Youngjin College Department of Early Childhood Education Conducts On-Site Training in Fukuoka, Japan: "Students Enhance Global Awareness"

Youngjin College (President Choi Jaeyoung) announced on September 3 that the Department of Early Childhood Education is marking its 10th year of overseas training by sending students to Fukuoka, Japan, for on-site training aimed at strengthening global educational competencies.

The Department of Early Childhood Education dispatched 25 third-year students to Japan via Daegu Airport on September 1, where they are participating in the "2025 Overseas Advanced Technology Training" until September 5. Professor Moon Mihee is accompanying the group as a supervisor, guiding the field learning activities.

Students from the Early Childhood Education Department at Youngjin College, participating in the "Overseas Advanced Technology Training," visit Maria Kindergarten in Fukuoka, Japan, to tour the educational environment and facilities.

This overseas training program is designed to allow students to directly experience early childhood education practices abroad, broaden their educational perspectives, and enhance their global awareness and professional expertise as early childhood teachers.

The delegation plans to visit leading educational institutions in the Fukuoka region to experience early childhood education philosophies and operational cases, analyze differences from the Korean educational field, and explore practical application strategies.

In particular, at a well-known ecological kindergarten in Fukuoka, students will learn about creating nature-friendly educational environments and play-centered educational philosophies. At a Montessori kindergarten, they will study an educational system that respects children's autonomy and creativity. In addition, the group will participate in educational programs in collaboration with the kindergarten affiliated with Saga Women's University, continuing exchanges with local teachers.

Professor Moon Mihee stated, "Directly experiencing advanced educational sites overseas is a valuable opportunity for students to establish their educational philosophy and strengthen their expertise," adding, "I hope this training helps them grow into early childhood teachers who can understand global educational trends."

Lee Yebin, a third-year student participating in the training, said, "I am excited to experience in the field what I have learned in theory during classes," and added, "I want to grow into a teacher with global competencies by experiencing diverse educational environments."

Since beginning its international exchange program with TAR UC in Malaysia in 2014, the Department of Early Childhood Education has continued exchanges with overseas universities and institutions such as Haemeng Group in Shanghai, Nakamura University, and Saga Women's University in Japan. This year marks its 10th overseas training program. Through continuous international exchange programs, students have been able to understand a variety of educational philosophies and establish a foundation to become teachers with a global perspective.

Nah Jiyeon, head of the Department of Early Childhood Education, said, "Our department aims to train teachers equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills by operating programs tailored to changing educational environments, such as strengthened field practice, play-centered classes, ecological education, and multimedia-based instruction." She added, "Through this overseas training, students will further enhance their global awareness, while the department will solidify its vision of nurturing field-ready teachers who can be immediately deployed in educational settings."

The Department of Early Childhood Education operates extracurricular programs, including the Youngjin Autonomous Improvement Program, and supports students in obtaining national and various private certifications, resulting in high employment rates each year.

Meanwhile, the Department of Early Childhood Education at Youngjin College will accept applications for the first round of the 2026 academic year from September 8 to September 30, free of charge, through the university website.