GIFU UNIVERSITY

Japan

NEWS Letter 52

SDGs Online Study Sessions for Glocalization

S

ince its inception in 2020, “SDGs Online Study Sessions for Glocalization”
have been providing GU students, staff and local residents opportunities toexchange views on glocal* issues and creation of a sustainable society. In 2021,
topics focused on reaching ultimate goals for carbon neutrality. The 11 sessions
covered diverse topics in machinery,energy, food science technology,
biomass, agriculture, etc.
*glocal: global + local

March 2022

For International Exchange
Gifu University

Tripartite Talk with Dr. Kenichiro Mogi

International Month 2021

OctoberG

U-GLOCAL implements a wide-range of international exchange eventsand activities during the annual campus "International Month." This year,"International Month 2021" kicked off in October. One of the events thatmarked International Month is “English Circle of Friends” held on the 13th andthe 27th where Japanese students, staff and international students gathered
during the lunch break for informal English conversation. This month’s topic
focused on “How was your summer holiday?” and “The Fall Season.” The
Circle is designed not only to bring together students interested in English
communication but also a venue for participants to build friendships.

October

October 11

1 - 31President's Message
11
Tripartite Talk with
Dr. Kenichiro Mogi
13 & 27
English Circle of Friends
27
Gifu Region Workshop

GU Professors Joined Online “English-Medium
Instruction” Provided by UofA

September 8 – 30

N

ine GU professors (Engineering and Applied Biological Sciences) took part in an online training program, “English-Medium
Instruction (EMI)” provided by the English Language School, University of Alberta (UofA), Canada. Participants took two courses, each of which included seven sessions involving 120-minute synchronous instructions per session
through Zoom video conferencing platform. The topics covered included “introduction to student-centeredlearning and active learning,” “attitude for EMI by non-native speakers of English,” “cutting-edge techniques
for developing intelligible pronunciation in English,” “the components of effective lesson planning for thehigher education classroom,” “writing appropriate learning outcomes,” etc. The participants were alsoacquainted with up-to-date online tools useful for student-centered learning and efficient assessment.
Some participants said that they became more acquainted with useful tools for virtual classes, reaffirmed
the significance of student-centered learning, and expressed their appreciation for valuable feedback fromtheir course instructor.

Chargés d'Affaires ad interim of the Republicof Lithuania visits GU
November 5

M

r. Algimantas Misevičius, Chargés d'Affaires adinterim of the Republic of Lithuania paid a courtesy
call at Gifu University’s Office of the President. President
Hisataka Moriwaki and Mr. Misevičius talked about the long-standing
relationship between Gifu University and Lithuania including ouruniversity-level partnership with Kaunas University of Technology and
Vytautas Magnus University. After the meeting, the Chargésd'Affaires was invited to meet with GU students on campus. Many
questions were raised from thestudents asking about culturaldifferences/similarities between thetwo countries, etc. Students who arecontemplating studying abroad in
Lithuania in the near future listenedwith great interest and gained someinsights into life in Lithuania.

Published by Gifu University Organization for Promotionof Glocalization (GU-GLOCAL)
International General Affairs OfficeE-mail : int_exch@gifu-u.ac.jp
Inbound and Outbound Student Affairs Office E-mail : direcent@gifu-u.ac.jp
International Engagement Division, Student Affairs Department

The 7th ICCC 2021

November 18

T

he United Graduate School of Agricultural Science(UGSAS), Gifu University and Universitas Sebelas
Maret (Indonesia) co-hosted the "7th International
UGSAS
Conference on Climate Change (ICCC) 2021: Can Vaccine Protect
Us Against Climate Change?" held on virtual platform.
Since its establishment, ICCC members have been closely monitoring the impacts of climate change on the environment and human
lives and tackling various challenges on environmental conservation. The 7th conference wasattended by 270 people whoshared their views on climatechangefrom
multipleperspectives such as the
emergence of new infectious
diseases, vaccines, changing
environment, agriculture, law,socioeconomics, culture, etc.

