[Profile] (Current as of March 2011)
◆Name: Department of International Bio-Business , Faculty of International Agriculture and Food Studies, Tokyo University of Agriculture
◆Location: 1-1-1 Sakuragaoka, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
◆Website: http://www.ics-com.biz/nodai2010/index.html
◆Students Matriculated in Department of International Bio-Business, Faculty of International Agriculture and Food Studies: 851
◆International Students Matriculated in Department of International Bio-Business, Faculty of International Agriculture and Food Studies: 146
◆Countries of Accepted International Students: 29

 

 

[Appeal of the Undergraduate School and Department]
The Department of International Bio-Business is an unusual department even throughout the world in which students learn all about agriculture and food in a technical way with an international outlook. In addition to production, a wide range of knowledge is acquired about processing, distribution, and business, as well as the necessary information and environmental services for their development. There are many international students, and of course ample support is available for international students such as a scholarship system and student dormitories.

 

 

[Introducing Classes]
Practical Management for Bio-Business is a class in which accomplished managers who have graduated from the Tokyo University of Agriculture are invited to give lectures as guest professors about their actual experiences in the food business . Today’s class featured President Seiichi Osada from Cactus Osada Limited . He spoke of his experiences in export and import related to cactus since his graduation from the university. A student asked, “What is the reason you were able to fulfill your dreams?” He finished the lecture by replying with words of encouragement to the students , saying, “I think that stable management is impossible in agriculture. I’m always working as if I were in a venture business, which is probably why I’ve been able to continue up until now. Common sense in Japan can be easily overturned by taking one step outside. Through such experiences, please increase your assets which cannot be stolen away by anyone – in other words, your knowledge and experience which cannot be snatched away by other people.”

 

 

[The International Students Summit]
Once a year, the Bio-Business Department holds the International Students Summit (ISS) and invites university students from the United States, the Netherlands, Indonesia, Thailand, and other countries. In order to consider global food and environmental issues and for the sustainable development of mankind, university students who bear the responsibility for the future of the Earth gather together and symposiums and presentations are given by students. International students at the Tokyo University of Agriculture can also participate on the executive committee, so there are chances for them to make many friends as well.

 

[Student Life]
Three international students were interviewed in regards to student life in the Department of International Bio-Business: Ms. Sores Paloma (Brazil), Mr. Albert Jeronimo (Mexico), and Mr. Gomez Oscar (Mexico) .

 

――What was your reason for studying abroad in Japan?
(P) My grandfather and mother grow flowers. Because my family is involved in agriculture I came to Japan so I could learn agriculture as well. My reason for studying abroad at the Tokyo University of Agriculture is because it was recommended by an alumni association in my own country.
(J) I became interested in Japan due to anime, which a friend taught me about. I also became interested in the Japanese language and started learning Japanese. Since I’ve come to Japan as well, I often have exciting conversations about anime in addition to agriculture with my Japanese friends.

 

――Mr. Jeronimo and Mr. Oscar are on the executive committee for the ISS, is that correct?
(O) The ISS is an event in which university students from all over the world discuss agriculture and the environment. The 2010 Summit was attended by 19 universities from around the world.
(J) I’ve made Japanese friends through the Summit executive committee, and it was a very good experience.

 

――How is daily life in Japan?
(P) The cultures in Japan and my home country are entirely different. I think it’s good to experience other countries in order to have an international point of view. However, the price of living in Japan is high and daily life is a bit difficult. I’ve stood in front of food at the supermarket many times and debated whether or not to buy it after looking at the price.
(O) I think that Japan is an interesting country. I was surprised to see many bicycles being ridden on the sidewalks because this almost never happens in my own country. The climate is entirely different and was hard to get used to at first, particularly the cold winters and humid summers.
(J) My Japanese friends are very punctual. But it’s not just my friends; it’s very convenient that trains and buses come on time. I made a good choice to study abroad in Japan. There are many challenges but I have no regrets.

 

 

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[Profile] (as of November 2010)

◆Name: Rikkyo University, College of Tourism

◆Location: Niiza Campus

1-2-26, Kitano, Niiza-shi, Saitama-ken

◆Website: http://english.rikkyo.ac.jp/

◆Students Matriculated in College of Tourism: 1,632 (undergraduate students: 1,581, graduate students: 51)

◆International Students Matriculated in College of Tourism: 109 total

(Undergraduate students: 58 regular course students, 10 incoming students; graduate students: 31 regular course students, 10 exchange students)

※Incoming students: includes statuses of residence other than “college student”

◆Countries of Accepted International Students: 37 (university total)

 

 

 [Appeal of the Undergraduate School and Department]

The College of Tourism, Rikkyo University began over 60 years ago with the College of Sociology's “Hotel Course.” This department has a long history and has sent many graduates into the tourism industry since its establishment.

