APU Tied Cooperation Agreements with Other International Universities

On April 16th, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU, Beppu City) tied cooperation agreements with Waseda University, International Christian University, Akita International University. Akita International University aims to nurture talents that will be participate actively in global community, and the university aspires to put effort in this cooperation among four universities through the exchange of students and faculties, as well as joint trainings based on sharing of knowledge among the universities.

Each of the universities is currently vigorously promoting internationalization. Some of them require students to take all subjects in English, and require students to study abroad during their university life. Moreover, in order to match their education with global standards, they had decided to join forces.

After the signing ceremony in Waseda University in Shinjuku district, Tokyo, they had an interview together in a hotel nearby.

Akita University Present, Mr. Nakajima Mineo explained the objective of the agreement, "In this era of globalization, the most important issue for a university is to provide education which is commonly used and recognized around the world. We aspire to be the model of international universities in Japan".

APU President, Mr Korenaga Shun, expressed his determination, "to see a campus whereby multiculturalism coexist together with Japanese society".

They are planning to open a seminar with the theme "Genkai Shuuraku", which means "Depopulating Society", in the coming August in Akita University. Besides, they will strive to cooperate in holding joint education and joint training camps, while reciprocally sharing teaching staff and training materials. Furthermore, other than short-term student exchange programs, they will also cooperate in conducting training for the faculties and other career supports, in order to promote internationalization in their respective campuses.

Comments:
It is a really good to hear that the only four international universities joined forces to share their strengths in promoting internationalization. Previously rather reserved in hiring international students, Japanese companies are now opening up opportunities to international students, because they have realized the importance of being global. As a student who did job-hunting in Japan, I could really feel how Japanese companies have realized the importance of hiring international students for their future. Therefore, the role of international universities will be increasingly important. Hopefully, with this cooperation agreement, these four universities will strive to be excellent role models of international universities who provide high-quality global human talents. 

NUGROHO Katarina Marsha Utama
Indonesia
Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APM, 4)