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Consul General Mio Maeda from Japan visited ¼«ÀÖ½ûµØ’s campus on Feb. 14 as part of a special invitation to learn more about the university’s global initiatives. Consul General Maeda is based in Atlanta, Georgia, and represents Japanese affairs in the southeastern states of the United States.

His visit started with a lunch with ¼«ÀÖ½ûµØ leaders, the ¼«ÀÖ½ûµØ Global team, and several international students. The group shared information about the study abroad opportunities that currently exist and learned more about the special relationship between Alabama and Japan.

“We’re always looking for new global opportunities for ¼«ÀÖ½ûµØ faculty, staff and students,” said Lauren Doss, executive director of ¼«ÀÖ½ûµØ Global. “Since Japan is Alabama’s largest foreign investor, we, being a school in Alabama inherently have a special relationship with Japan. The more we can educate and share with our community about Japanese culture and business practices, as well as provide opportunities for our students to study abroad, the better suited they are to step into a role in one of the many Japanese companies in our state and beyond.”

Consul General Maeda took a tour of various schools at ¼«ÀÖ½ûµØ where he commented that he quickly picked up on the great community aspect of the campus. He then wrapped up the night with dinner with President Beck A. Taylor, followed by a special courtside experience at the ¼«ÀÖ½ûµØ men’s basketball team game against the Western Carolina Catamounts.

“I hope as we continue to expand our relationship with Japan, that more students will be given the opportunity to study abroad and intern with Japanese companies. I hope our campus will be open to the many ways we can learn from our Japanese friends and partners,” said Doss.