Institute for Research and Development in Teaching Profession for ASEAN, Khon Kaen University is expanding its educational collaboration with Japan's University of Tsukuba, fostering international relations through a new student exchange program.

On September 8, 2025, Assistant Professor Dr. Phongthanat Sae-joo, Director of IRDTP, along with High-Performance Researcher Associate Professor Dr.Maitree Inprasitha and other faculty and management team members, welcomed two exchange students from the University of Tsukuba: Mr. Risshi Kurosaki and Mr. Shunsuke Sakai. Also present was Professor Dr. Masami Isoda from the University of Tsukuba.

The primary objective of this exchange is to promote learning and professional development in teacher education, specifically focusing on Japanese language teaching. The students from the University of Tsukuba will participate in the program at the IRDTP and the Demonstration School of Khon Kaen University (Modindaeng Secondary Section) from September 8 to 19, 2025.

Beyond their pedagogical studies and teaching practice, the exchange students will engage in cultural exchange activities with undergraduate students from the Japanese Language Teaching program at Khon Kaen University's Faculty of Education. This interaction is expected to provide Khon Kaen University students with a valuable opportunity to learn about Japanese culture and gain a deeper understanding of language usage directly from native speakers. This experience aims to enhance their Japanese language teaching skills and better prepare them for future careers as Japanese language educators.

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