Ahybrid tripartite session, "Are you enjoying your learning? - Thinking about a PhD and Japanese society from now on with Prof.
Mogi" was held at Gifu University Auditorium involving President Hisataka Moriwaki, Professor Tetsuji Kume (Faculty of Engineering) of Gifu University and special guest speaker Dr. Kenichiro Mogi, a senior researcher at Sony Computer Science Laboratories. Different views were exchanged on the current state of PhD both at home and abroad. The presenters also shared some of the challenges
and excitements they experienced as PhD students and fielded questions from the audience. "What matters most is "what you want to
explore." Your undertaking of a PhD degree at Gifu University will no doubt open up immense possibilities," concluded Dr. Mogi. We areconvinced that the exchanges fostered a reaffirmation among the listeners the true benefits of earning a higher graduate degree.

Newsletter for International Exchange Gifu University
https://www.glocal.gifu-u.ac.jp/en/planning/data/newsletter/index.html

GU-GLOCAL Channel

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMJkzg04fsxzo3ogeNHC-PA

GIF U UNIVERSIT Y

1March 2022

Joint Degree Programs
Gifu Joint Degree (JD) Symposium 2021

GU International Students’ Exchange with Local Citizens
December 9 and 10

Tokai National Higher Education and Research System (THERS) and GU-GLOCAL
co-hosted the 3rd international JD meeting on December 9 and 10 (both in person andonline). The Symposium consisted of three sessions: “THERS JDP* Symposium,”“Academic Session,” and “Industry-Government-Academic-Banking Institution Collaboration Session.” In the “THERS JDP Symposium” session, Ms. Orie Kishimoto, leader of theInternational Strategy Team, Higher Education Bureau, MEXT, delivered a keynote speech
titled, “Joint Degree Programs in New Normal Era.” In her speech, she spoke about the
impacts of the continuing pandemic on the lives of international students, job-hunting
support programs, advantages and future direction of joint degree programs, etc.
*JDP: Joint Degree Program

Interuniversity
JDP Council of JapanIn April 2022, the “Interuniversity
JDP Council of Japan” will launch
its operations to fulfill the following
objectives: 1) review and enhance
JDP operations in each member
university, 2) explore the possibilities
of JDP, 3) share information, 4) makeproposals/requests to MEXT, and 5)
support universities’ initiatives tocommence JDP. As Council Chair,
Gifu University pledges to promoteinternationalizationandfurthergrowth of higher education in Japan.

2021 Collaborative Video Making
Program (CVMP)

T
August – November

nitially launched in 2020, “Collaborative Video Making Program (CVMP)”
provides students from three partner universities (GU, IITG and UKM) opportunities to engage in virtual joint video making activities. In “2021 CVMP,” eight GU
students, four IITG students and four UKM students were divided into four teams; and under professional
guidance, the team members from their respective universities collaborated for four months to create
videos of their campus lives. In the “Final Competition for CVMP on Webinar” on November 30, thebest performing team received the Best CVMPAward. After the competition, positive feedback
from the participants included such comments as“enhanced English communication skills,” “built
strong friendship with the teammates,” and “developed video making skills,” etc.

November 24G

U-GLOCAL hosted a virtual study abroad orientation, “Beacon of Light for Studying Abroad” to provide crucial
safety information for students intending to study or travel abroad in the near future. The presentations included
such topics as “enhancing one’s self-awareness and emergency preparedness” and “Gifu
University’s study abroad programs.” In the first session, Dr. Mayumi Yamamoto,Director/Professor of the Health Administration Center, Gifu University spoke about
pre-departure mental and physical preparation and health management while overseas. In thesecond session, Assistant Professor Mio Horie (Faculty of Regional Studies) presented boththe updates on studying abroad and a heads-up about sexual violence more prevalent on
campuses abroad, etc. The orientation was also livestreamed for a wider audience.

