."

For Kobayashi, learning about Canadian and Indigenous history left a lasting impression.

"It was my first time learning about Canadian history and hearing different perspectives," she said. "It helped me understand the importance of communicating with people from different backgrounds and respecting one another."

Throughout the visit, all three students were struck by the friendliness they encountered in Saskatchewan.

"I enjoyed spending time with Sask Polytech students, exploring Saskatoon and getting to know people," said Katsuyama. "Those conversations helped me learn more about Canada and made the experience more meaningful."

"Canadian people are very friendly," said Kobayashi. "People introduced themselves, shook hands and started conversations. That was something new for me."

"A stranger started talking to me while I was waiting in line at Tim Hortons and even offered to buy me a doughnut," Matsuzawa said with a laugh. "It reminded me how welcoming people are here."

The unexpected interaction led to a new friendship and an exchange of social media contacts.

The students also appreciated learning more about Canada's diversity and multicultural communities.

"People come from many different backgrounds and cultures," said Kobayashi. "It was interesting to see how people learn from one another and respect each other."

As the exchange came to an end, the students reflected on the friendships, experiences and perspectives they will take home with them.

"I want to tell my family how kind people are here," said Katsuyama. "People say hello, start conversations and make you feel welcome."

The exchange was a collaborative effort involving multiple Sask Polytech teams, including International Education, Indigenous Student Success and faculty from several engineering technology programs. Together, they created a blend of academic, cultural and community experiences.

The connections formed during the exchange are expected to continue, with Sask Polytech engineering technology students planning a visit to Japan next spring.

Learn more about study abroad at Sask Polytech.