Collaboration between Undiksha’s Japanese Language Education Study Program and Ohkagakuen University has been established since 2017. So far, the collaboration programs have supported our exchange programs, online teaching programs, and cross-cultural collaboration. The two universities agreed to strengthen relations in 2024 by expanding cooperation programs.

Professor Donovan Clarke, deputy chairman of the Overseas Studies Committee at Ohkagakuen University, arrived at FBS Undiksha on February 13 2024, at 10.00 WITA. The Deputy Dean I of FBS Undiksha, Dr. Ni Luh Putu Eka Sulistia Dewi, S.Pd., M.Pd., Head of the Foreign Language Department, Dr. Ni Putu Era Marsakawati, S.Pd., M.Pd., Japanese Language Education Study Program Coordinator, Dr. Kadek Eva Krishna Adnyani, S.S., M.Sc., FBS Cooperation Unit team, and lecture Professor Donovan was present as a representative of Ohkagakuen University to discuss plans to expand the collaboration program with the Japanese Language Education Study Program.

The approximately two-hour meeting discussed five discussion topics, namely the introduction of the Global Studies Department, the possibility of Ohkagakuen University assisting Undiksha by providing native Japanese speakers through a Japanese teaching practicum program, how to increase and improve the exchange program, introducing the double degree program, and increasing online teaching programs. Ohkagakuen University offers two new collaborative program ideas: the double degree and Japanese practice teaching programs.

The possibility of Ohkagakuen University assisting Undiksha by providing native Japanese speakers through a Japanese teaching practicum program and The introduction of double degree programs are the two most exciting topics of discussion. Based on Professor Donovan’s explanation, the double degree program will facilitate students to obtain two degrees at once, by studying for two years at Ohkagakuen University and two years at Undiksha or vice versa. While studying at Ohkagakuen University, students will have housing facilities and the opportunity to work part-time at Ohkagakuen University’s language learning centre. Unlike previously, which only accepted female students, Ohkagakuen University will allow male students to participate. The collaboration program between Ohkagakuen University and Undiksha’s Japanese Language Education Study Program still requires more in-depth discussion. Not only that, Dr. Ni Luh Putu Eka Sulistia Dewi, S.Pd., M.Pd., also hopes that the collaboration program will be expanded to other study programs at FBS Undiksha, considering the benefits for students and lecturers. Expanding the cooperation program will further strengthen relations between the two universities.