Student Exchange Activities
*Information related to faculty members/students and graduate schools at Gifu University here are all that of the time of interviewing.
We offer diverse opportunities for international exchange.
In the internationalization promoted by Gifu University, the role of student exchanges is to provide valuable opportunities to learn about diversity, different languages and cultures, and different ways of thinking. We aim to produce as many graduates as possible who have acquired the ability to succeed globally.
The Study Abroad Promotion Division of the Gifu University Organization for Promotion of Glocalization (GU-GLOCAL), which advocates for community-based internationalization, is working to provide opportunities for international student exchanges. One of these initiatives is a summer school program that accepts students from overseas universities with which we have academic exchange agreements, allowing them to learn about the unique characteristics of the local community. Every year, about 10 students come to Japan to participate in this program. By having Gifu University students take on volunteer roles in the program's operation, we are creating more opportunities for student interaction.
Additionally, for current students, we offer short-term study abroad programs every year during summer and spring breaks. These programs include English training at partner universities abroad, such as the University of Alberta in Canada, Griffith University in Australia, and the University of California, Davis in the United States. The English training includes 'English as a Second Language' (ESL, general English courses) and 'English for Science and Technology' (EST, science-specific English courses), with almost all students participating. Since ESL and EST are language training programs for non-native English speakers, interactions with local students are limited. Therefore, we work with local staff to create opportunities for interaction with local university students, increasing contact between them.
In the future, we aim to further expand study abroad opportunities and enhance program content for both inbound and outbound students. However, there are many students who find it difficult to study abroad due to financial reasons. Therefore, we are working to increase opportunities for international exchange on campus, such as recruiting volunteers for summer school, and enhancing international exchange using online tools so that more students can engage in international exchange. This year, we plan to implement a remote program where students from Gifu University and the University of South Florida can learn together online. We hope this will be a new initiative for collaborative learning. By continuing to create opportunities to connect with the world while remaining in Gifu, we continue to nurture individuals who can contribute to the development of the community.
Division Head, Study Abroad Promotion Division
Associate Director, Gifu University Organization for Promotion of Glocalization (GU-GLOCAL)
Professor Mutsuhiro Shima（the Faculty of Engineering）
