国際交流センター長挨拶

Not all classrooms have four walls…let the world be your classroom!

Under our philosophy of "cultivating internationally-minded people," the International Exchange Center offers a variety of overseas study and international exchange opportunities to deepen your studies at the University. By combining the knowledge you have gained from books and classrooms with what you actually experience abroad or through international exchange on campus, you will surely acquire the ability to respond to a globalized society. As you navigate new experiences, we want you to see a new world, a new Japan, and a new self.

The International Exchange Center provides the following key services:

1. We support students who want to study abroad (language study, internships, experiential learning programs);
2. We receive international students from our partners overseas (short-term, long-term programs (SHSU) and internships);
3. We promote international exchange on campus (Chinese speech contests, international events).

Through these activities, our primary mission is to provide students with a realistic experience of international exchange both inside and outside the campus.

Everybody has different motivations for studying abroad and a different view of what they want to experience in life. Personally, I am passionate about studying abroad and gaining international experience. For me, I was motivated to travel to find out what life abroad was like. How do people in other countries think? What do people in other countries eat? How do people in other countries show their feelings? I was curious. During the summer vacation of my freshman year in college I taught children English in Spain and this experience changed my life. The following year, I went to Iceland on a research trip and after graduation, I moved to Japan. I've been here ever since! I want to be able to provide my students with similar life-changing experiences.

It doesn't matter what form of international experience you want to have or for what purpose, if you have any wish to study abroad or to learn more about other cultures, please have the courage to go for it. Efforts to leave your comfort zone are the first steps in international exchange. You will surely find a whole new you.

Please come and visit us at the International Exchange Center, we will do everything we can to support you!