On February 6 and 7, 2026, a unique educational gathering unfolded in Japan’s Kansai region, as the Japanese Language Department of Cyber Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (Cyber Hankuk) hosted its third official Overseas Club meeting. The event, spanning two days and one night, brought together students and alumni from across borders, all united by their shared pursuit of Japanese language mastery and cross-cultural understanding.
This Overseas Club—known as Kaigaibu (海外部)—stands out as a global learning community. It’s primarily composed of students and alumni living abroad, blending the flexibility of online learning with the depth of on-the-ground cultural exchange. According to Cyber Hankuk’s announcement, the club’s regular activities include Zoom-based conversation study sessions, special lectures, and a variety of online programs aimed at boosting language proficiency and deepening academic engagement. But the real magic happens when these virtual connections leap into the real world, as they did in Kansai.
The recent gathering marked the club’s third event since gaining official recognition as a university club. Twenty participants—ten students residing in Japan and ten from the Korean team—came together for this immersive experience. The itinerary was ambitious, offering a blend of academic exploration and cultural discovery that would make any Japanese major’s heart race.
The first day kicked off at Osaka University, one of Japan’s most prestigious national institutions. Students toured the university’s Toyonaka, Minoh, and Suita campuses, where they got a close-up look at linguistic and phonetic research facilities. They also visited the comprehensive museum and university library, soaking in the atmosphere of a top-tier research environment. The programs were arranged by prominent faculty members, including Professor Nambakoji and Professor Han Hee-sun from Osaka University’s International Education Exchange Center, who welcomed the group and facilitated discussions about academic life in Japan.
“It was a fantastic opportunity to experience firsthand the educational and research environment of a Japanese national university,” said one participant, reflecting the general sentiment of the group. The hands-on exposure to linguistic laboratories and the chance to interact with professors offered a glimpse into the academic rigor and innovation that define Japanese higher education.
The cultural immersion continued on the second day in Kyoto, a city renowned for its blend of tradition and beauty. The group’s itinerary included a stroll through the famed bamboo forest of Arashiyama’s Chikurin, a site that’s as photogenic as it is serene. They visited the World Heritage-listed Tenryuji temple, explored the iconic Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji), and toured Honganji, a temple that played a pivotal role during Japan’s Sengoku period. These excursions were more than sightseeing—they were designed to help students solidify the cultural and historical knowledge essential for Japanese language majors.
For many, these experiences were eye-opening. “Walking through the bamboo forest and seeing the Golden Pavilion in person made the history and culture we study in class come alive,” shared one attendee. The immersive nature of these visits helped bridge the gap between textbook knowledge and lived reality, reinforcing the importance of cultural literacy for language specialists.
One of the highlights of the event was the sharing of success stories by recent graduates. Hwang Jae-ha, an alumnus who advanced to the undergraduate program at Osaka University—an institution consistently ranked highly in the QS World University Rankings—shared his journey from Cyber Hankuk to one of Japan’s academic elite. Lee Jung-bok, another graduate, discussed his plans to enter the graduate school at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, a top authority in language and international studies in Japan. Both alumni offered practical advice and detailed roadmaps for students considering similar paths, drawing enthusiastic responses from the group.
“We wanted to give current students a concrete sense of what’s possible and how to get there,” said Hwang. Lee echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the value of firsthand experience and mentorship in navigating the complexities of international academic admissions. Their presentations not only inspired attendees but also underscored the tangible outcomes that Cyber Hankuk’s programs can help achieve.
The broader significance of the Overseas Club was not lost on its organizers and participants. Professor Yoon Ho-sook, who led the event, highlighted the club’s unique strength in building a network of overseas students and alumni. “Activities based on this overseas student network are a differentiating strength of our university,” she remarked, according to Cyber Hankuk’s official statement. “I hope that domestic and overseas students of the Japanese Language Department will continue to be closely connected, creating synergy in both academics and career development.”
The club’s representative, Lee Cheol-woo, also weighed in, noting the positive feedback from students and the growing momentum behind the Overseas Club’s mission. “Now that a virtuous cycle linking overseas admission and global careers has been established, I hope it will help many students,” Lee commented. The sentiment reflects a broader vision: to create a pipeline where students not only excel academically but also transition smoothly into international careers, leveraging their language skills and cultural fluency.
Cyber Hankuk’s approach to language education, as demonstrated by the Overseas Club, is both innovative and holistic. By combining rigorous online instruction with real-world cultural engagement, the university supports students in building not just language proficiency but also the cultural and historical literacy needed to thrive in a globalized world. The club’s activities—ranging from virtual conversation practice to in-person university tours and cultural site visits—offer a model for how language departments can foster community, mentorship, and practical skill-building across borders.
As the world grows ever more interconnected, the importance of such programs only increases. For students of Japanese at Cyber Hankuk, the Overseas Club is more than just an extracurricular activity—it’s a launchpad for academic and professional success, rooted in a deep appreciation of language and culture. With the continued support of faculty, alumni, and fellow students, the club seems poised to play an even bigger role in shaping the next generation of global citizens.
By the end of the two-day event, participants left with new friendships, fresh inspiration, and a stronger sense of what it means to be a Japanese language specialist in today’s world. The lessons learned in Kansai—both in the classroom and beyond—are sure to resonate for years to come.