Kyoto University, UF Digital Arts & Sciences and Engineering students unite for cross-cultural event
On Tuesday, September 1, 2026, students from Kyoto University met in Gainesville to engage with alumni and current students of the UF in Japan: Cross-Cultural Engineering Design program. Attendees included representatives from both the Department of Computer and Information Science and Engineering (College of Engineering) and the Digital Worlds Institute (College of the Arts). Through an engaging agenda of activities, students and alumni socialized, bonded over shared career interests and explored their different cultural backgrounds — all while sharing a passion for digital arts, sciences and technology.
A new design for Digital Worlds
The PICT, known as Digital Worlds’ high-tech viewing space, transformed into an interactive game space for the event. Here, alumni could compete and bond with each other over popular games like Skribbl.io.
The Gym subsequently transformed into the social space while the VPS took on a new look as the photo booth for the event, where alumni could capture their memories of the unforgettable night.
The mission
Along with welcoming Kyoto students into the space and fostering connections with alumni, Digital Worlds also strengthened the bonds between Kyoto University staff and faculty.
Kyoto University famously serves as the housing location for students within the College of Engineering and Digital Worlds Institute within the College of the Arts during the yearly UF in Japan program, a unique collaboration between these two colleges/institutions.
UF in Japan: Cross-Cultural Engineering Design is a selective study-abroad experience where students can travel to Japan for 12 weeks in the summer, fall or spring term and experience the Japanese culture while completing coursework in culture, engineering and design.
This exceptional program introduces students to the fundamentals of cross-cultural communication in a country that is recognized for its brilliance in the arts, music, development and research. Students leave with a newfound sense of not simply how their passions can aid their hometown, but how they can collaborate to make a difference across the world.
“DW students can learn a lot by going on this trip,” says Halle Gittelson, a third-year student within the Digital Worlds Institute studying Digital Arts and Sciences, who attended UF in Japan during the summer of 2026. “Not only do you make a lot of new friends, whether it be from UF or just Japanese friends, [but] you can build your portfolio by taking the games class. I worked on, with a team, a game for three months…[and] getting this experience in Japan really helps you manage your time and learn how to work as a team in such a new experience.”
KU x UF was pivotal in sustaining cultural engagement for the study-aboard experience. Kyoto University students and staff left the evening feeling more acquainted with the Digital Worlds space and our family, and Digital Worlds left thrilled to have experienced their culture and bonded over shared interests.
The experience at a glance
Digital Worlds is proud to have created this experience for 55 Digital Worlds attendees, 15 Kyoto University students and two Kyoto University faculty members.
This experience is memorable for all involved, building longstanding relationships with Kyoto University, and celebrating their extreme generosity. Digital Worlds looks forward to all future initiatives with the institution and is counting down the days for the next unforgettable UF in Japan program.