京都産業大学に留学中、交換留学生は、日本の新しい面と古い面（近代的な日本と伝統的な日本）をあらゆる角度から見ています。母国で日本の伝統技を学び、来日後技を磨こうとする交換留学生がいます。また、新しい発見をし、未知なる技を育もうとする交換留学生もいます。

　ドイツから来た交換留学生、カタリン・モサーさんは、来日直後居合道に興味を覚え、大学の居合道部に入部し練習を続けています。練習の厳しさに驚き、さらに興味を深めました。彼女は、部員達が居合道に熱中する姿に感心する。そして、お互いの言葉と文化の壁を越え、居合道の技を教えてくれることも感謝しています。

　また、ノースカロライナ大学グリーンズボロー校からの交換留学生、グロス・ベンジャミン君は、以前居合道を習っていて、日本で居合道の練習を楽しみにしていました。厳しい授業と居合道の練習外に、ベン君は、留学アドバイザーの文化学部千賀先生と４年生木村綾子さんと一緒に毎週時間を作って、日本の優美な伝統芸術である茶道や箸・茶杓の手細工の技と鑑賞力を身につけようとしています。

　このように交換留学生は、以前から空手、茶道、バスケットボール、ラグビー等、様々なサークルやクラブに参加しています。

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  千賀先生がベン君に茶道を指導
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  第2体育館で居合道の練習をするカタリンさん

Cutting their way into traditional Japanese arts

During their stay at KSU, exchange students are exposed to various aspects of both modern and traditional Japan. Some bring with them past experiences in the arts which they further enrich here, while others enter new paths of discovery by fostering previously unlearnt skills. For Katrin Moser from Germany, the seeds of interest in Iaido were sewn soon after her arrival and she has trained continuously with the KSU club throughout her year here. The intensity of the training has both surprised and intrigued her and she said that she is full of admiration of her fellow club mates for their dedication in Iaido and their patience with her as they mutually overcame language and cultural barriers while at the same time teaching her their art.

Ben Gross from the US had previously studied Iaido and was looking forward to also training here in Japan. Outside of his rigorous class and Iaido training schedule, Ben also takes time out each week with his academic advisor, Prof. Yasutoshi Senga from the Faculty of Cultural studies, and 4th year student Ayako Kimura, to acquire skills and appreciation of some finer, more delicate traditional arts of Japan. These include making tea and handcrafting utensils such as chopsticks and chashaku.

Exchange students have previously joined the Karate, Tea ceremony, Basketball and Rugby clubs, not to mention numerous circles and other student societies.