Be Global Project

 

　Study Abroad Assistance

Online Study Abroad Platform Project

The main objective of this project is to develop an educational platform for online study abroad that will broaden the definition of international education exchange in response to the "new normal" in the post-pandemic world while addressing some of the disparities inherent to traditional study abroad programs. By adding a new educational platform for "online study abroad" to our existing educational exchange framework, we hope to broaden and diversify international learning opportunities, contributing to the internationalization of Tohoku University and its students. To achieve these aims, the project will implement the following four initiatives.

I. Short Online Overseas Study Programs:
・About 60 students participated in the 2020 Summer Short Online Overseas Study Programs. The primary programs were the University of Montana Program in the US (20 students) and Universiti Malaya Program in Malaysia (6 students —4 in the English course, 2 in the social sciences course). The students not only studied foreign languages, but also developed a global mindset through online exchange and collaborative projects with students from both the host universities and around the world. Our university provides substantial academic and financial support, while contributing to the students' studies by offering credit for the program.

・For the 2021 spring short online study curriculum, we worked with top level overseas partner schools to expand our 2–3 week online programs. About 160 students participated in the online study curriculum. With 18 students in the University of Hawaiʻi program (USA), 13 in the University of Waterloo program (Canada), 19 in the University of York program (England), 29 in the University of California, Davis program (USA), and 8 in the Universiti Malaya program (Malaysia), we were able to offer a diversity of programs and encourage international learning among the students.

・We are also providing fine-grained learning and financial support. For example, we are offering the Pre-enrollment Overseas Bridging Training Program in an online format for successful AO (comprehensive screening) examinees, expanding eligibility to successful examinees of this academic year's AO term III exam, and increasing the quota to 60. In AY 2020 the number of applicants greatly exceeded the quotas, with 40 participating in the University of California, Riverside program (USA) and 20 in the University of York (England) program.

II. Online Overseas Exchange Programs:
・We have created a system for online exchange with our overseas partner schools. This system enables students enrolled at Tohoku University to take subjects, particularly specialized classes, in a wide range of fields at world-leading overseas universities, and receive credit at Tohoku University.

・We will provide information on online study abroad at an early stage through study abroad seminars and orientations. Support for all participants will be provided through enhanced support systems and students will be able to consult with an adviser anytime they like during their exchange.

*Policies and procedures for receiving credit vary depending on the department. Please check these before applying for online study abroad.

III. New Overseas Exchange Programs:

・We inaugurated the Virtual Exchange Program to enable online exchange studies through the APRU consortium, which is composed of leading Pacific Rim schools. In the 2020 fall term, 15 students from our university and 6 from 3 partner schools in APRU —University of Oregon (USA), Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (China), Korea University (Korea)— participated in this challenging online program. In the 2021 spring term, 8 students from our university and 7 from 5 other schools —University of Oregon (USA), Universidad San Francisco de Quito (Ecuador), Tecnológico de Monterrey (Mexico), University of Chile (Chile), Zhejiang University (China)— are participating.

・In AY 2021 we opened the program to non-partner APRU members, and are moving forward in collaborations with other influential consortia to promote online learning on a larger scale.

IV. Online Support for Study Abroad Preparation:
・Online assistance with study abroad preparation is being offered to help students take concrete steps toward actually studying abroad. We are expanding the "Study abroad Preparatory Seminar" within our extracurricular ICT-based learning system and cooperating with Global Learning Center/Student Exchange Division instructors and staff who have study abroad experience to conduct seminars that promote study abroad. These provide students with opportunities to think about questions such as "what does studying abroad entail?" and "what should I do during my university years to engage with global/diverse communities?"

・In AY 2020 we conducted over 20 "Study Abroad Information Seminars," "Study Abroad and Career Seminars", and "Study Abroad and Competency Seminars." Among these, 196 students participated in online career seminars that featured employed persons with study abroad experience. Further, 148 participated in online events that enabled interaction between Tohoku University students and students from overseas partner schools.

