From August 25 to September 27, 14 undergraduate students participated in the "Ryugaku Academy 2025" summer program. The five weeks at North Carolina State University (NC State) proved to be even more rewarding than in previous years, with all participants returning home with significant achievements and memorable experiences.

A highlight of the program was the corporate visit to Honda Aircraft Company. Students toured the state-of-the-art jet aircraft manufacturing facility and engaged in career discussions with on-site staff, gaining practical insights into the skills and mindset needed to thrive in a global professional environment.

This year was particularly special. During the ceremony commemorating the 40th anniversary of the academic partnership between NC State and Nagoya University, a special celebration was held to mark the 10th anniversary of the Ryugaku Academy's establishment. It was a valuable opportunity to witness this historic milestone in international academic exchange and to reflect on past achievements while sharing aspirations for the future.

Additionally, students actively voiced their opinions during a discussion session with the President of Nagoya University, engaging in lively dialogue about the role of young people in international society. The program also featured participation in the NU Tech Roundtable and various other exchange events.

The final week of the program proved to be particularly demanding for students, as they balanced daily events with preparations for their individual research presentations. Despite concerns about managing their physical and mental well-being, all students approached their preparations with a strong sense of responsibility and successfully completed their presentations. They returned home with a profound sense of accomplishment.

The success of this program was made possible by the generous support and meticulous coordination provided by the Global Training Initiative (GTI) at NC State. We are also deeply grateful to the members of NC State Japan Club and other local students for their tremendous cooperation. From daily life support to creating warm spaces for interaction, their thoughtful care from a student's perspective made this an irreplaceable experience for all participants.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone whose efforts and warm cooperation made this year's Ryugaku Academy so meaningful!