The Cybersecurity Exchange Program between the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH) and Nagoya University, supported by the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, successfully concluded its third and final year this spring.

The program was designed to help students from both universities better understand cybersecurity initiatives and challenges in Japan and the United States, while also addressing the growing global shortage of cybersecurity professionals. Although originally planned as a one-year initiative, the program was extended twice due to its positive reception and ultimately continued for three years.

While the exchange had previously been offered exclusively to female students, this year marked the first coeducational program, allowing a broader group of students to participate.

After completing the first half of the program in Chapel Hill earlier this year, students from UNC-CH and Nagoya University reunited in Japan in May for the second half of the exchange. During their visit, participants took part in hands-on cybersecurity simulations, attended workshops led by Nagoya University faculty members and industry professionals, and visited companies leading the cybersecurity field in Japan. The students also had an opportunity to meet with Nagoya University President Naoshi Sugiyama.

Highlights from the UNC-CH portion of the program held in February were also featured in an article published by UNC-CH Global Affairs.