・In first term AY 2021, we are holding an overseas study abroad fair in April, featuring a panel discussion on the theme of employees/models for employees engaging with increasingly international and diverse communities. It features HR directors from international enterprises, instructors from our university, and students with study abroad experience. Additionally, we will provide information on online study abroad and study abroad advising. As per last year, we will hold "Study Abroad Information Seminars," "Study Abroad and Career Seminars," and "Study Abroad and Competency Seminars."

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　Intercultural Collaborative Learning for Japanese & International Students

Making Overseas Connections with the Intercultural Collaborative Learning Project

Tohoku University leads international education, both domestically and abroad, through its Intercultural Collaborative Learning Project, which connects students around the world through collaborative discussions and projects. Intercultural Collaborative Learning aims to pave the way to learning experiences that generate new values while using meaningful interaction to foster mutual understanding among students of different linguistic and cultural backgrounds. By incorporating online collaborative learning in a field where in-person classes were the norm, we are providing students a broad learning space that transcends geographical restrictions.

I. Constructing an Online Intercultural Collaborative Learning Platform:
・Tohoku University began a new form of online Intercultural Collaborative Learning seminar in AY 2020. Domestic and international students, both from our university and invited from overseas partner schools, with diverse cultural/linguistic backgrounds formed teams and worked on collaborative projects. As of now, we have held classes in which students present case studies on the status of the COVID-19 pandemic and its countermeasures in various countries, classes where students conduct projects aimed at contributing to their universities and regional communities, and more. This year too we will further develop collaborative learning projects that expand the potential of online intercultural collaboration.

・We plan to offer information on best practices via a Intercultural Collaborative Learning website to enhance training and support related to Intercultural Collaborative Learning for not only our university, but university instructors/staff at other schools in Japan and abroad.

II. Student Support Staff for Intercultural Collaborative Learning Classes:
・The student support team is indispensable in connecting students with class instructors to ensure Intercultural Collaborative Learning classes proceed smoothly. All support team members are students who have experience of studying in Intercultural Collaborative Learning to provide student-focused assistance to the class instructors and students. Facilitating collaborative learning among culturally diverse students is an educational experience that fosters personal growth among the support staff as well.

 

For more details:・What is Intercultural Collaborative Learning?

 

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　Digital Global Education Program

FGL Course/Digital Globalization Project

This is a pilot project for implementing future online promotion (PR), admissions, support, and education at Tohoku University. We will establish, expand, and develop the following four items in our Future Global Leadership Undergraduate Courses (FGL). These will contribute to the recruitment of exceptional international students, improvement of educational opportunities for FGL and Japanese students, development of international perspective, and the fostering of global leaders.

I. FGL Pre-enrollment Program:
・This is a preparatory that aims to transition FGL students, who arrive from a variety of educational curricula around the world, from high school to university. Under the supervision of FGL instructors, current students from the FGL course and/or science/engineering programs help soon-to-enroll students improve their basic science/math proficiency.

・Starting with fall 2021 entrants, a formal subject, titled "Expansion Subject/Current Topics: Fundamentals of Interdisciplinary STEM Seminar" (2 credits), consisting of pre-enrollment online instruction and post-enrollment practical training, will be offered.

II. Expanded Online Promotional Activities:
・We are conducting online study abroad seminars worldwide in order to attract exceptional international students. Until now, we have appointed current FGL students as "student ambassadors" to conduct promotional activities in their home countries and alma maters. We are expanding this effort into the virtual space and holding online program seminars to publicize the merits of Tohoku University and the FGL Program.

・In AY 2020, some 13 "ambassadors" together with FGL instructors conducted promotional activities in 18 countries in the local languages for over 1,200 participants.

III. Intercultural Co-Learning Seminar on Digital Entrepreneurship:
・In AY 2020, we offered an Introductory Seminar (in English) to FGL students instructed by staff from a local IT company. The students learned about fundamental VR/AR and practical game design and development. At the final presentations, which simulated a business contest, students experienced the process of trying to start an IT-related business through their game development presentations.

