NOZAKI REN

College of Sustainability and Tourism

Program

Language in Action (LIA)

Key Information

Program Location/Partner University	Saga, Korea
Year of Participation	July - August, 2026
Program Length	Domestic Training (Saga, Day Trip), Overseas Training (Korea, Approx. 1 Week)

Instructor: JUNG Jonghee

Reason for Applying

I have two reasons for applying to this program.
First, I wanted to take a class taught by JUNG Jonghee, whom I had interacted with outside of class but had never learned from as a student.
Second, I realized that the Korean language I am currently studying at APU can contribute to local communities. I have also participated in a field study in Jeju, but this program showed me a different possibility: using Korean through interaction and community engagement.
I hope to further develop my Korean and discover new possibilities under JUNG Jonghee’s guidance.

What do you hope to gain from participating in the program and how will you apply it to your future undergraduate studies or career?

Through this program, I learned the importance of understanding regional history and Japan-Korea relations through the lens of ceramics. As someone from Seto City, Aichi, where I have been familiar with Seto and Mino ceramics, visiting Arita and Icheon was a valuable experience. I was inspired by artisans who preserve traditional techniques while adapting to changing times. Learning about the historical connections between Japanese and Korean ceramics, including those related to the Imjin War, also deepened my understanding of history and made me realize the importance of understanding historical backgrounds when interpreting contemporary culture.
In my future studies of Japan-Korea relations at APU, I hope to value a comparative perspective between the two countries and apply it to my future research.

Message for Students Interested in The Program

Everyone, this is one of the most exciting programs at APU! You can enjoy learning Korean while exploring the regions and industries of both Japan and Korea. Many students may be interested in Korean culture such as K-POP, but this program allows you to discover Korea from different perspectives, including regional communities, industries, and history. Comparing Japan and Korea will broaden your perspective and lead to new discoveries. Many students have also improved their Korean through this program. If you want to improve your Korean or experience a new world, I highly recommend joining! JUNG Jonghee is also a wonderful professor!