Policy & Vision
November 21, 2013
1. Internationalization Policy
Gifu University: Pursuing a global agenda, contributing to local society
As institutions advancing education and research, Japanese universities are expected topossess a wide international scope. Some of Japan’s national universities have a strong
scientific orientation. They are advancing research that takes a global lead within thedomain of science and technology. Others have established themselves as learning
centers within their local and regional communities. While elevating their international
visibility, these universities are working to foster the next generations of leaders across awide spectrum of specializations and vocations. Given these national university roles andidentities, Gifu University has forged its own unique globalization policy. It is stated asfollows:“Gifu University promotes learning based on the students own efforts. It has reinforced
its education quality verification system, trains highly skilled professionals, andundertakes community-based ‘Teach for Communities’ activities. By introducing courses
on design ideas in its science and technology Master’s programs and stressing liberalarts-based general education, the university strongly promotes the training of students
who support innovation. Other priorities include the development of medical education
thatmeets

international

standards.

Theuniversity

undertakes

notonlyinternationalization rooted in the local community, but also glocalization by providing thebenefits of internationalization to the local community. The university promotes various
policies that lead to internationalization. These include creating a multiculturalinternational liberal arts course, organizing and expanding programs that bring
Japanese and international students together, and reinforcing support for international
students gaining employment opportunities.”
At the core of these Ideals and Aims is Gifu University’s basic stance: “To educate anddispatch into the local and global communities people who possess wide perspectives andabundant knowledge, derived from the academics, science and technology cultivated by
the university, and who will receive society’s trust and confidence.” This objective is what
the university’s globalization effort is oriented to achieving. Over recent years, a trend
toward globalization has taken root in Japan as the nation’s population shrinks and its
society rapidly ages. Moreover, our universities are seeing a decline in the number ofJapanese students going abroad and also in the number of international students comingto Japan to study. Against this backdrop, there is a greater need than ever for students toacquire wide international perspectives, in response to which Gifu University seeks todevelop students who possess strong language and communication skills and a keen
ability to understand other cultures.
All the members of Gifu University’s faculty and staff are working to achieve theuniversity’s internationalization objectives, while building an undergirding education
and research infrastructure throughout the campus.
From a research perspective, Gifu University has established a support system andresearch environment that provides buoyant global platform for educators andresearchers. To our campus, Gifu University invites researchers who are or will play
substantial roles on the global stage. With these objectives as the bedrock of our policy forhuman resource development, Gifu University promotes international cooperation andcarries out concrete programs that advance interaction with local communities. The
university’s educational program includes curricula for Japanese students to study andlearn about socioeconomic, political and cultural affairs in both Japan and othercountries along with opportunities to learn foreign languages and polish theirinternational communication skills. Programs are also offered for the Japanese students
to study abroad.
Concurrently, international students are provided a curriculum especially designed forthem to study and learn about similar domestic affairs in Japan. An environment is alsoestablished for them to study and live their daily lives smoothly and anxiety-free. Within
this setting, the international students study together with Japanese students, and haveample opportunity to interact with people and businesses within Gifu Prefecture. Afterthey graduate or complete their courses, our international students are expected to apply
the specialized knowledge and international perspectives they acquired through theirstudies at Gifu University to contributing to the development of their own countries or
the region of Japan centered around Gifu Prefecture.
Toward achieving its globalization policy, Gifu University has established overseas bases.
Through them, we select universities and organizations in other countries with which tointeract in carrying out active programs of academic exchange. With these counterpartsat the core of its internationalization effort, Gifu University both advances education andresearch and strengthens mutual exchange across a wide spectrum of places and peoples.
Most especially, the university is working to tighten its collaborative bonds witheducation and research institutions in emerging and developing countries.

2. Internationalization Vision
Vision of Gifu University Five Years from Now-All the students, faculty and staff of Gifu University will fully comprehend theuniversity’s internationalization policy-With a systemic support system to be in place, Gifu University will be carrying out
international education and research exchanges that span a wide range of countries-Gifu University will be actively supporting and participating in international exchange
activities carried out by local and regional communities-By continuing to establish and maintain overseas bases, Gifu University will bolster its
international exchange programs-Gifu University will be working in close collaboration with academic institutions
overseas including emerging and developing countries-The students of Gifu University will receive various forms of support for studying
abroad in comfortable environments-By enhancing their foreign language skills and cultural understanding, the students ofGifu University will acquire heightened ability to communicate within the international
arena-The students of Gifu University will take up the challenge of studying abroad withenthusiasm and a strong sense of purpose-With a robust support system for them at Gifu University, Gifu University international
students will be studying in a comfortable, anxiety-free environment, conducive toabsorbing Japan’s advanced know-how and expertise-Gifu University international students will be using the specializations andinternational acumen they gained at Gifu University to contribute to development intheir home countries and the region-After graduating or completing their courses, Gifu University international students
will themselves be cooperating in carrying out Gifu University’s education and research
activities