The unwavering commitment of Japan to hone internationalization in its educational sector manifests in the Global Network Project. A relatively new program crafted by MEXT with its coordination with some of the prime universities in the country, it endeavors to invite students from different regions worldwide to study in Japan.
Table of Contents
- Japan Revitalization Strategy
- The Universities Involved in the Global Network Project
- How to take advantage of the Global Network Project
- Summary
Japan Revitalization Strategy
In June 2013, the Japanese cabinet decided to pursue a more aggressive educational globalization scheme through the “Japan Revitalization Strategy” (JRS), which formally established the plan of inviting 300,000 international students by the year 2020. Moreover, in a succeeding report dubbed "Strategies for Accepting International Students to Take Advantage of Global Growth" and released in December 2013, priority targets and other goals were established to further enhance social and economic development of Japan.
Accordingly, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), the lead agency tasked with implementing JRS, launched the Study in Japan Coordinator Project in 2014 by assigning Study in Japan Coordinators whose role and duty were to facilitate the educational program and to recruit international students who will study in Japan, with the help of various associations and institutions all over Japan.
A primary step taken by the Study in Japan program involved commissioning several universities in 2014 as Coordinators for Study in Japan to encourage foreign students to study in Japan, as well as to promote other worthwhile academic and research activities in partnership with national agencies engaged in their corresponding local concerns. This led way to the Global Network Project in 2018.
※ Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology-Japan,"Study in Japan Global Network Project"
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The Universities Involved in the Global Network Project
The Global Network Project covers 6 general areas all over the world which are duly assigned to their corresponding universities, namely:
1. Okayama University - ASEAN countries
Okayama University has promoted Study-in-Japan in ASEAN through direct appeal to 24 universities in ASEAN, 8 high schools and 9 Japanese language schools. Academic seminars were also conducted with more than a thousand participants. Information dissemination was also done on a monthly basis, including various scholarships available and schedules of admissions tests and Japanese language proficiency tests. A network of partnerships with agencies was established, such as the Japanese Embassy, JASSO, JICA, JICE, as well as with Myanmar’s Department of Higher Education and other institutions.
With more than 140 years of teaching experience, Okayama University consistently ranks among the top universities in Japan, and in a wider scope, Asia. The University has graduate schools and faculties focusing in the fields of humanities, social sciences, and various fields of science.
※ Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology-Japan, "Study in Japan Global Network Project (ASEAN)" ※ Okayama University, “Why Okayama University?”
2. Hokkaido University - Sub-Saharan Africa
In the past 5 years, Hokkaido University has publicized Japanese university-level education to African students under the Study in Japan Global Network Project in the public and private sectors, governmental institutions and agencies. The information drive involved conducting fairs, websites, as well as through individual consultation for potential students. Full support was provided in terms of the application process and entry requirements, long-distant interviews and entry exams. A proposed office in Kenya will further promote Study in Japan in eastern Africa. These are all done in coordination with various African universities and agencies
Hokkaido University has a long history, and a well founded reputation for its cultural exchange among the students of different origins. The University has 34 faculties from various fields, and is also recognized to be influential in research about the natural sciences.
※ Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology-Japan, "Hokkaido University Africa Office in Lusaka" ※ The World University Rankings, “Hokkaido University”
3. The University of Tokyo - Southwestern Asia
The University of Tokyo has only served to positively increase the influx of international students, specifically from India, with the establishment of "Overseas Offices for Shared Utilization by Japanese Universities" in 2012 and "Coordinator for Study in Japan (India)" in 2014 in said country. Under the "Study in Japan Global Network Project" in South Asia beginning in April 2018, the University of Tokyo has disseminated information about the program in southwest Asia, with additional offices established in Nepal and Sri Lanka to enhance the program’s coverage and to benefit more foreign scholars in the region.
Tokyo University is well known for producing Nobel Prize winners, and Japanese prime ministers. The University has faculties in different fields including agriculture, law, medicine, and education.
※ University of Tokyo - Study in Japan Global Network Project in Southwest Asia,"About Our Activities"
4. Hokkaido University - Russia and the CIS countries
Hokkaido University conducts similar and parallel activities in Russia and the CIS nations to promote the Study in Japan Program. Study fairs and visits in universities and high schools are conducted to disseminate information about courses and scholarships offered in the university. Networking with local universities, organizations and agencies are also undertaken to enhance the promotion of the educational opportunities in Japan within the region.
※ Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology-Japan, "Study in Japan Global Network Project – Russia and CIS Countries –"
5. Kyushu University - Middle East and North Africa
J-MENA or Japan-Middle-East-and-North-Africa has been involved in the Study in Japan Global Network Project by providing information on opportunities to get quality higher education in Japan by coordinating and consulting with universities in the region. Its Five-Year Project from 2018 to 2022, which covers 21 countries in the region, involves organizing study fairs, connecting with universities and promoting exchange programs particularly in English-taught programs, and tapping Japanese alumni associations to promote the program to foreign students.
Kyushu University is recognized both in Japan and in the international stage not only for its quality of education but also its research papers. The University has faculties ranging from humanities, law, economics, and the sciences.
※ J-MENA, "Overview (overall image) of the efforts and goals"
6. University of Tsukuba - South America
University of Tsukuba collected and disseminated information on foreign student recruitment within South American regions, particularly the collection of information on higher education data, student needs for study abroad and career patterns in relation with higher education. It participated in job fairs and conducted visits to pertinent agencies, organizations and institutions. Online conferences with Japanese universities and other stakeholders were also set up with local universities and partners. Vital information was disseminated to interested parties in the form of the "Study in Japan" package. The packages held details on Japanese universities, available programs and scholarships and even electronic learning platforms. Connections with local high schools and language schools were also made, along with alumni communities and higher educational institutions.
Accepted student-beneficiaries can pursue short-term or graduate programs depending upon availability of their chosen career choices. Prospective applicants may check each member organization’s program offerings online in order to determine their options.
Promoting a truly global Japan, the University of Tsukuba is known for English programs for international students, these are paired with increased contact with Japanese students, for a more efficient Japanese language learning. The University has a range of colleges from humanities, human and environmental sciences, and international studies.
※ Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology-Japan, "Study in Japan Global Network Project - South America” ※ University of Tsukuba, “Academics, List of Schools and Colleges”
How to take advantage of the Global Network Project
Study in Japan encourages foreign students to study in Japanese universities, particularly those who need financial assistance. Hence, scholarships can be applied to through the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) or the host university sponsoring the scholarship. It is also important to know the respective universities promoting Study in Japan depending on your country of origin. Nevertheless, interested participants must take note that each member university specializes in its individual unique fields.
Moreover, foreign students who have had the opportunity to study in Japan can still benefit from various forms of support by JASSO after returning to their countries in the form of follow-up research fellowships in the fields of education, public administration and academic research. They can return to Japan upon invitation of a Japanese university to undertake joint research with corresponding Japanese academics.
Summary
Japan has become a well-established land of opportunity for many foreign nationals, especially young students who seek higher education in its modern and well-equipped universities. The Global Network Project in Japan has definitely made a mark in the international community with its aggressive promotion of Japanese world-class education in many regions of the world. Aside from this noble program of sharing its expertise and material advantage to developing nations, Japan also provides opportunities for foreign graduates in this program to seek job opportunities in Japan as well as to live there permanently. That is a welcome invitation indeed!
