Matthew Smith

1/21/09

Welcoming Speech – Kyoto University

Hello. I would like to welcome those from Kyoto University and the University of North Carolina Wilmington. On behalf of the student body here at UNCW, it is with both joy and friendship that I welcome you here to our university. I am Matthew Smith, a senior here at UNCW.

It is an honor to have students from a distinguished and renowned school here with us today. It is a wonderful opportunity for the students of both schools to share their cultures and experiences with each as we grow both in education and as people. UNCW is proud of its growing international studies program and is fortunate to have students from one of Japan’s prestigious schools.

Students from Kyoto University will appreciate UNCW’s contribution to both education and the environment with its marine biology program. As stated in Kyoto University’s mission statement, both education and ecology are valued with high regard. With both universities located near the ocean, students of both schools can appreciate the opportunities for marine education.

Although both universities have their similarities, it is our hope that our exchange students appreciate what both UNCW and the city of Wilmington have to offer. UNCW is a small centralized campus compared to Kyoto University’s large and widespread campus. Wilmington has both a tourist beach and historic downtown that is full of entertainment and American culture. The historical offerings by Wilmington date back to the time of the birth of the country. Students will appreciate the subtle culture differences here at UNCW, such as students with skateboards and beachwear during the warmer months. A casual, friendly environment is a part of the environment that UNCW has created and wishes it to be a part of our exchange students. This contrast is vast compared to what is experienced at Kyoto University. As UNCW is surrounded by beaches, Kyoto University is surrounded by mountains. UNCW students in Kyoto will experience beautiful scenery, museums, and one of the finest educational systems in the world.

Even though UNCW is much smaller than the Kyoto University, the educational opportunities are as complete and thorough here. UNCW has been ranked as one of the top ten universities in the region for several years now. UNCW is proud to offer both undergraduate and graduate level studies to both students here as well as exchange. Kyoto University is also dedicated to providing a premier education as it offers up to sixteen graduate level studies. Not only can one of UNCW’s students in the exchange program engage in one of the basic studies at Kyoto University, but other programs such as energy science, informatics, biostudies, and medicine can be learned.

Even as there are differences, Kyoto University and UNCW students can both learn from one another about how similar they can be. All students can have the opportunity of a lifetime to grow together and learn about the different cultures. Again I’d like to thank everyone here and to once again welcome the students from Kyoto University to our school, our state, and our country. Thank you.