Temple University, Japan Campus (TUJ) hosted a training program for Japanese university staff and faculty from June 22 to July 3, with the support of the U.S. Embassy. Applications came in from both public and private universities, and 29 select administrators from Japanese institutions throughout the nation participated in this 12-day training program held both in Japan and the U.S. Selection criteria comprised of not only English proficiency but also the applicant’s role in the university at the front line of its internationalization. This program is one of TUJ’s initiatives to contribute to the internationalization of higher education in Japan, and it is a continuation of last year’s symposium “American University Administration and Global Competition” held at the U.S. Embassy.
Using Temple as an example of a university pushing its internationalization both in Japan and the U.S., participants learned the American university administration practices at the Japan campus in Tokyo and the main campus in Philadelphia, as well as in Washington D.C., providing them with a basis for deep discussions and understandings of internationalization. All the costs including training fees, transportation, and accommodation were covered by a grant from the U.S. Embassy.
The program in Japan was held from June 22 to 24 at the TUJ campus and International House of Japan in Tokyo. Mr. Jeffrey Adler, Deputy Cultural Affairs Officer of the U.S. Embassy, remarked at the opening session, “…..As experts in the field of study abroad, you will play a critical role in making this vision (doubling the number of student exchange between the U.S. and Japan by 2020) a reality.” A number of lectures were given by TUJ administrators with various themes including a lecture on comparative studies on organization structures in Japanese and U.S. higher education institutions by Dean Bruce Stronach. The program also invited a guest speaker, Chancellor Mariko Bando of Showa Women’s University for the keynote lecture “Challenge and opportunity for higher education at Japanese universities.” In breakout sessions, the participants shared their experiences and concerns with TUJ staff and faculty about four different topics: (i) academic advising, (ii) student services and counseling, (iii) admissions, and (iv) career development and internships.
The program in the U.S. was held from June 25 to July 3. Participants spent the first four days at Temple University’s main campus in Philadelphia, attending a variety of lectures on U.S. higher education administrative infrastructure and strategic planning, Temple’s academic support initiatives, global partnership programs, support for international students, faculty development and pedagogy, and risk management systems. In breakout sessions, four more themes were added to the ones conducted in the Tokyo workshops, including (v) study abroad, (vi) international recruitment and admissions, (vii) institutional research (IR) and evaluation, and (viii) research. Participants engaged in lively discussions, sharing their views and experiences to get ideas on tackling issues faced at each of their institutions. On the last day of the program, the delegation visited Washington D.C. and exchanged views with officials at the U.S. Department of Education and the Japanese Embassy.
The participants learned through the “real voices” of American university administrators – not only by examples and theories, but sharing practices — to stay globally competitive. Participant feedback included, “I would like to share the knowledge I gained with my colleagues and try my best to contribute to the internationalization of our university,” “This program should be provided to people in upper management in order to maximize the impact,” “Although I did not have any specific ideas for beneficial changes before the training, I received some tips on how I should address challenges.”
“Training Program for the Internationalization of Japanese Universities”
Supported by a U.S. Embassy Grant
Temple University, Japan Campus
- Dates:
- June 22 – July 3
- Places:
- TUJ campus and International House of Japan in Tokyo (6/22-24) / Temple University’s main campus in Philadelphia and Washington D.C.(6/25 – 7/3)
- Participating Universities and Organizations:
- Aichi Shukutoku University, Aoyama Gakuin University, Osaka Gakuin University, Osaka University of Economics, Kansai Gaidai University, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Kyorin University, Kokugakuin University, International University of Japan, Seisen University, Showa Women’s University, Sophia University, Daito Bunka University, Chuo University, Tokai University, University of Tokyo, Doshisha University, Toyo Eiwa University, Toyo University, Nagoya University, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Hosei University, Matsumoto University, Miyagi University, Musashi University, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Yamagata University, Yamanashi Gakuin University, Waseda University
