Student Presentation Session for 2026 Summer Dental Study Abroad Program
Oct. 27, 2026
On Tuesday, October 20, 2026, the Tohoku University School of Dentistry held a Student Presentation Session for the 2026 Summer Short-Term Overseas Study Program.
To foster dental professionals with a global perspective, the School of Dentistry conducts short-term study abroad programs that provide undergraduate students with opportunities to learn about dental education and local dental care practices in English. In the summer program, nine students participated in different overseas programs, from August to October, across Cambodia, South Korea, Taiwan, and Indonesia. During their stay, the students engaged in a wide range of activities, including lectures and practical training led by faculty members at the host universities, hospital visits, volunteer activities at elementary schools, and cultural experiences.
At the Student Presentation Session, the students presented their findings and insights grouped by their respective destinations. Held in the Student Lounge, the event proceeded in a warm and friendly atmosphere, with participants enjoyed tea and local sweets brought back from the countries and regions the students had visited.
While the content of the programs varied by destination, one common key realization among all participants was that healthcare needs vary significantly depending on local cultures and lifestyles. At the same time, students drew immense inspiration from seeing how healthcare providers in every country consistently strive to deliver compassionate, high-quality patient care.
Beyond specialized technical knowledge, the program proved to be an invaluable opportunity to appreciate the importance of building connections and fostering mutual understanding across cultures. With the broader perspectives gained through their experiences abroad, the students are expected to thrive as dental healthcare professionals with a truly global perspective in the future.
Study Abroad Destinations
・Cambodia : University of Puthisastra
・South Korea & Taiwan: Yonsei University (South Korea) and National Taiwan University (Taiwan)
・Indonesia: Universitas Airlangga
・Taiwan: National Defense Medical Center, Taipei Medical University, National Cheng Kung University
▲Ken Osaka, Dean of the School of Dentistry, encouraging students to share their experiences and insights with a wide audience.
▲Presentation on the study abroad experience in Indonesia.
▲Presentation on the study abroad experience in in Cambodia.
▲Presentation on the study abroad experience in South Korea and Taiwan.
▲Presentation on the study abroad experience in Taiwan.
▲Professor Guang Hong (Division for Globalization Initiative) offering feedback to the students following their presentations.