In addition, Rikkyo University’s Graduate School of Tourism accepts many international students. The international students in the Graduate School of Tourism make up over half of all total students enrolled at the graduate school.

 

 [Introducing Classes]

This time we will introduce classes in the College of Tourism and Graduate School of Tourism.

In the College of Tourism’s “Tourism Industry Theories” class (Professor Shinichi Shimizu), students think about the structures and future of the tourism industry. For this time class a young employee from a major Japanese travel agent was invited as a guest speaker, allowing students to hear about her experiences. Guidance for finding employment was also given on this day, and many students were wearing business suits. It was very impressive to see the students enthusiastically questioning the guest speaker about job hunting and the travel industry after class.

 

 

The Graduate School of Tourism’s “Tourism Research Project ” (Professor Shuji Iwata, Professor Eiji Keyamura) is a class for finding a research theme that is held from the latter half of the graduate school’s Masters Course. The subject of study of the people in charge of the class, Shuji Iwata and Eiji Keyamura, is not tourism. By hearing the objective suggestions and views of professors from other fields, students can look objectively at their own themes. A presentation was held on this day about a thesis read by international student Ms. SUN YOUNG PARK (Korea). The presenter was given ruthless suggestions by both professors, and these presentations are likely very good practice for foreign students to accurately convey what they want to say to other people.

 

 

 [Student Life]

Three international students were interviewed in regards to the Graduate School of Tourism: Ms. KEE SOOK KIM (Korea), Ms. TING-FANG XIE (China), and Mr. SUN YOUNG PARK (aforementioned).

 

 

―― What sort of graduate school is the Graduate School of Tourism?

(PARK) It’s very enjoyable. You can meet international students from various countries. The professors are strict in class but very nice.

 

―― Why did you choose Rikkyo University’s Graduate School of Tourism?

(PARK) I also majored in tourism at my university in Korea. The school I attended and Rikkyo University are affiliated schools, so I knew of it from the time I was in Korea.

 (XIE) I first entered the College of Tourism. Before entering the school I was studying tourism at a vocational school in Tokyo. A professor there recommended Rikkyo University to me, so I decided to enroll.

 (KIM) I also entered the College of Tourism. I entered the Department of Culture and Tourism Studies, but I wanted to study tourism and communication in a more broad way so I continued on to the Graduate School of Tourism.

 

―― What are your plans after graduation?

 (XIE) I would like to find a job in tourism or marketing, and to have a career in which I can make use of the specialized knowledge I learned in graduate school. After working at a corporation, my goal is to start my own business.

 (KIM) I would like to continue researching. After graduating I intend to research overseas Chinese merchants and people of Chinese descent in China, and then earn my doctoral degree. After that I would like to work in China in a job related to tourism.

 

――Any messages to people who are going to study in Japan?

 (PARK) To everyone who has worked hard to create a path to Japan: please continue doing your best when you come to Japan!

(XIE) The university system in your own country and Japan are entirely different. If you have a goal and want to learn, please come to Japan. You will certainly be able to do what you want to.

(KIM) Please don’t be overly influenced by other people. If you don’t lose sight of yourself and proceed forward, paths will open up for you!

 

 

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[Profile] (as of October 2010)
◆Name: Shobi University, Faculty of Arts Information, School of Information Expression
◆Location: 655, Shimomatsubara, Kawagoe-shi, Saitama-ken
◆Website: http://www.shobi-u.ac.jp/ (In Japanese Only)
◆Students Matriculated in Faculty of Arts Information, School of Information Expression: 757
International students: 51
◆Countries of Accepted International Students: 8

 

 

 

 

[School Highlights]

There are 5 special fields in this school – sound, images, CG/art, information/games, and web application. Students may select curriculums from a number of fields in accordance with their interests and goals.
There are many classes (exercise classes and practical training) using leading-edge equipments that allows all to learn thoroughly from the basics. After graduation, students will have enough potential to actively work in the media industry.

