A total of sixteen (16) students from the Northern Marianas College have successfully participated in two experiential learning field trips in Japan, hosted by the NextGen Program, with a dedicated focus on solid waste management, food science, and sustainable agritourism. The first field trip took place throughout various parts of Fukuoka, Japan, and the second field trip took place throughout Hokkaido, Japan.
The NextGen scholarship program, led by Northern Marianas College’s Cooperative Research, Extension, and Education Services (NMC-CREES) under the leadership of Dr. Zaidul Sarker and Dr. Yunzi Zhang, in collaboration with the University of Guam and Tennessee State University, served as a conduit for students to immerse themselves in practical experiences aimed at advancing regenerative practices in natural resources, food systems, and tourism-related sectors. This initiative resonates deeply with NextGen's mission to cultivate a regenerative future for our community.
Following NextGen’s inaugural trip to Fukuoka in February 2024, a second group of students set out on the journey to Hokkaido in May 2024. Both expeditions provided students with invaluable firsthand experiences aligned with the NextGen program's core mission areas: agritourism, food science, and natural resource management.
Throughout the course of both trips, the students were exposed to applications of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which were introduced to the CNMI through the Green Growth Initiative. Engaging in a variety of activities and interactive experiences, students delved into diverse aspects of sustainability, ranging from waste management to eco-tourism and cultural integration.
Students and chaperones from the Northern Marianas College, University of Guam, and Tennessee State University gather for a group photo at Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan, top. NextGen students intently listen to a facility tour guide at Calbee Company, Hokkaido, Japan, bottom.
Rosemarie Faisao, a student who was selected for the Fukuoka trip, shared her commitment to implementing learned ideas, saying, "After the NextGen trip, I am committed to implementing learned ideas. I will advocate for improved waste management, promote responsible disposal and recycling, and integrate cultural customs into environmental practices. Inspired by Fukuoka University projects, I plan to propose similar initiatives for Saipan."
Another student, John M. Sablan, of the Hokkaido trip, expressed his dedication to putting his newfound knowledge into practice, saying, “With the insights gained from my Hokkaido experience, I plan to explore the feasibility of agroforestry as a key contributor to sustaining food production in the CNMI. By understanding the crop choices and farming methods of Hokkaido farmers, I am motivated to investigate how agroforestry practices can enhance food security in our region.”
Participants were immersed in the implementation of SDGs at prominent eco-conscious facilities such as Rinkai Clean Park and Calbee Potato Industry. Engaging in cross-cultural collaboration with various recycling facilities, the students honed practical sustainability skills through hands-on activities like paper-making from recycled materials and engaging in in-depth crop analysis and zero-waste processing techniques. Additionally, guided tours of chemical engineering labs fostered dialogue with experts, paving the way for innovative environmental solutions. Exploring renowned landmarks deepened their appreciation of the interplay between culture, environment, and economy. Furthermore, students delved into Chemical Engineering experiments and explored wind power, solar systems, and recycling processes at dedicated facilities including Kitakyushu Eco Town and the Museum of Emerging Sciences and Innovation.
A presenter explains Fukuoka University’s on-campus wastewater recycling system to a group of attentive NextGen students in Fukuoka, Japan, top. Students gather for a group in front of one of the many agriculture farms in Hokkaido, Japan, bottom.
“Cross-cultural learning provides our students with an opportunity to share the regenerative practices we are doing locally with students and faculty from other institutions as well as learn from successful programs and projects in Japan. It’s great that Dr. Sarker has these longstanding collaborative relationships with outstanding scientists and agribusiness professionals from Japan,” stated Interim Dean Patty Coleman.
The success of this event, spanning various locations across Fukuoka and Hokkaido, was made possible through collaborative efforts with key stakeholders and partners, including the University of Guam and Tennessee State University. A key partner of the Fukuoka trip was Fukuoka University. Key partners of the Hokkaido trip included the National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Calbee Company, and Meiji Company.
Professor Mikio Ouchi of Fukuoka University commended the Fukuoka students for their enthusiastic participation throughout their visit, remarking, “It was a pleasure to welcome you and your students to Fukuoka University. I am immensely proud of their active engagement and enjoyment during their stay.”
For more information about the NextGen Program, please contact NextGen Program Manager, Karim Johnson at (670)488-0801 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..