・In AY 2021, we further expanded the seminar course above and began offering this course open to both FGL students and domestic students participating in the TGL program etc. We anticipate that students from different academic, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds will participate.

IV. Online Support for Study Abroad Preparation:
・Online assistance with study abroad preparation is being offered to help students take concrete steps toward actually studying abroad. We are expanding the "Study abroad Preparatory Seminar" within our extracurricular ICT-based learning system and cooperating with Global Learning Center/Student Exchange Division instructors and staff who have study abroad experience to conduct seminars that promote study abroad. These provide students with opportunities to think about questions such as "what does studying abroad entail?" and "what should I do during my university years to engage with global/diverse communities?"

・In AY 2020 we conducted over 20 "Study Abroad Information Seminars," "Study Abroad and Career Seminars", and "Study Abroad and Competency Seminars." Among these, 196 students participated in online career seminars that featured employed persons with study abroad experience. Further, 148 participated in online events that enabled interaction between Tohoku University students and students from overseas partner schools.

・In first term AY 2021, we are holding an overseas study abroad fair in April, featuring a panel discussion on the theme of employees/models for employees engaging with increasingly international and diverse communities. It features HR directors from international enterprises, instructors from our university, and students with study abroad experience. Additionally, we will provide information on online study abroad and study abroad advising. As per last year, we will hold "Study Abroad Information Seminars," "Study Abroad and Career Seminars," and "Study Abroad and Competency Seminars."

 

For more details:・Future Global Leadership Program - Undergraduate degree courses taught in English

　　

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Tohoku University Online Short Program Development Project

We will develop and implement an online version of the Tohoku University Japanese Program (TUJP), which is an inbound short program that was formerly conducted on campus. By conducting this program online, we can offer learning opportunities to overseas students who cannot study abroad due to various circumstances and to Tohoku University students who desire interaction with international students. Our goal is to build an international educational environment that will attract excellent students from abroad, and contribute to the nurturing of global professionals among our existing students. To achieve these aims, the project will implement the following two policies.

I. Online Tohoku University Japanese Program (TUJP):
・This is a short-term program built around the theme of "Discover the 'Real' Japan from Home." It is focused on learning Japanese language through lively, original teaching materials. It also offers problem-based learning in cooperation with Tohoku University students, and many opportunities for interaction with same. Providing a novel approach to learning, it enables participants to learn about the living Japanese language, experience Japan's culture, and interact with our students, all from their home countries.

・We conducted two terms: TUJP1 (December 1–14, 2020 ) and TUJP2 (January 13–February 2, 2021). There were 35 participants total from China, Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. Tohoku University students were assigned to each participant as "buddies" (tutors) to facilitate learning and exchange activities, and participate in the Japanese classes as volunteers. It was an excellent learning opportunity for our students too, given that they cannot go abroad at this time.

II. Developing Short Programs for the New Normal:
From the 2021 academic year, we will expand both online and on-campus short programs for the mid- and post-COVID-19 eras. We will diversify the duration, timing, and content of the programs to meet the needs of our partner schools and participating students. We will provide learning opportunities to more students by preparing a range of program choices to suit their individual situations with regard to tuition fees, academic calendar, and physical distance. In the first term of 2021, we are conducting three terms of TUJP: TUJP1 (May 10–21), TUJP2 (May 27–June 16), and TUJP3 (June 21–July 16). We are also developing teaching materials in anticipation of being able to conduct on-campus TUJP.

 

For more details: ・TUJP

 

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Tohoku University Online International Exchange Program

We accept online international exchange students. In addition to the Junior Year Program in English (JYPE) and International Program in Liberal Arts (IPLA), we accept online international students through the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) framework. By swiftly adopting this new format of student exchange via online technology in the mid/post-COVID-19 period, we will accelerate international educational exchange.

