I really enjoy the Algarve. Because it is the first time for me to stay abroad such a long time (almost for a month). Everything is new and interesting.

Mana Yamamoto, University of Hokkaido student

Between 26th of February and 17th of March, 4 Japanese students, accompanied by Professor Helena Fortunato, from the University of Hokkaido, Japan, participated in activities at the University of Algarve.

Their experience in Portugal included several visits to laboratories of the University of Algarve and CCMAR, a study tour to the Ramalhete Marine Station, attending CCMAR seminars and guided walks to our coastal ecossystems.

This visit was made possible due to the Learning Satellite program (LS), which is part of the internationalization efforts of Hokkaido University (HU) and aims to expose Japanese students to non-Japanese speaking environments while at the same time providing learning opportunities to the students involved.

The LS between Hokkaido University (HU) and University of Algarve (UAlg) is based on the MoU signed between the two universities in 2015. Its major objectives are:

1. To develop a comparative overview of coastal ecology and biodiversity by comparing Atlantic and Pacific coastal ecosystems
2. To provide basic knowledge on resource use and environmental protection thus raising student awareness of global issues
3. To develop language and communication skills as well as networking opportunities
4. To increase collaboration opportunities for HU researchers

The LS program is funded by the Frontiers Initiative of Hokkaido University and MEXT (Japanese Ministry of Education).

Mana Yamamoto, a student of Taxonomic studies of parasitic dinoflagellates, reported the experience: «I really enjoy in Algarve. Because it is the first time for me to stay abroad such a long time (almost for a month). Everything is new and interesting.» Yamamoto wants to com back to Portugal: «I hope so. If I have a chance to come back, I want to collect samples for my research.»