History

Organization Structure

Academics

Japanese Language Education for International Students

• Japanese Language Extracurricular Courses
  • In order to ensure that international students do not have difficulties in their daily lives and studies in Japan, four levels of Japanese language classes are provided for international students, from complete beginners to advanced learners. Students are able to study the basics of language application in their field of specialization, including delivering verbal presentations, introducing their research, and drawing up research proposals.
• Learning Japanese for Working in the Future
  • International students who wish to work in Japan can also take up to four levels of business Japanese classes. Students are taught about Japanese business culture, how to job hunt, as well as the necessary Japanese language skills for use in job interviews and the workplace.

Globalization Activities for Students in the Faculty and Graduate School of Engineering

• English Language Education
  • General English lessons for Undergraduate Students
    • English classes are conducted, mostly by International Exchange Center faculty, for second year students in the Faculty of Engineering. Students can choose between basic, conversation, and science English courses.
  • Fun Activities to Improve English Proficiency
    • Students can attend Movie Nights, Game Nights, and YU English Chats in order to improve their English in low-pressure and enjoyableenvironments.
• Fostering a Global perspective
  • International Communication Summer Programs in Cooperation with the Faculty of Engineering
    • Exchanges with students of engineering-related partner schools are held every summer. During odd-numbered years, Yamagata University students visit partner schools overseas; and during even-numbered years, students from our partner schools gather here at the Faculty of Engineering. During these exchanges, we visit companies and camps where students have the opportunity to think about environmental and engineering topics. Guidance is also provided before and after the exchanges.
  • Practical training overseas
    • Students enrolled in practical training courses are provided with guidance before and after their overseas experience.
  • Share Your Experiences
    • Students and faculty members who have travelled abroad can share their experiences with everyone to generate greater interest in the world.

Support for the Enrollment of International Students

• Orientation for International Students
  • International students and researchers coming to Yonezawa for the first time at the start of the semester in April and October are provided with information about the learning environment and everyday life. International students’ family and others are also eligible to attend subject courses.
• Short Homestays
  • One-night homestays with families in the Okitama region around Yonezawa City are organized for international students twice a year in cooperation with regional support organizations. Homestays give international students a chance to experience real Japanese culture!
• Experiencing Japanese Culture
  • Students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the local culture. In the past, we’ve made pottery called Yonezawa-yaki, ate and made Japanese mochi during the New Year, and played on Japanese drums called taiko.
• Job-hunting Support
  • Meetings are held to provide students with the necessary job-hunting information and give them insight into the job-hunting process in Japan. At that time, students can also speak to international alumni who are already working in Japan.
• Counseling
  • If international students have any worries or anxieties, advice is provided through individual counseling sessions. We can help and give advice about your academics, interpersonal relations, housing problems, and more.
• Course Handbooks for International Students
  • Handbooks are distributed online or by hand for the seminar classes that international students take.
• Enrollment Information
  • Information is provided through our website about international exchange crisis management, overseas internships, residence status management system, and other topics.

Support for the Overseas Dispatch of Japanese Students

• Consultation and Provision of Information on Study Abroad Programs and Overseas Matters
  • The International Center can introduce students to study abroad programs, and provide consultation services to get you there. We also provide assistance in networking students with others who have experience participating in such programs.
• Counseling to Prepare for Studying Abroad
  • The International Center provides support for students who wish to study abroad, and encourages them to take a proactive and independent attitude toward living and studying in other countries.
• Individual English Consultation
  • The Center provides support for students who do not know how to draft documents or other items in English. If you’d like help with any documents, please make a reservation with one of our teachers.

Local and Social Contribution

• International Understanding Education in Elementary, Junior, and Senior High Schools
  • The International Exchange Center provides chances where international students can introduce their home countries in the Japanese language.
• English-language Activities at Educational Institutions
  • We also provide chances for international students to participate in English learning and research activities at high schools, or in English classes at junior colleges.
• Disseminating Messages from International students to the Japanese Society and Local Community
  • In cooperation with news agencies and other organizations, the Center gives chances for international students to express the views and feelings about Japanese society.
• Cooperation on International Understanding Classes at the Yonezawa City International Relations Association (YIRA) and other organizations
  • The Center gives chances for international students to introduce their home cultures and countries in order to increase international understanding.
• Implementation of Volunteer Activities at Disaster-struck Areas
  • The Center plans and implements visits to disaster-struck areas, where students introduce their home cultures through dance, songs, and performances, providing the audience with calm and peace.

Research Activities

The Center undertakes active initiatives in line with the following themes:

1. Research Targeted at International Students
   • We do research on Japanese teaching methods and curriculum development for international students, international student education, intercultural education and more.
2. Research Focusing on Japanese Students
   • We do research on class activities aimed at enhancing overall English proficiency, research on Japanese writing skills among Japanese students, research on overseas training programs, and more.
3. Other
   • We do research on collaborative activities between Japanese and international students.