Dr. Martin Guardado (Program Director), Mr. Mark Bell (Program Coordinator), and Adjunct Professor Rika Tsushima of the English Language School, University of Alberta (UofA) Faculty of Extension in Edmonton, Canada visited Gifu University on June 28, 2018. The UofA and Gifu University signed the Memorandum of Understanding on March 21, 2017 with a view to promoting scholarly activities and mutual international understanding. The major objectives of the UofA delegation's visit to Gifu University were: 1) to conduct a Pre-Departure survey with the registered ELCS (English Language & Culture Seminar) participants and a face-to-face interviews with 9 randomly-selected students for the purpose of gaining insights into the expectations and readiness of short-term study abroad participants, 2) to address certain issues and exchange ideas regarding the EST (English for Science & Technology) program, and 3) to conduct a pre-departure orientation for this summer's ELCS and EST participants. Overall, the scheduled agenda and lunch hour meetings went smoothly and productively. Following the meetings, the UofA delegation paid a courtesy call on Dr. Fumiaki Suzuki, Executive Director for International Affairs and Public Relations (GHOGL Director). The UofA delegates and the GU attendees briefly shared information and updated Dr. Suzuki on the status of programs and projects currently undertaken by both parties.

In 2017, the Gifu University Head Office for Glocalization (GHOGL) launched a customized ELCS program for the undergraduate students. The first batch of twenty-nine GU students joined the summer study abroad program at the UofA from August 6 to 26, 2017. This summer GU will be sending a second batch of twenty-nine students to participate in the UofA 3-week ELCS program from August 15 to September 4.

And for the first time this year, the UofA English Language School in collaboration with the Faculty of Science and Specially-Appointed Associate Professor Raymond Co of GHOGL have jointly developed a six-week (EST) program targeting senior undergraduate and graduate students of Gifu University majoring in Engineering and Applied Biological Sciences. This program focuses on equipping Japanese students with the English language skills and learning tools necessary to perform field-related academic tasks, including reports, presentations, and research. One of the major highlights of this program includes a one-on-one science-based laboratory work with different research teams in the Department of Chemistry.

Finally, as part of GU's professional development program for its administrative staff, the university has requested the UofA English Language School to design and develop an Administrative Training Program with a two-fold emphasis on professional English language training and job shadowing. The aims of this program are to help improve communication skills for university staff and provide a unique "hands on" opportunity to practice their English by engaging in job shadowing. These ongoing and newly created programs all showcase strong ties being forged among students, academic and administrative staff from both institutions. The UofA delegation's visit on June 28 offered an invaluable opportunity to further advance and reinforce lively and interactive partnership between the UofA and GU.

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