2026.06.10
During the spring break (March 2–28, 2026), we conducted a joint overseas training program for six National Institutes of Technology at the National United University in Taiwan (Miaoli City), with which our school has an academic exchange agreement. The National United University hosts annual overseas training programs for National Institutes of Technology students during the summer and spring breaks. Three third-year students from the Department of Management Information Systems at our school participated in this program.
Photos from the welcome party (March 3, 2026) |
Photos from the results presentation (March 27, 2026) |
Twenty-one students from six National Institutes of Technology across the country (Kushiro: 1; Hakodate: 1; Oyama: 9; Ube: 3; Kochi: 3; Oita: 4) participated in the program. The participants were assigned to specialized research laboratories to conduct experiments and practical training, and the findings were presented in English. After school as well as on weekends, students from the Rengo University International Volunteer Program organized various activities, providing the participants a fulfilling experience.
The monument located at the center of the Nitsubo Campus of Rengo University |
A look at the eye-tracking experiment conducted during the internship |
Group photo after results presentation |
Shengji New Village in Taichung—a cross-cultural experience tour |
Student Comments
Nakamura Yusuke（Third-year student, Department of Business Administration）
Under the guidance of Professor Liu Kang-Hong of the School of Business Administration at the United University, for approximately four weeks we conducted research using the eye-tracking technology to ascertain where Japanese and Taiwanese people focus their attention in advertisements, as well as the characteristics of advertising styles in both countries. We analyzed eye movements to compare how differences in culture, language, and advertising design influence where people focus their attention. The results showed that Japanese people tend to focus on text in Japanese advertisements and on images in Taiwanese advertisements, whereas Taiwanese people consistently tend to focus on images regardless of the type of advertisement. All three of us are third-year students, and since this was our first time undertaking full-scale research, we experienced many challenges. However, thanks to Professor Liu, the local students who supported the experiments, and all the participants who cooperated with us, we were able to successfully complete the study. Furthermore, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the staff of the Study Abroad Office for providing this valuable overseas training opportunity, as well as to my family for their constant support. I intend to leverage the knowledge and experience acquired from this training to enhance my upcoming graduation research.
Nagayasu Ayase（Third-year student, Department of Business Administration）
Initially, I was anxious about adjusting to life in a dormitory. However, thanks to the support of the Taiwanese students and my roommates, I had an enriching experience. On weekdays, I would be engrossed in my research. For dinner, I would join my roommates and Taiwanese students to explore cuisines at popular local restaurants. On weekends, we visited various interesting places such as Taichung, Taipei, and Jiufen, where I had memorable experiences. We also played basketball and volleyball on campus. Although I fell ill partway through the program, thanks to the support I received from so many people—both in my research and daily life—I was able to fully enjoy my final week in Taiwan. The Taiwanese students treated me with immense warmth, and my roommates and I supported one another through the challenges of living in a group setting—in the process, we have all become close friends. Over these four weeks, I took on various challenges and interacted with many students, which rendered this an invaluable and enriching experience.
Takenaka Yuto（Third-year student, Department of Business Administration）
During my approximately four-week stay in Taiwan, I was able to deepen my understanding of a unique culture. What left the strongest impression on me was my experience at the night market. A Taiwanese student I had befriended there took me to the night market, where I enjoyed the local culture of dining amid the bustling crowds and rows of food stalls. My friend helped me place my order. The douhua I tried had a mild sweetness and was easy to eat, but the stinky tofu surprised me with its distinctive aroma, making me keenly aware of the cultural differences. Overall, this culinary experience was enriching. It taught me that trusting human relationships can be formed despite linguistic chasms. Moving forward, I intend to draw on this experience to take on new challenges abroad without hesitation, leveraging them as opportunities for my growth.
Group photo from the results presentation
First meeting after the welcome party |
Taking a commemorative photo with the internship completion certificate |
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