Yamazaki University Delegation Experiences CPP’s ‘Become by Doing’ Philosophy Up Close
For a group of Japanese students studying animal health, a visit to Cal Poly Pomona offered more than a glimpse of an American university. It offered a chance to experience a teaching philosophy built around experiential learning.
A delegation of 36 students and six administrators from Yamazaki University of Animal Health Technology in Tokyo visited campus Sept. 10 for an engaging program centered on animal health sciences, hands-on education, and international exchange. The event, hosted by Global Campus, a division of College of Professional and Global Education (CPGE), brought students and university leaders together with faculty, staff, and administrators from across CPP.
Alison Baski, interim provost and vice president for academic affairs, met with the president and staff from Yamazaki University, highlighted Cal Poly Pomona’s valued relationships with institutions across Japan and called the visit an opportunity to explore expanded student and faculty exchanges, joint research and professional training.
“Your visit represents an important milestone in the relationship between our institutions,” Baski said. “International educational exchanges allow students and educators to learn from one another, deepen mutual understanding, and build lasting friendships across cultures and national boundaries.”
The morning began at the International Center, where Rick Wang, senior program manager for the Global Education Institute, opened the program and welcomed the guests. Lisa Xue, assistant vice president of Global Campus and senior international officer, shared what makes CPP unique.
“At Cal Poly Pomona, our Become by Doing philosophy connects classroom knowledge with practical experience,” Xue said. “I encourage all of you to ask questions and exchange ideas, as today’s lecture, discussions, and campus experiences could support your studies and future professional work.”
The packed day included a ceremony recognizing the participants, lunch at Centerpointe and visits to living laboratories, including the W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Center.
The academic portion of the visit highlighted the strong connection between the two universities’ educational missions. Ondieki Gekara, interim department chair and professor in CPP’s Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, offered remarks, and international student advisor Junko Takada introduced Cal Poly Pomona in Japanese.
Dr. Vivian Nagao, assistant professor of animal and veterinary sciences, led a two-hour lecture on animal health sciences, giving participants an opportunity to learn from CPP faculty and connect classroom concepts with professional practice. To the delight of the students, she also brought a rubber model of a dog head that all the students were able to touch and observe during the lecture.
The visiting leadership included Dr. Kaoru Yamazaki, chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Yamazaki Educational Foundation and president of Yamazaki University of Animal Health Technology; Dr. Itsuko Yamakawa, president of Yamazaki Professional College of Animal Health Technology; and Dr. Fumiya Yamada, professor at Yamazaki University. Junko Nakamura served as interpreter, and additional representatives accompanied the group.
In her remarks, President Yamazaki shared a brief history of her institution and its commitment to international learning. Yamazaki University traces its roots to 1967, when founder Ryoji Yamazaki established a canine specialist training school. Yamazaki University of Animal Health Technology opened in 2010 with Japan’s first Faculty of Animal Health Technology. Today, the university educates students through departments focused on animal health technology and human-animal relations, as well as a graduate program in animal health technology.
For the visiting students, it was a chance to experience a university with a different teaching philosophy than their own.
“I like the philosophy of Become by Doing, and I can’t wait to experience it all at Cal Poly Pomona,” said Yamazaki University senior Mei Iishii, who added that she would like to consider coming to CPP for her master’s degree.
Fellow senior Nanomi Matsufuji also expressed excitement about the visit to CPP.
“In Japan it’s different than in America,” Matsufuji said. “I like the hands-on aspect of the teaching.”