From January 28 to 30, intensive course of "Group Work Practice II" was held.

In this course, the participants are expected to learn the procedures of planning a project, gathering information, setting issues, and proposing solutions through group work. Under the theme of the water problems in the Philippines, five students including an international student participated.

The program was scheduled to be held at Biwako Retreat Center for two nights and three days, but due to heavy snowfall, the location was suddenly changed to Shikokan on the Karasuma Campus on the first day. After Prof. Ueda (course instructor) explained the assignment, Dr. Gines (Institute for Advanced Research and Education) from the Philippines gave lectures on the water situation and background knowledge of the Philippines, and then the participants selected a target area and began research on the problems.

On the second day, they moved to snowy retreat center. After a lecture by Prof. Oyamada (Graduate School o Global Studies) on issues in development, each participant gathered information and engaged in group work, with discussions lasting late into the night.

On the final day, they presented the results of their group work in English and received feedback from the professors. Although the time was limited, the solidarity among students was further strengthened as they worked together to complete their assignment drawing on their knowledge and experience in their respective fields of expertise.

In "Group Work Practice III", the practice course that follows this course, in the Spring semester AY 2023, we plan to visit the Philippines. The students will not only be exposed to local issues and current conditions, but will also engage in group work, making use of what they have learned in "Group Work Practice II".