Australia Training (August 25-31, 2023)

This year's overseas training took us beyond Asia for the first time since the establishment of STEPs, as we visited Australia from August 25th to August 31st, 2023. Australia, distinct from countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, is known for its unique English pronunciation. Despite initial confusion, living in Australia allowed us to immerse ourselves in the culture and interact with its people, making this training exceptionally meaningful.
 

Now, let me introduce the itinerary of the training. On the 25th and 26th, we explored the Brisbane area, experiencing Australian lifestyle through local meals, shopping, and engaging in English conversations with the locals. On the 27th, we were guided around Toowoomba, the location of the University of Southern Queensland (USQ), by students and faculty. We visited the Cobb Museum to learn about the historical culture of the indigenous Aboriginal people and explored the Queens Park Botanic Gardens, experiencing Australian culture and its unique natural environment. On the 28th, we visited USQ, attending lectures on material mechanics alongside USQ students, dining at the student cafeteria, and touring engineering labs such as those for robotics, fluid dynamics, and motor remote control. Additionally, on the 29th, we visited the Future Materials Research Lab, where advanced research on materials like carbon nanotubes was introduced. Later, on the 30th, we moved to Brisbane, where we toured Griffith University's campus and presented research on financial engineering utilizing AI-driven article analysis techniques.
 

This training marked our first visit to an English-speaking country since the establishment of STEPs. The sense of achievement and joy among STEPs members in successfully communicating with native English speakers was immense. Undoubtedly, this experience served as a valuable opportunity to break down the psychological barrier of speaking English and gain confidence.
 

Thirteen STEPs members participated in the training, along with Professor Toyoda, the Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering, Associate Professor Khan, the advisor, and administrative staff member Koga. I would like to express our gratitude to everyone who supported this training.
 

Shota Yamashita