Studying Abroad
Griffith University
OnlineESL* Program

ith broad support from various international organizations, public schools and institutions within
Gifu Prefecture, Gifu University implements a wide-range of cultural exchange programs to help
our international students deepen their understanding of Japanese culture through interactions withlocal citizens.

he “Online Home Visit” program hosted by the
Gifu City International Exchange Association
was attended by nine GU students this year. They
enjoyed viewing videos created by their hostfamilies introducing Gifu City’s major tourist
attractions such as Ukai cormorant fishing on the
Nagara River, Gifu Castle, anime, etc. The participants were excited about discovering the city’s
traditional charms and expressed their deep
appreciation for their host families’ hospitality.

Faculty of EngineeringF

our international students in the Center forJapanese Language and Culture, Gifu
University attended the Gujo city online staff
training program and shared their views on
Gujo City’s attractions with the city officials.
The students also talked about their motivations for studying Japanese and things/events
they found most interesting while living inJapan.

January 27, 2022
Gujo city online staff training program(Gujo City Tourism Cross-Cultural
Communication Program)February 24, 2022
Virtual Exchange with Nisshin
Elementary School (Ogaki City, Gifu)

The 20th Japanese Speech Competition
by International Students
Residing in Gifu Prefecture December 4

Career Development Programfor International Students

GS

ifu University has been an active member of “Aigi Career Development Consortium* for International Students” from its inception in2017. The University, Gifu Prefectural Government, Gifu Employers’
Association and JETRO Gifu have been co-hosting seminars/workshops toassist international students to find employment in local enterprises. Theseseminars include opportunities for direct communications with business
representatives, programs for job-seeking protocols in Japan, exchange
meetings with alumni, experience-oriented training, one-on-one consultation services, etc. We hope that these programs will continue to help
foreign students develop abetter understanding about
Japanese corporate culture
and pursue successful professional careers in Japan.

ince 2001, the Gifu Regional Council for the Promotion ofInternational Exchange has annually hosted the “Japanese
Speech Competition by international Students Residing in Gifu
Prefecture.” The 20th competition held in Chubugakuin University (Kakamigahara City, Gifu) was attended by nine international
students representing four countries. Two of three international
students from GU were presented the highest award and award
of excellence respectively and all the participants shared amoment of joy and celebration with the winners. The speechesdelivered and responses to the questions from judges truly
reflected each individual’ssincerityanddiligence
intheirJapanese studies. The
20th competition was
livestreamed on GU
YouTube for the firsttime.

*Consortium consists of 6 universities
and 9 organizations.

Gifu Region Workshop 2021 (October 27)

Studying in GU
Joys and Inspirations broughtby my participation in“Online Study Abroad Course”

The Philippines

M

Nanami Kajimura

November 27 and 28
Online Home Visit hosted by the Gifu City
International Exchange Association
December 15
Virtual Exchange with Ichinomiya City
International Association members

I

Beacon of Light for Studying AbroadWy strong determination to study abroad motivated me to par ticipate in the “Online Study
Australia
Abroad Course” offered by GU. While I was gearing up to study abroad during myfirst year at GU, the world was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic making border-crossing extremely difficult for anyone for the past two years. I became frustrated day by day thinking that I am simply
wasting my precious time. When I joined the virtual ESL* program of Griffith University (Australia), I
was very impressed with this innovative digital platform which afforded me an opportunity to meet
people in other countries and be exposed to diverse set of values, distinctive approaches/attitudes
towards studying foreign languages, etc. I am very fortunate to have such a profound experience networking with classmates and instructors from other countries online.
*ESL: English as a Second Language

G I FU U N I V E RS IT Y

2March 2022

Thiara Celine
Estavillo Suarez
Graduate School of Natural Scienceand Technology

Gifu University – A Venue for Learning andExperiencing the Japanese CultureM

y coming to Japan was made possible because of the partnership between Mariano Marcos State University & Gifu University and being part of this strong partnership provided me withgreat privileges in many aspects.
I get to pursue advanced courses in my field of work, and I get towork in a world-class laboratory with hands-on supervision. And
through this, I continue to acquire more knowledge and laboratory techniques that I can use when I go back to my home country. I also get to meet and build strong connections with international researchers to collaborate with in the future. Finally, I getto enjoy the Japanese culture and the company of my newfoundfriends-turned-family from the Horticulture Laboratory.

