Activites

From August 17 to September 15, 2025, I participated in a four-week short-term study abroad program at the National University of Laos (NUOL), which is offered by the CAMPUS Asia Plus Program. During the first week, I took the intensive course on Advanced Development Economics offered at the NUOL’s Faculty of Economics and Business Management. I took the intensive course together with the students from Korea University. During the same week, the CAMPUS Asia Plus Symposium was held. I gained wonderful academic experiences, not only learning about current economic conditions in Lao PDR but also receiving insightful comments on my research from Associate Professor Kang Kyuwon from Korea University.
     In the second and third weeks, I conducted an internship in the Ministry of Education and Sports (MOES). I interviewed officers from MOES’s several departments. Through this internship, I learned what education policies are implemented by the government of the Lao PDR. Moreover, we visited the Laos offices of JICA, ADB, UNICEF, and World Bank. Through interviews with experts from these organizations, I learned how bilateral and multilateral agencies provide development aid in Lao PDR.

    In the final week, I visited different levels of schools, from kindergarten to high school. I was able to observe actual educational settings in Lao PDR and gained an understanding of realities that I could not find through literature alone. Through this program, I learned about the close relationship between education and people’s daily lives as well as its importance. This experience has motivated me to further improve my research.

    Lastly, I sincerely appreciate the professors who delivered the intensive course in NUOL. My special thanks also go to Mr. Anoupheng Keovongsa and Mr. Vongvilay Sounthavong, who coordinated the internship at the MOES, Project Associate Professor Masato Nakahara, Assistant Professor Tatsuya Maisawa, Project Assistant Professor Ayumu Yagi, and Ms. Mikiko Bothra Osaka from CAMPUS Asia Office, and all who supported this program.

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Authored by Yuki Hachiya, Master’s Student