GDS Welcomes Tsuru University Students for an Interactive Visit
GDS Welcomes Tsuru University Students for an
Interactive Visit
On Thursday, February 20, 2025, the Gender and Development Studies (GDS) program at AIT had the pleasure of welcoming 18 students and professors from Tsuru University, Japan for an enriching day of academic exchange and learning. The visit provided an excellent opportunity to introduce the students to AIT’s GDS program, engage in discussions on gender and human rights, and foster cross-cultural dialogue.
The morning began with a warm welcome from Prof. Kyoko Kusakabe, who introduced the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) and provided an overview of the GDS program. This session helped the visiting students understand the program’s focus on gender studies and its interdisciplinary approach to addressing global gender issues. Adding a personal touch to the session, Taiki Arakawa, a Japanese student currently pursuing his Master’s in GDS, shared his experiences of studying at AIT. His insights gave the Tsuru University students a real glimpse into academic life at AIT and how studying gender and development can shape one’s academic and professional journey.
The afternoon session brought another highlight of the visit—a special talk by Khun Katy and Khun Coco from Thai TGA (The Foundation of Transgender Alliance for Human Rights). As representatives of a leading NGO advocating for transgender rights and the LGBTQI+ community in Thailand, they shared their experiences working on gender equality initiatives, particularly in pushing for marriage equality and the groundbreaking GEN-ACT legislation. Their session sparked important discussions on the role of advocacy and legal reform in advancing LGBTQI+ rights.
Beyond the thought-provoking discussions, the speakers from Thai TGA added a fun and interactive element to the session—a Bingo game! The game incorporated key legal terms and rights related to the GEN-ACT bill, allowing students to learn through play. This innovative approach not only made legal and policy concepts more accessible but also encouraged deeper engagement from the students.
The visit was a memorable experience for both the Tsuru University students and the GDS community. It provided a platform for cross-cultural learning, academic exchange, and meaningful discussions on gender and human rights issues. We hope this visit inspired the Tsuru students to continue exploring gender studies and apply their learnings to promote inclusivity and equality in their own communities.
At GDS, we believe that opportunities like these enrich the student experience, enhance networking with scholars and activists across borders, and foster a greater understanding of global gender challenges. Visits like this not only strengthen international academic collaborations but also empower students to become changemakers in the field of Gender and Development.