GIF U UNIVERSIT Y

3March 2022

Joint Degree Programs
Gifu Joint Degree (JD) Symposium 2021

GU International Students’ Exchange with Local Citizens
December 9 and 10

Tokai National Higher Education and Research System (THERS) and GU-GLOCAL
co-hosted the 3rd international JD meeting on December 9 and 10 (both in person andonline). The Symposium consisted of three sessions: “THERS JDP* Symposium,”“Academic Session,” and “Industry-Government-Academic-Banking Institution Collaboration Session.” In the “THERS JDP Symposium” session, Ms. Orie Kishimoto, leader of theInternational Strategy Team, Higher Education Bureau, MEXT, delivered a keynote speech
titled, “Joint Degree Programs in New Normal Era.” In her speech, she spoke about the
impacts of the continuing pandemic on the lives of international students, job-hunting
support programs, advantages and future direction of joint degree programs, etc.
*JDP: Joint Degree Program

Interuniversity
JDP Council of JapanIn April 2022, the “Interuniversity
JDP Council of Japan” will launch
its operations to fulfill the following
objectives: 1) review and enhance
JDP operations in each member
university, 2) explore the possibilities
of JDP, 3) share information, 4) makeproposals/requests to MEXT, and 5)
support universities’ initiatives tocommence JDP. As Council Chair,
Gifu University pledges to promoteinternationalizationandfurthergrowth of higher education in Japan.

2021 Collaborative Video Making
Program (CVMP)

T
August – November

nitially launched in 2020, “Collaborative Video Making Program (CVMP)”
provides students from three partner universities (GU, IITG and UKM) opportunities to engage in virtual joint video making activities. In “2021 CVMP,” eight GU
students, four IITG students and four UKM students were divided into four teams; and under professional
guidance, the team members from their respective universities collaborated for four months to create
videos of their campus lives. In the “Final Competition for CVMP on Webinar” on November 30, thebest performing team received the Best CVMPAward. After the competition, positive feedback
from the participants included such comments as“enhanced English communication skills,” “built
strong friendship with the teammates,” and “developed video making skills,” etc.

November 24G

U-GLOCAL hosted a virtual study abroad orientation, “Beacon of Light for Studying Abroad” to provide crucial
safety information for students intending to study or travel abroad in the near future. The presentations included
such topics as “enhancing one’s self-awareness and emergency preparedness” and “Gifu
University’s study abroad programs.” In the first session, Dr. Mayumi Yamamoto,Director/Professor of the Health Administration Center, Gifu University spoke about
pre-departure mental and physical preparation and health management while overseas. In thesecond session, Assistant Professor Mio Horie (Faculty of Regional Studies) presented boththe updates on studying abroad and a heads-up about sexual violence more prevalent on
campuses abroad, etc. The orientation was also livestreamed for a wider audience.

Studying Abroad
Griffith University
OnlineESL* Program

ith broad support from various international organizations, public schools and institutions within
Gifu Prefecture, Gifu University implements a wide-range of cultural exchange programs to help
our international students deepen their understanding of Japanese culture through interactions withlocal citizens.

he “Online Home Visit” program hosted by the
Gifu City International Exchange Association
was attended by nine GU students this year. They
enjoyed viewing videos created by their hostfamilies introducing Gifu City’s major tourist
attractions such as Ukai cormorant fishing on the
Nagara River, Gifu Castle, anime, etc. The participants were excited about discovering the city’s
traditional charms and expressed their deep
appreciation for their host families’ hospitality.

Faculty of EngineeringF

our international students in the Center forJapanese Language and Culture, Gifu
University attended the Gujo city online staff
training program and shared their views on
Gujo City’s attractions with the city officials.
The students also talked about their motivations for studying Japanese and things/events
they found most interesting while living inJapan.

