General News
30 September, 2025
Japanese embrace uni life
FOURTEEN Kobe University students from Japan have visited Cairns for the first time and completed their first study tour with CQUniversity.
The CQU Cairns campus hosted the students for two weeks, combining cultural immersion, language learning and exploration of Far North Queensland.
Led by the CQU Global team, students were hosted at local homestays and provided English classes through CQU English.
Alongside their studies, students experienced iconic Cairns locations including a CBD and Esplanade tour, visits to the Cairns Art Gallery, Rusty’s Markets and participation in the Cairns Festival grand parade. The group also explored sustainability and environmental themes through hands-on workshops with CQU academics.
Business lecturer Dr Steven Boyd led a sustainability workshop, Skyrail provided a sustainability seminar and environmental expert Dr Steve Turton facilitated an ecology workshop and mangrove field trip.
Excursions to Rainforestation Nature Park, the Skyrail and Kuranda Scenic Railway and the Green Island living classroom offered opportunities to engage with the region’s unique landscapes and ecosystems.
Sarah Wood of CQU said the program’s ecology and sustainability focus aligned perfectly with the region’s unique and diverse natural attractions,” she said.
The program concluded with a graduation ceremony and morning tea at Cairns campus, celebrating the students’ achievements and connections formed during their stay.
Motoi Kawatsu of Kobe University said all 14 students came to Australia for the first time.
“This is the first trip abroad for half of the participants,” he said.
“They have encountered many different things such as people, language, food, houses, plants and sunshine. They are enjoying the experience of living with an Australian family.
“They love the teachers and staff at CQU, and most importantly, our kind, cheerful and charming student ambassador Riley Briggs.”
