Date: October 5, 2021

Place: Global House, Kobe Campus for Commerce, the University of Hyogo.

(From left) Former RA Yu Chieh Kuo, Professor Saddam Kahlid, former RA Shen Qianhui, and RA Takumi Sugimura.

*RA: Resident Assistant at the Global House (International Students Dormitory).

Question 1
Please tell us about your teaching experience at the University of Hyogo. How does it feel about teaching GBC students who came from various countries and backgrounds?

Professor Saddam:
It has been a great opportunity and I enjoy teaching at the University of Hyogo. But, at the same time, my current experience is pretty different compared to working in my country Pakistan. Professors in Japan have more resources for students. Also, I would say that the University of Hyogo provides students with a pleasant and comfortable academic environment.

The diversity of GBC students significantly enriches my teaching experience. But I must confess that I sometimes find it a bit challenging when I stand in front of many international and Japanese students. It feels like interacting with a small United Nations session.

Diversity in the class can be very rewarding. I learn from my students while I teach them. They keep surprising me with their outstanding ideas, diverse perspectives and excellent answers. I think that lecturing brings me closer to them and always motivates me to improve my classes.

Question 2
What are your thoughts about the impacts of Covid-19 on higher education? What do you think of teaching online?

Professor Saddam:
From my point of view, the COVID-19 pandemic pushed educators around the world to think of alternative teaching methods. Since we could not conduct face-to-face classes, my colleagues started teaching online. It was a new experience for teachers and students. We had to rely on technology so students could attend classes even virtually.

I prefer seeing and interacting with my students in person. Not to mention that teaching online requires more equipment such as a laptop, stable internet connection, software, cameras and so on. On top of that, it is hard to get to know students' reactions since internet connection problems frequently occur.

Question 3
What is your advice for students who want to become entrepreneurs in the future?

Professor Saddam:
Many academic works discuss entrepreneurship and classify entrepreneurs, and I always encourage my students to read them. But let me tell you that no matter what kind of entrepreneur you are planning to become, now is the right time to start planing and even start taking action if you have the means. Also, students who want to be entrepreneurs need to equip themselves with the necessary skills and mindset. The university can be a solid platform to help students start preparing for their future goals. So, if you have an idea in mind, do not be afraid of discussing it with others, stop hesitating and procrastinating, make good use of your as a student and go ahead and start!