January 27, 2022
Gujo city online staff training program(Gujo City Tourism Cross-Cultural
Communication Program)February 24, 2022
Virtual Exchange with Nisshin
Elementary School (Ogaki City, Gifu)

The 20th Japanese Speech Competition
by International Students
Residing in Gifu Prefecture December 4

Career Development Programfor International Students

GS

ifu University has been an active member of “Aigi Career Development Consortium* for International Students” from its inception in2017. The University, Gifu Prefectural Government, Gifu Employers’
Association and JETRO Gifu have been co-hosting seminars/workshops toassist international students to find employment in local enterprises. Theseseminars include opportunities for direct communications with business
representatives, programs for job-seeking protocols in Japan, exchange
meetings with alumni, experience-oriented training, one-on-one consultation services, etc. We hope that these programs will continue to help
foreign students develop abetter understanding about
Japanese corporate culture
and pursue successful professional careers in Japan.

ince 2001, the Gifu Regional Council for the Promotion ofInternational Exchange has annually hosted the “Japanese
Speech Competition by international Students Residing in Gifu
Prefecture.” The 20th competition held in Chubugakuin University (Kakamigahara City, Gifu) was attended by nine international
students representing four countries. Two of three international
students from GU were presented the highest award and award
of excellence respectively and all the participants shared amoment of joy and celebration with the winners. The speechesdelivered and responses to the questions from judges truly
reflected each individual’ssincerityanddiligence
intheirJapanese studies. The
20th competition was
livestreamed on GU
YouTube for the firsttime.

*Consortium consists of 6 universities
and 9 organizations.

Gifu Region Workshop 2021 (October 27)

Studying in GU
Joys and Inspirations broughtby my participation in“Online Study Abroad Course”

The Philippines

M

Nanami Kajimura

November 27 and 28
Online Home Visit hosted by the Gifu City
International Exchange Association
December 15
Virtual Exchange with Ichinomiya City
International Association members

I

Beacon of Light for Studying AbroadWy strong determination to study abroad motivated me to par ticipate in the “Online Study
Australia
Abroad Course” offered by GU. While I was gearing up to study abroad during myfirst year at GU, the world was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic making border-crossing extremely difficult for anyone for the past two years. I became frustrated day by day thinking that I am simply
wasting my precious time. When I joined the virtual ESL* program of Griffith University (Australia), I
was very impressed with this innovative digital platform which afforded me an opportunity to meet
people in other countries and be exposed to diverse set of values, distinctive approaches/attitudes
towards studying foreign languages, etc. I am very fortunate to have such a profound experience networking with classmates and instructors from other countries online.
*ESL: English as a Second Language

G I FU U N I V E RS IT Y

2March 2022

Thiara Celine
Estavillo Suarez
Graduate School of Natural Scienceand Technology

Gifu University – A Venue for Learning andExperiencing the Japanese CultureM

y coming to Japan was made possible because of the partnership between Mariano Marcos State University & Gifu University and being part of this strong partnership provided me withgreat privileges in many aspects.
I get to pursue advanced courses in my field of work, and I get towork in a world-class laboratory with hands-on supervision. And
through this, I continue to acquire more knowledge and laboratory techniques that I can use when I go back to my home country. I also get to meet and build strong connections with international researchers to collaborate with in the future. Finally, I getto enjoy the Japanese culture and the company of my newfoundfriends-turned-family from the Horticulture Laboratory.

GIF U UNIVERSIT Y

3March 2022

GIFU UNIVERSITY

Japan

NEWS Letter 52

SDGs Online Study Sessions for Glocalization

S

ince its inception in 2020, “SDGs Online Study Sessions for Glocalization”
have been providing GU students, staff and local residents opportunities toexchange views on glocal* issues and creation of a sustainable society. In 2021,
topics focused on reaching ultimate goals for carbon neutrality. The 11 sessions
covered diverse topics in machinery,energy, food science technology,
biomass, agriculture, etc.
*glocal: global + local

March 2022

For International Exchange
Gifu University

Tripartite Talk with Dr. Kenichiro Mogi

International Month 2021

OctoberG

U-GLOCAL implements a wide-range of international exchange eventsand activities during the annual campus "International Month." This year,"International Month 2021" kicked off in October. One of the events thatmarked International Month is “English Circle of Friends” held on the 13th andthe 27th where Japanese students, staff and international students gathered
during the lunch break for informal English conversation. This month’s topic
focused on “How was your summer holiday?” and “The Fall Season.” The
Circle is designed not only to bring together students interested in English
communication but also a venue for participants to build friendships.

