Message from the Director

Since being renamed in the 2023 academic year, the International Student Exchange Center has served as a central hub for the “globalisation of education” at our university, strengthening both the acceptance of international students and the overseas dispatch of Japanese students.

At present, our university maintains partnerships with approximately 70 universities worldwide and hosts around 200 international students on campus. The acceptance of teacher-training students, as well as Japanese Language and Culture Programme students, that have continued since 1985, is a proud tradition of our institution and a valuable source of networks connecting educational settings around the globe. At the Center, we provide not only specialised academic instruction and daily life support for these students, but also opportunities to deepen their understanding of Japan from multiple perspectives through activities such as observing traditional performing arts and engaging with local communities.

These daily accumulations of learning are not solely for the benefit of international students. They also offer invaluable experiences for our own students, who study alongside them, as they prepare for future roles in education. Today, the educational environment surrounding us is becoming increasingly diverse. Whether students immerse themselves in different cultures abroad or learn together with international peers on campus, these experiences go beyond mere memories of student life. Rather, they become a driving force as educators—enabling them to support and guide children from diverse backgrounds with empathy and a broad perspective.

Furthermore, for students aspiring to contribute to society in educational support roles, a global perspective is essential. Experiences of engaging in dialogue and collaboration with people who hold different values provide a solid foundation for personal growth and for envisioning new forms of education in our rapidly changing world.

“International exchange in teacher education” is not limited to learning languages and cultures. It is, above all, the process of striving to understand others who are different from oneself. I am confident that such experiences will become a vital asset for all of you as you shape the future of education.

The operation of this Center is made possible through the generous support of many individuals both within and outside the university. We sincerely ask for your continued understanding and cooperation so that our students—who will lead the next generation—can grow significantly by spreading their wings from this place to the world, and by welcoming the world in return.

April 2026
KIMURA Mamoru
Director, International Student Exchange Center