Fostering Curiosity in Environmental Sustainability
“The innate curiosity in these students, and how it is cultivated by this program, truly makes a perfect match,” said English and Environmental Program Assistant Caitlin Holder. “Their thirst for knowledge is both inspiring and refreshing.”
In the English and Environmental Program, university students from Fukuoka Women’s University learn up-to-date research and practical application on topics concerning environmental issues and sustainability, while also improving their conversational English skills.
“In Japan, it is challenging to find communities that are concerned about environmental problems and sustainability solutions,” said student Haruka Ojida, who was excited to connect with the sustainability-focused Davis community.
The program is a partnership with UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education, International Programs and Fukuoka Women’s University in Japan. Since 2014, the annual program has been welcoming Japanese nutrition and environmental studies majors to study at UC Davis, alternating between the two subject areas each year. This year’s program focused on the environment.
“I have had the opportunity to work with this program for the past two years, and each cohort of students consistently brings an eagerness and desire to learn, which adds an extra layer of excitement to each lesson and field trip,” said Holder, who also teaches in the program.
From Classrooms to Farms
Students divided their time between in-class lectures with lesson plans designed to enhance English language proficiency while introducing new concepts and site visits to apply what they were learning in the classroom and explore California.
Their environmental issues class focused on how humans impact natural systems and explored topics such as pollution, climate change and resource depletion. In their sustainability class, students analyzed the relationship between the environment, economy and society, and how these three pillars interact to form the foundation of sustainable development and solutions.
Site visits included tours of the California Raptor Center, John Muir Historic Site, the Davis Co-op, Full Belly Farms, Village Homes, the UC Davis Student Farm and the Davis Farmers Market. Students also had the opportunity to hear guest lectures from notable experts, including City of Davis Vice Mayor Bapu Vaitla, who spoke on sustainability in Davis, and Chamayo Yniguez, director of operations at Segundo Dining, who shared some of UC Davis’ sustainable food practices.
Aside from giving students first-hand exposure to topics they’re studying in class, the site visits also gave students the opportunity to practice their language skills and interact with professionals in the field.
“One of the things that I most valued in this program was the opportunity to ask questions to the farmers and customers in the farmers market,” said student Yuka Fukushima. “It helped me understand how people in Davis value the eco-friendly products even if their price is higher than normal products.”
“This program is exceptional in growing students into bright, inquisitive professionals,” said Holder. “I have no doubt that they will flourish in the vital fields of nutrition and environmental sustainability.”