I. Junior Year Program in English (JYPE):

・From the second term of 2020 we added research department activities incorporating online learning to this program. Besides creating a research/education venue where students can more effectively pursue their specializations, the program accepts international students from overseas partner schools around the world as a site of cultural/knowledge exchange, benefiting instructors and domestic students too. We are preparing world-class research projects in which international students can participate from their home countries.

II. International Program in Liberal Arts (IPLA)

・In the 1st term of 2021, IPLA accepted 25 online exchange students. They were offered over 20 online subjects, not limited to Japanese language but also including Intercultural Co-Learning classes incorporating collaborative learning with Japanese students, and specialized subjects. Fine-grained support was provided by Tohoku University instructors who advised the international students, and Japanese students who were assigned as individual tutors.

・There is a support organization for IPLA students, called IPLANET, that plans exchange events and coordinates Tohoku University campus life experiences in which students can participate from their home countries.

III. New Online Exchange Student Admissions
・Our university participates in the APRU Virtual Student Exchange Program (APRU VSE) initiated by APRU, which is a consortium of major universities in the Pacific Rim region. From the 1st term of 2021, admissions eligibility was expanded to all member universities of APRU. We held 10 subjects, and admitted 21 students from 8 APRU member universities in 5 countries.

・Hereafter, we plan to increase admissions for online exchange study and develop new forms of educational exchange in cooperation with other influential consortia.

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　International Student Support

International student support via the Peer Support Project

This project will provide international students an even greater level of fine-grained support by establishing a mutual student support (peer support) system for the pandemic and post-pandemic periods. It will evolve along with the new mixed offline/online lifestyle required by the times, contributing to the internationalization of our university. Moreover, it will further foster global professional skills among students involved in providing support to international students. To achieve these aims, the project will implement the following three policies.

I. Creation/Operation of the International Online Help Desk:
・The International Student Help Desk, which offers peer support from student staff, was expanded to the online space in June 2020. It provides fine-grained support via prompt email responses etc. to individual questions/counseling requests from international students. It also conducted online seminars and workshops to provide guidance on government Special Cash Payment applications, the National Pension System, and procedures for international students before returning to their home countries. In addition, it publishes videos for prospective Tohoku University students containing campus tours, explanations of university programs, etc. It publishes videos for "Welcome Week," a student life assistance program aimed at new international students, as well.

・Starting April 2021, the Online Help Desk will provide expanded support in the form of a live Q&A service and series of live sessions for Welcome Week. We will continue to monitor the situation and trends in hybrid online/in-person support to improve our various support offerings as appropriate.

II. New Structure for the IPLANET Student Exchange and Support Organization:

As the International Program in Liberal Arts (IPLA) expands, we have employed and trained 6 student staff members with strong leadership skills as "IPLANET Leaders" from within IPLANET (IPLA's student exchange/support organization). In 2nd term 2020, they held lively exchange activities, such as monthly events and the Global Cafe, for the 11 IPLA students. In 1st term 2021, we expect to enroll 29 online IPLA students. The IPLANET Leaders will continue to actively implement events while preparing hybrid online/on-campus exchange and support for the future.

 

III. International Student Support in Cooperation with Campus Departments/Centers:
・We began a mailing list to improve cooperation with departmental international affairs office instructors/staff and accelerate the formation of an information sharing network. We also coordinated with the Center for Service Learning and Extracurricular Activities to hold the 6th online introductory class on volunteer work, "Overseas Support and International Exchange." In addition, we conducted a lecture on the current situation for international students and international student support during SLA (Student Learning Advisor) in cooperation with the Center for Learning Support. This was an opportunity for participants unfamiliar with international exchange to deepen their understanding of it and international student support. Furthermore, we jointly held online events for about 40 participants with the Tohoku Innovation Human Resources Development Consortium (DATEntre).

・Hereafter, we will work even more closely with our diverse stakeholders to build international student support systems and develop mutual assistance activities through collaboration with student support organizations and staff.

For more details:・International Student Help Desk（English）
　　　　　　　　　・IPLA

 

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