A group of students from Hiroshima University are visiting the University of Idaho as part of the Mega-Exchange program. Traveling students and faculty, 32 in total, will be on campus Sept. 1-11. Led by a group of UI faculty, they will learn about American culture and the methods for peace and sustainability the university teaches.
The Mega-Exchange program began in May 2026 when a group of UI students traveled to Hiroshima to learn about peace and sustainability in Japan. The initial program included students from the College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences and the College of Natural Resources. The program was conducted and funded through the Japan-US Council, which is designed to promote cooperation between the two countries.
In the past, Hiroshima students have visited Moscow to learn more about the same topics of peace and sustainability. This included a project headed by CNR professor Dr. David Roon. During their visit, the Hiroshima students constructed two torii gates at the UI Pollinator/Peace Garden. In a blog post on Dr. Roon’s website, he said the most impressive thing about this visit was “the energy and dedication of our visiting scholars from Japan.”
Hiroshima University and UI have a history of cooperation. In 2022, Hiroshima bombing survivor Keiko Ogura was invited to Moscow for an event. Since then, Hiroshima University and UI have been in close connection with one another.
This visit from Hiroshima students from Sept. 1 to 11 is meant to deepen the relationships between Hiroshima and Moscow while providing students with the motivation to work towards a sustainable and peaceful future.