Keisen University Students Visit Life Lab: A Cross-Cultural Garden Experience

February 2025

Life Lab had the pleasure of welcoming students from Keisen University, a women’s college in Japan dedicated to agriculture and peace, for five days of hands-on learning, cultural exchange, and exploration.

Their visit began with a tour of the Life Lab Garden Classroom and the UCSC Farm, where they experienced our approach to garden-based education and discovered how outdoor learning spaces can inspire young minds. They then attended an agroecology lecture from a researcher at the UCSC Center for Agroecology, deepening their understanding of sustainable food systems.

Beyond Life Lab, their itinerary included a visit to Pacific School’s FoodLab and garden program, followed by a taste of Santa Cruz with locally roasted coffee. They explored the city’s scenic coastline and vibrant downtown before immersing themselves in the Santa Cruz Farmers’ Market, witnessing firsthand how our community fosters connections between people, plants, and food.

Sharing our garden and community with these students was a truly enriching experience, strengthening global connections through nature and food. We look forward to welcoming more cultural exchanges in the future!