The International Student Center was established in May 1996 as an institution stipulated by regulations of the Ministry of Education (presently the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology). Twelve years have now passed and the number of international students continues to increase. As of June 2008, approximately 350 international students are studying at Gifu University.
The objectives of the International Student Center are multifold: to offer Japanese language and studies courses for international students, to offer courses in cross-cultural understanding courses, to provide international students with guidance and counseling in their studies and daily life, to provide Japanese students with guidance in their overseas studies and prior language training, to contribute and promote exchange activities for international students, and to conduct researches in these areas.
Another important objective is to report our results of education and research back to the community, such as holding open seminars and Japanese education courses. The International Student Center has been working hard to carry out these diverse activities.
Globalization is rapidly progressing these days and our environment is undergoing a great changes. While we also benefit much from it. Nowadays, we cannot have an understanding of our societies’ production activities and lifestyles without considering international relationships. Our urgent task, therefore, is to train people who can understand and cope with various cultures and societies.
We believe that the International Student Center assumes an important role in this respect and we aim to make steady progress in that role.
Koji Kobayashi
Director
International Student Center
Gifu University
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