Abstract
The increase in international student mobility signifies a growing recognition of the benefits that international cooperation through education brings. These benefits can be enhanced through innovative education programs that create mutual value for the international student and the host community. This paper gives an example of value co-creation in disaster education where international students work with a local community to improve tourist disaster management plans. The community gained a valuable resource comprising a diverse group of individuals whose characteristics closely match what the community needed. The international students got real life study experience on the important role of community based disaster risk management in ensuring disaster resilience in Japan, and a sense of accomplishment from the meaningful service to the community. This and similar mutually beneficial engagements with the host community can provide greater value if educators can deeply integrate them into the course content.
