NILAI, September 15, 2016- Four students from Prefectural University of Hiroshima (PUH) spend their one-week summer program in Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur as part of the Short Course Mobility programs  organised by Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) from September 3 until September 9.
This is one of the Short Course Mobility programs organized by USIM ‘Alamiyyah as a requirement to be a regionally known higher education institution and to be a referred, relevant, and respected university, as part of theagenda in 2016-2025 USIM Strategic Plan.
The program wasorganized by USIM ‘Alamiyyah (International Centre) for the first time and it is seen as a reciprocating action by USIM to PUH, for the latter had welcomed USIM students from the Faculty of Science and Technology and the Faculty of Major Languages Studies last February.
“Through this program, USIM offers English Language and Malaysian Culture Program while PUH offers Japanese Language and Culture Program,” said Director of USIM ‘Alamiyyah, Prof Roshada.
According to Roshada, the programs could be seen as a yardstick for USIM to run mobility programs in the future.
Nao Yasuda, 22, a 4-year student from the Faculty of Human Culture and Science shared her excitement over her participation in this program.

“I get the opportunity to experience and interact with a very unique Malaysian society as it is made up of various races and cultures.I am impressed with the development of Malaysia. I enjoyed the food a lot, even though most of them are spicy.” She added.
The youngest student, Kaori Takamoto, 19, a year-1 student from the Faculty of Human Culture and Science expressed her joy in learning the culture of Malaysian society and shared her experience making traditional food such as dodol, playing congkak and coconut bowling.
As for Chie Kusamoto, 21, and Rina Tokunaga, 20, both of them shared the same favorite food which is bihun supthat resembles Japanese food udon and roti canai pisang for its soft texture and sweetness.
The visits to several places of interest around Kuala Lumpur (Central Market and National Museum), Putrajaya, and around Negeri Sembilan (Negeri Sembilan Museum, Tuanku Jaafar Royal Museum, Seri Menanti Palace) had allowed the students to witness the uniqueness and diversity of religions in Malaysia.
“We are deeply impressed with the Islamic teaching that is embedded in USIM learning system and we are also glad to meet new friends who have been generous and helpful during our program in USIM,” added Chie Kusamoto.
“In addition to strengthening thecooperation among both universities, this program aims to encourage students to master English communication skills through conversations with new friends and in the classes they attended. They also have the opportunity to experience Malaysian lifestyle first-hand and learn Malaysian customs and cultures”said the officer from PUH, Mariko Nishizawa.
At the same time, one of the USIM secretariats, Nursyafiqah, 22, a year-4 student from the Faculty of Science and Technology who guided the students throughout their visit said that it is a good opportunity to learn Japanese, in addition toexploring thir cultural aspects.