 

 

 

 

 

[Introducing Classes]
In the “Studio Program Production” class, students learn how to make TV programs in the university’s studio that looks almost like a TV station. Through program production, the necessary roles are taught in a practical manner. For this occasion, the students studied the mechanism of the TV camera and each was given a role to produce a variety show. There was a floor director, an announcer, and person in charge of lighting among many other roles. Mr.PRASERTSAN PASAKORN (sophomore), an international student from Thailand, looked very serious and somewhat confused since it was his first time learning how to operate a TV camera.

 

 

 

 

[Winner of Japan Game Awards – Amateur Division]

The action game titled “Charlotte” which was created by “Team Charlie,” a group made up of a number of students from the School of Information Expression, won the Award for Excellence in the Amateur Division of the Japan Game Awards 2010. In the classroom called “Game Laboratory,” students and Professor Ryuichi Nogami, one of the creators of Square Enix’s “Final Fantasy” and “Racing Lagoon,” were found discussing about commercializing the game they have developed. By getting advice from Professor Nogami who has considerable experience producing many games in the game industry, the students put their heads together in improving their game.
In 2009, “Hoshipocha” created by LE KHANH HUY (senior), an international student from Vietnam, received an honorable mention i in the Amateur Division of the Japan Game Awards.

 

Click here to download “Charlotte”:
http://www.vector.co.jp/soft/winnt/game/se486047.html (In Japanese Only)

 

 

 

[Studying in Japan]
Three international students in the School of Information Expression were interviewed in regards to studying in Japan: Ms. JEONG MI YOUNG (senior from Korea), Mr. PRASERTSAN PASAKORN (aforementioned), and Mr. LE KHANH HUY (aforementioned).
――Why did you come to Japan?
(M) I’ve always been attracted to Japanese TV dramas which are different from Korean dramas since the story is concluded within a set number of episodes – no matter what drama it may be. In Korea, stories are added along the way if a drama becomes popular so it ends up getting really long.
(P) I saw “TV Champion,” a Japanese program which was broadcasted in Thailand, and felt that I, too, wanted to make something like this! That’s why I came to Japan.

――What do you like about Shobi University?
(M) All the leading-edge equipments and facilities are available. That’s why I’m not complaining even if the tuition is a bit expensive (laughs).
(P) The teachers and students are all so nice that they really help me out if there is something I don’t understand.
(K) There are so many things you can learn here, so you can find what you really would like to do.

――How do you feel about living in Japan?
(M) Time flies so quickly that I’d like to have about 30 hours a day.
(K) You can experience all the seasons. I really like it when the cherry blossoms bloom.

――Any message to people who would like to study in Japan?
(M) It’s not going to work out unless you prepare yourself to never give up until your goal is accomplished. Please find the field you’re interested in to study in Japan.
(K) Japan has lots of strengths since it’s a country that is advanced in many fields.
(P) The Japanese people are very nice. Living here may not be so easy but friends will help you. Let’s work hard together.

 

 

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[Profile] (as of June 2010)

◆Name: Waseda University

Graduate School of Japanese Applied Linguistics

◆Location: 1-7-14 Nishi-Waseda, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-8050

◆Website: http://www.waseda.jp/gsjal/english.html

◆Students Matriculated in Master’s and Doctoral Programs: 154

◆International Students: 63

◆Countries of Accepted International Students: 8

 

 

 

[Appeal of the Undergraduate School and Department]

The Waseda University Graduate School of Japanese Applied Linguistics (GSJAL) was established in 2001 as a graduate school for the study of Japanese language education.

There are fourteen full-time faculty members who can research various fields in Japanese language education.

 

 

Investigating Japanese Language Education Theory

In order to engage in Japanese language education, one needs not only basic knowledge ranging from linguistics to pedagogy, but also a broad understanding of language acquisition, language policy, language education and more.

One must stand in the student’s shoes and have a perspective on what setting and organization is required to stimulate action in order to better connect that vast amount of knowledge with Japanese language education. At GSJAL’s research center, the latest research results within our area of study are announced through academic societies and research papers, while they are also incorporated into the curriculum, thus providing a comprehensive Japanese language educator training program.

 

 

Combining Practice and Theory

Under the “Japanese language education research method,” different professors come each time to conduct lectures with the goal of instilling academic literacy in order to advance Japanese language education research, such as in awareness about research and how to write research papers. On this day’s lecture led by Professor Hideo Hosokawa, group discussions were held on the topic of “conducting research and writing research papers.”

 

Japanese Language Education Field Research, a required course, is a field research subject in which thirteen faculty members including Professor Yoko Tateoka hold Japanese language lectures at the neighboring Center for Japanese Language. Meanwhile, students observe classes led by full-time GSJAL faculty and are allowed to lead courses as instructors-in-training. Supervisory instructors are also present who provide guidance in field work courses held following field work.

