Learning in Diversity

Global Learning Center Administrative Assistants (GLC AAs) are student staff who assist faculty and staff in various tasks related to internationalization at Tohoku University. They are in charge of the International Student Help Desk and also assist guests from abroad.

About Tutors

To help new international students adjust to their environment as quickly as possible, students from the university act as tutors and provide support for school and daily life.
Tutors are appointed each semester by the head of the host department.
They are paid for up to 48 hours of work per semester. They handle important activities with commensurate responsibilities. By helping international students with school life, tutors themselves naturally learn about the language, lifestyle, and culture of other countries and Japan. Some students become interested in studying abroad after participating in tutoring activities. The activities vary depending on the status of the international student, their Japanese language ability, and their laboratory.

Usually, graduate/undergraduate students in the same laboratory as the international student are appointed as tutors, but some faculties and graduate schools also accept applications. If you are interested in this program, please confirm the application period and selection process at the relevant section in your department.
Tutors for the International Program in Liberal Arts (IPLA　) are also available at the Global Learning Center.

Tutor Guidance

Tutor Guidance is available on Google Classroom. The guidance consists of a video explaining the tutoring system and tutoring activities, stories from former tutors, a comprehension test, and other useful materials for tutoring activities. New tutors are required to take this course. Those who are interested in becoming a tutor and those who are interested in tutoring are also welcome to take this course. (Class code: x2qwnok)

IPLANET is a student organization that supports international students participating in the IPLA (International Program in Liberal Arts) short-term study abroad program for humanities and social sciences. Throughout the year, led by the IPLANET leaders, we provide support for the academic and daily lives of IPLA students, as well as promote international exchange through events.

TUSTEM (Tohoku University STEM Student Network) is an international exchange organization established in 2018 with the aim of facilitating exchange between domestic and international students enrolled in STEM faculties and graduate schools. Regardless of nationality, TUSTEM provides various study sessions and networking events to foster interaction among STEM students, as well as supports activities such as Tohoku University's science and engineering exchange programs.

We are the Tohoku University Foreign Students Association (TUFSA), representing all international students enrolled at Tohoku University. TUFSA was established on November 3rd, 1965, and has been active for approximately 60 years. Our aim is to provide a platform for international exchange, strengthen the bond between Tohoku University's international students and Japanese students, and strive to make life in Sendai memorable and unforgettable for all.

In this program, Tohoku University students act as “buddies” or “partners” for international students participating in the Tohoku University Japanese Program (TUJP), a short-term program for students from partner universities overseas that focuses on Japanese language and culture.

1. TUJP Buddy

Interact freely with program participants in small one-on-one or two-on-one groups outside of class (assist with Japanese language/cultural study, answer questions, and provide consultations, etc.).
Activities are scheduled for approximately 2 hours per week during the program.

2. Intercultural Collaborative Learning Class Partners

Partners will engage in intercultural collaborative learning activities, such as group work and discussions, with the program participants. Depending on the content of the program, Partners may participate in PBL done mostly in English, or discussions conducted mainly in easy Japanese.

3. Japanese Language Class Partners

Partners attend Japanese language classes, participate in group work in Japanese, and assist with conversation practice.

Applications for TUJP Buddy Partners will be accepted through the Global Learning Center website.

SLAs (Student Learning Advisers) provide various kinds of learning support services to international students, including Japanese language learning (conversation practice and writing), exchange events, etc., at the Center for Learning Support.

Contact

E-mail: sla-support*grp.tohoku.ac.jp
（please replace the “*” with “@”）

The “International Student Concierge” desk is available at the main library in Kawauchi to help international students use the library and find materials. International student staff members speak English and/or other languages (e.g., Chinese). The desk is open on weekdays during class periods.

Contact

E-mail: gakushi*grp.tohoku.ac.jp
（please replace the “*” with “@”）