School of Dentistry students experience immersive exchange program in Japan
From March 1 to March 8, a group of dental students and faculty from UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry embarked on an enriching exchange program in Japan. The visit followed the successful August exchange, where the School of Dentistry welcomed students and faculty from Meikai University and its sister institution, Asahi University, for a week-long learning experience.
The trip began with a warm welcome from Meikai University students and faculty upon the group’s arrival in Tokyo. Over the following days, the group engaged in various academic and cultural experiences throughout the city. On Monday, students toured Meikai University’s Urayasu Campus, explored the Tokyo Sky Tree—a towering structure over 2,000 feet tall—and visited the historic Kaminarimon Gate. They also had the opportunity to experience dressing in kimonos, authentic Japanese cuisine, including ramen and the delicacy fugu, or pufferfish, and enjoyed a night of karaoke.
Tuesday marked a formal visit to Meikai University’s Sakado Campus, where students and faculty attended lectures on dental education, toured the hospital and participated in an academic exchange with their Japanese counterparts. A rare snowfall in Tokyo added an extra layer of excitement to the visit that day.
On Wednesday, the group traveled via bullet train to Gifu, where they continued their journey through Japan. Thursday’s itinerary included a formal visit to Asahi University, tours of dental clinics and participation in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, providing a deeper appreciation of Japanese customs and generous hospitality.
Reflecting on the exchange, fourth-year dental student Sadie Campman shared, “I am incredibly grateful to both schools for making this exchange possible—an opportunity I never would have had on my own. I was in awe of Japan’s culture, where consideration, respect and hospitality are woven into every aspect of daily life. Their timeliness in all things was something I truly admired. Beyond that, bonding with Japanese dental students and learning from their faculty widened my cultural lens, reminding me that there is always more to learn and ways to better myself. This experience has been unforgettable, beginning in August 2022 when we had the privilege of hosting our first group of exchange students in Texas, and now, seeing it all come full circle with our visit to Japan. I would highly recommend this program to any student or faculty member seeking both professional and personal growth.”
This exchange program continues to foster meaningful academic and cultural connections between UT Health San Antonio’s School of Dentistry and its Japanese partner institutions, providing students with invaluable global perspectives in dental education and practice.