Furthermore, a variety of social activities are performed at GSJAL and the school helps with Japanese language education activities in multicultural areas of Japan: Shinjuku, Sumida and Meguro Wards, Tokyo, as well as Suzuka, Mie Prefecture.

 

 

 

At GSJAL, where many international students are enrolled, students are provided with ample information on scholarships. In the 2009 academic year, 78% of all privately financed international students in both the Master’s and Doctoral programs received scholarships.

Korean-born Eunjin Shin was enrolled at GSJAL in the Master’s program from April 2004 through March 2010 and led Japanese language lectures as an academic staff member. She is now working as an assistant at the Center for Japanese Language. “At GSJAL, you can not only conduct field work on Japanese language education, but also pursue in-depth research in your field. Multiculturalism is a word we often seem to hear, but most Japanese language teachers are native Japanese, so it is not quite yet a multicultural profession. I hope that there will be many more non-native Japanese language teachers in the future and that the profession will become more multicultural. To make that happen, I am paving the way for foreign Japanese language teachers. I want to show the world the Japanese language while I also show people the world through the Japanese language that I love so much.”

 

Read Ms. Shin’s research paper here (in Japanese):

http://dspace.wul.waseda.ac.jp/dspace/bitstream/2065/5836/1/30316_42.pdf

 

 

 

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[Profile] (as of April 1, 2010)
◆Name: Meiji University, School of Global Japanese Studies
◆Location: School of Global Studies Office
1-9-1, Eifuku, Suginami-ku, Tokyo 168-8555
◆URL: http://www.meiji.ac.jp/nippon/
◆Total number of students: 1,052
◆Total number of international students: 141
◆Number of international students’ countries of origin: 16 (including exchange students)

 

 

[Features of the School/Department ]
This is where you can learn about the culture of Japan that is currently garnering attention as well as social systems that serve as its informational source.
We also concentrate our efforts into international education that offers intensive English education and the opportunity to correctly understand different cultures.
Since we are aware that “Japan is a member of the global community,” we strive to nurture true cosmopolitans who are able to actively introduce a variety of information to the world. From the third year, the curriculum is divided into two courses: Japanese Culture Program and Japanese Social Systems Program. In the Japanese Culture Program, students are introduced to the modern culture that includes films, theater, Manga, and TV dramas as well as the country’s traditional culture that serves as the base. Meanwhile, the Japanese Social Systems Program is where an extensive look at modern Japan’s companies, industries, and social systems sending information pertaining to Japanese cultures such as business culture, contents industry, and mass media can be experienced.

 

 

The Japanese Culture Program’s “Manga Culture ” is taught by Associate Professor Hirohito Miyamoto who illustrates stories from various viewpoints by covering actual Manga. This class gives students the opportunity to think about how changes in ideas and social transitions affect Manga. Associate Professor Miyamoto’s character and his unique way of speaking are also reasons why many are attracted to this class.

 

“Practical International Studies ” is taught by Professor Keizo Yamawaki. Students work together with the professor to organize and conduct the annual “School of Global Japanese Studies – Dean’s Cup Speech Contest .”

 

In this contest, international students from foreign countries deliver their speeches in Japanese while Japanese students do so in English. By cooperating with international students to accomplish a common goal, this class offers students a firsthand experience of international interaction. Kana Fukuzai (junior), one of the contest participants, commented, “As a part of my school’s program, I was given the opportunity to study abroad in the United States for four months, which dramatically changed my way of thinking regarding minorities. I began thinking that I would like to understand and help such people. To promote this thought of mine, I decided to participate in this speech contest.”

[Towards Globalization]
Not only do we accept international student but also provide study abroad programs. Among them, the one that includes a six-month internship at Walt Disney World® in Florida, U.S.A. is popular among the students. After passing the school’s screening and being chosen by Disney World’s selection committee, 11 students participated in this program in 2009. For the year 2010, 27 students are scheduled to participate.

 

 

Mak Hoilin (junior) from Hong Kong who worked at the front desk of Disney World’s hotel said, “Through this program, I was able to meet many people from different countries which stirred my interest of the hotel industry. Although I sometimes had a hard time communicating with guests because of the language barrier, I nevertheless was able to once again experience the joy of interacting with people. I would like to work somewhere where I can utilize my language skills after graduating from college.”

 

 

 

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