July 8-20, a third year bachelor student from the Department of Materials Science, Institute of Nuclear Physics and Engineering (INPhE) MEPhI Kirill Klimov has participated in the internship at Kindai University (Japan).

The internship was organized as a continuation of cooperation between MEPhI and Kindai University in the framework “Human Resource Program for Monodukuri Engineer in Japan and Russia. The Japanese concept of monozukuri refers to the process of creating things with a spirit of innovation and craftsmanship. By making proposals at R&D facilities, students acquire useful knowledge and management skills. The selection criteria for participation in the program were proficiency in English and excellent academic records (MEPhI) of the candidate.

In total, about 70 young scholars – undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate students - from Russia, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, New Zealand, the United States, France, Germany, and other countries attended the summer school "Training program within the framework of the engineering competence Monodukuri in Japan and Russia".

The main goal of the summer school is not limited to the cultural exchange but also encourage students to familiarize themselves with student life at Kindai University and select the subject (focus) of research where later as a member of the international exchange (one semester) they can explore an interdisciplinary curriculum that extends beyond the conventional boundaries of academic subjects.

During the summer school Kirill Klimov had a chance to meet with the president of Kindai University Yoshihiko HOSOI and other officials. Together with participants of the summer school, Kirill also visited small and medium-sized enterprises in Osaka, where students are temporarily assigned to research facilities owned by companies based in Higashiosaka with a possibility of future full-time employment. It is a first-of-its-kind program blending work and education.

For Kirill Klimov, semester exchange in Japan will begin in September 2018. He told about his trip to the land of the rising sun and his impressions about the internship:

- It went off really well. All the first day together with other Russian students I familiarized with the surroundings of Osaka, where Kindai University is located. Our choice fell on the Osaka Castle Museum. It differs from everything I've seen before: incredible nature, a huge area, and a wonderful view of the city from the observation deck.

Then it was time to study, during which we were divided into groups in accordance with the specialties. I was engaged in the problems of material behavior in fission reactors. We visited scientific laboratories of the Department of electrical engineering and electronics of the Natural sciences faculty, including the nuclear reactor, where we got acquainted with the research and modeling methods.

After the first academic week we were waiting for an incredible surprise from the university lecturers - the welcome party, where we were able to try traditional Korean, Japanese and Chinese cuisine.

Then we had three days weekend. We had an opportunity to explore the cultural attractions of the nearby cities of Kyoto and Nara, as well as to visit the central area of Osaka – Namba. We were very lucky because several festivals were held in Japan at this time. Next week, we met the traditional art form of "ikebana", visited the training of sumo wrestlers.

Upon completion of training, each of the participants of the summer school received a certificate.

I would like to note that the Kindai University is magnificent, it has all the conditions for the study of languages, a huge number of laboratories with the latest equipment, a huge library, as well as rest rooms where you can take a breath or repeat the necessary material.

The trip made a very strong impression on me. I got acquainted with the cultural traditions and peculiarities of Japan, discovered the world of technology and innovation. In addition I was able to develop my skills in communicating with people.