It was just for the first time in a year, we visited IFL Royal University of Phnom Penh, and 24 third-year of Japanese language students participated in this exchange class this time.
Since the IFL, especially Japanese language department receives visitors from various universities and organizations throughout the year, everyone seemed accustomed to working together, and they prepared slides and projectors very smoothly.
As usual, Mr. Sor Songheng was assigned as an interpreter to start the class.
After a short self-introduction, we showed them some pictures of Japan and quizzed them about customs and culture in Japan, and had them answer the questions in groups.
I asked them about things that exist in Japan but not in Cambodia and about customs unique to Japan, and they all seemed to know a lot about Japan and answered correctly without hesitation, that made us much surprised.
I was impressed once again that the students had such a strong interest in Japan, as one would expect from students who have gathered here to study Japanese at a university.
We then screened our latest Buddhist video, "The Story of Anuruddha," and asked them for feedback.
There were some commented that "very impressed" and "the pictures were beautiful."
When we asked which scenes moved them the most, some commented that Anuruddha's decision to leave his affluent life to become a monk in order to pursue the Way, and his vow of sleeplessness and his refusal to listen to the Buddha's words and to let his own ego run away with him, made them think.
Seeing the seriousness of the students' eyes and their strong passion for Japan made the exchange class both deeply moving and enjoyable.
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