I'm Li Xiang from the School of Psychology at Nanjing Normal University, and I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Asian Education Leadership Course (AELC) hosted by Tohoku University. This experience was not just a chance to enhance my professional knowledge but also a profound cultural exchange journey.

During the program, I had the pleasure of meeting amazing friends from Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea. We got along so well, sharing insights into our cultures and educational experiences, which deepened our mutual understanding and respect. This cross-cultural exchange truly broadened my perspective and laid a solid foundation for my future involvement in international education collaboration.

The AELC curriculum was thoughtfully designed to align with global education trends, covering topics like sustainable development, cognitive science, and mental health. In the sustainability module, we explored how to integrate global goals into local practices, emphasizing the critical role of education in achieving sustainable development. The cognitive science sessions provided a deeper understanding of the human brain and cognition, especially the fascinating research on using robotics for autism therapy, which expanded my vision of educational technology applications. The mental health module focused on advancements in telepsychology, equipping me with strategies to address current psychological and educational challenges.

Beyond the classroom, the hands-on field visits were eye-opening. Visiting schools in Higashimatsushima City showed me firsthand how education plays a vital role in post-disaster recovery, fostering resilience and a sense of community among students.

All in all, AELC has been an incredibly enriching experience, enhancing not only my academic knowledge but also my practical skills and cross-cultural communication abilities. I truly believe this journey will have a lasting impact on my future development. Huge thanks to the AELC organizing team and partner universities for putting together such a fantastic program—I can’t wait to take part in more opportunities like this in the future!