October

October 11

1 - 31President's Message
11
Tripartite Talk with
Dr. Kenichiro Mogi
13 & 27
English Circle of Friends
27
Gifu Region Workshop

GU Professors Joined Online “English-Medium
Instruction” Provided by UofA

September 8 – 30

N

ine GU professors (Engineering and Applied Biological Sciences) took part in an online training program, “English-Medium
Instruction (EMI)” provided by the English Language School, University of Alberta (UofA), Canada. Participants took two courses, each of which included seven sessions involving 120-minute synchronous instructions per session
through Zoom video conferencing platform. The topics covered included “introduction to student-centeredlearning and active learning,” “attitude for EMI by non-native speakers of English,” “cutting-edge techniques
for developing intelligible pronunciation in English,” “the components of effective lesson planning for thehigher education classroom,” “writing appropriate learning outcomes,” etc. The participants were alsoacquainted with up-to-date online tools useful for student-centered learning and efficient assessment.
Some participants said that they became more acquainted with useful tools for virtual classes, reaffirmed
the significance of student-centered learning, and expressed their appreciation for valuable feedback fromtheir course instructor.

Chargés d'Affaires ad interim of the Republicof Lithuania visits GU
November 5

M

r. Algimantas Misevičius, Chargés d'Affaires adinterim of the Republic of Lithuania paid a courtesy
call at Gifu University’s Office of the President. President
Hisataka Moriwaki and Mr. Misevičius talked about the long-standing
relationship between Gifu University and Lithuania including ouruniversity-level partnership with Kaunas University of Technology and
Vytautas Magnus University. After the meeting, the Chargésd'Affaires was invited to meet with GU students on campus. Many
questions were raised from thestudents asking about culturaldifferences/similarities between thetwo countries, etc. Students who arecontemplating studying abroad in
Lithuania in the near future listenedwith great interest and gained someinsights into life in Lithuania.

Published by Gifu University Organization for Promotionof Glocalization (GU-GLOCAL)
International General Affairs OfficeE-mail : int_exch@gifu-u.ac.jp
Inbound and Outbound Student Affairs Office E-mail : direcent@gifu-u.ac.jp
International Engagement Division, Student Affairs Department

The 7th ICCC 2021

November 18

T

he United Graduate School of Agricultural Science(UGSAS), Gifu University and Universitas Sebelas
Maret (Indonesia) co-hosted the "7th International
UGSAS
Conference on Climate Change (ICCC) 2021: Can Vaccine Protect
Us Against Climate Change?" held on virtual platform.
Since its establishment, ICCC members have been closely monitoring the impacts of climate change on the environment and human
lives and tackling various challenges on environmental conservation. The 7th conference wasattended by 270 people whoshared their views on climatechangefrom
multipleperspectives such as the
emergence of new infectious
diseases, vaccines, changing
environment, agriculture, law,socioeconomics, culture, etc.

Ahybrid tripartite session, "Are you enjoying your learning? - Thinking about a PhD and Japanese society from now on with Prof.
Mogi" was held at Gifu University Auditorium involving President Hisataka Moriwaki, Professor Tetsuji Kume (Faculty of Engineering) of Gifu University and special guest speaker Dr. Kenichiro Mogi, a senior researcher at Sony Computer Science Laboratories. Different views were exchanged on the current state of PhD both at home and abroad. The presenters also shared some of the challenges
and excitements they experienced as PhD students and fielded questions from the audience. "What matters most is "what you want to
explore." Your undertaking of a PhD degree at Gifu University will no doubt open up immense possibilities," concluded Dr. Mogi. We areconvinced that the exchanges fostered a reaffirmation among the listeners the true benefits of earning a higher graduate degree.

Newsletter for International Exchange Gifu University
https://www.glocal.gifu-u.ac.jp/en/planning/data/newsletter/index.html

GU-GLOCAL Channel

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMJkzg04fsxzo3ogeNHC-PA

GIF U UNIVERSIT Y

1March 2022