Enjoying Summer Through International Exchange! Blueberry Picking at Ami Campus(Wednesday,July 22)

On July 22, an International Exchange Blueberry Picking Event was held at the Ami Campus of Ibaraki University!

A total of 25 students, faculty, and staff members from Ibaraki University and Ibaraki Prefectural University of Health Sciences participated, enjoying the beauty of nature while deepening international friendships.

The participants included:
Ibaraki University, Ami Campus: 10 Japanese students, international students, faculty, and staff
Ibaraki Prefectural University of Health Sciences: 15 international students, faculty, and staff

The event took place at the Blueberry Farm of the International Field Agriculture Center, affiliated with the College of Agriculture. Participants enjoyed picking ripe blueberries while interacting with one another in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Conversations flowed naturally in both English and Japanese, with participants sharing comments such as, “This variety is so sweet!” and “I've never seen such large blueberries before!” The event provided an excellent opportunity to build new friendships across cultures.

After tasting the freshly picked blueberries, participants took part in suikawari (watermelon splitting), a traditional Japanese summer activity. For many international students, it was their first experience. Guided by the cheers and directions of their teammates, participants enthusiastically took turns trying to split the watermelon, creating moments of excitement and laughter.

Surrounded by the rich natural environment of Ami Campus, participants enjoyed experiencing a unique aspect of Japanese summer culture while connecting with students from different backgrounds and universities. It was a memorable day filled with smiles, friendship, and meaningful international exchange.