RYUKOKUGLOBALVISION
2023
October 2020
Ryukoku University
Center for the Promotion of Global Education

Ryukoku Global Vision 2023

Table of Contents

1 Formulation of Ryukoku Global Vision 2023 . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .1-2
2 Enhancing our Global Presence (4 Categories and 21 Projects). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
3 Project 21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 -8
4 Reference Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Ⅰ.

Formulation of RYUKOKU GLOBAL VISION 2023

Under the slogan "Enterprise and Coexistence: Ryukoku University Makes an Echoin the World" included in the Long Term Plan V(2010-2019), the promotion of educationinternationalization was established through the Action Plan "Vision 2020 - Ryukoku
Makes an Echo in the World". Furthermore, we have endeavored to work on each action
plan with the aim of realizing the image of Ryukoku University in 2020, set forth in theFifth Long Term Plan, which is that "Students and Faculty Members will conduct
international exchanges and joint research to further promote the internationalization ofeducation and research. A multicultural and symbiotic campus will be developed,
providing infrastructure for education, research, and social contribution, and we will
become a university with an extensive international network".
As a result, we have grown into a university with an extensive international network.
The number of our International Partners has expanded to 175 Universities/Institutions
in 48 countries around the world (General Memorandum of Understanding) and 116
Universities/Institutions in 34 countries (Student Exchange Agreement), respectively. In
addition, by actively promoting the increase of Student Exchange Partners and shortterm study abroad programs, the number of outbound students has already exceeded
the target value of 750 (established within the Fifth Long Term Plan), and was expanded
to 766 in 2018. However, the number of inbound international students has been steadilydecreasing since the Great East Japan Earthquake, and the peak number ofinternational students enrolled in 2011 decreased to 421 in the latter half of 2019. Whileother major university competitors have seen an increase in the number of international
students, we must say that our university is in an extremely rare and critical situation.
In view of this situation, Ryukoku Global Vision 2023 will increase the number ofoutbound students (mainly Japanese), in line with the enacted "Ryukoku Strategic Plan400" (2020-2039). Furthermore, in preparation for the multicultural society of the near
future, all Faculties will aim to actively accept international students in order to develop
human resources who are able to attend to "a society which accepts diversity and canco-exist with foreigners". For that purpose, by setting recruitment personnel forinternational student admissions, by developing admissions procedures which activelyutilize the "Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students",
and by expanding opportunities for international students to take entrance exams, thenumber of admitted international students will recover in a V-shape. This will form afoundation for achieving the minimum required for the global standard for the totalinternational student number of five percent or more, contributing to our achievement in
the following four years (2027) and eight years (2031).
In addition, we will provide various opportunities for students to engage in crosscultural dialogue (the admittance of international students, outbound mobility for ourstudents, developing international general education subjects) without limitation to theachievement of numerical goals. A major aim of those areas providing international
support is to contribute to world peace by creating and nurturing global citizens, with a
Ryukoku flavor, who possess the qualities of Magokoro.
Furthermore, in light of the intensifying competition for international students not onlyin Japan but also across national borders, we will improve our 'Asia University' ranking
through the UK-based university evaluation institution "Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) as
well as Times Higher Education. We will aim to strengthen and connect our efforts,
establishing our position as a "university chosen by students from all of the world,
especially within Asia".
Entering the 21st century, we are facing natural disasters and infectious diseases on1

a global scale which undermine our lifestyles and values. It has become impossible tosolve problems at the regional level alone, and cooperation with other countries isindispensable for building a sustainable society. On the other hand, in the situation where
the Novel Coronavirus makes it extremely difficult for people to physically move acrossnational borders, international cooperation and expansion related to education andresearch cannot be achieved by conventional methods. In order to realize Ryukoku
Global Vision 2023 (tentative name), I wish to view this difficult situation as "an opportunity
to take on the challenge of making a difference", and do so with flexible and creativethinking.
October 2020
Takashi Irisawa
President, Ryukoku University

Ⅱ Enhancing our Global Presence (4 Categories and 21 Projects)
1. Promotion of Study Abroad 6 Projects①Achievement of 1,000 Outbound Students② Development of Short-Term Study Abroad (Including New Outbound Mobility
Opportunities)③Establishment of Subsidy Assistance for Study Abroad④Establishment of Measures to Promote Outbound Student Exchange⑤Establishment of Global Supporter System⑥Expansion of Global Career Challenge Program (GCCP)
2. Expansion of Admitted International Students / Environment Improvement 7 Projects⑦Achievement of 700 International Students⑧ Implementation of a New Entrance Examination System and Promotion of Further
Reforms⑨Achievement of 150 Student Exchange Partner Universities/Institutions⑩Securing International Students through Collaboration Between Universities⑪Enhancement of our Japanese Language Education Program⑫Enhancement of Public Relations Overseas⑬Enhancement of Employment Support System for International Students
3. Education / Research Environment Improvement 4 Projects⑭Development of English Language-based Degree Programs⑮Active Utilization and New Development of Overseas Bases⑯Development of a University-wide Dual Degree Program⑰Development and Expansion of International General Education Subjects
4. Strengthening of Governance to Promote Globalization 4 Projects⑱University-wide Efforts Regarding Institutional Ranking⑲Enhancement of Outbound Crisis Management System⑳Reorganization of an Administration which Responds Effectively to Internationalization㉑Strengthening the Ability of Administrative Staff to Respond to Internationalization2

Ⅲ 21 Projects
1.

Promotion of Study Abroad
Corresponding University-Wide Concept
400Act-P No.
1-11-①

R-Globe Project ①

Achievement of 1,000 OutboundStudents
Our achievement target for 2023 is 1,000 Outbound Students.
(It is assumed that the spread of the Novel Coronavirus will subside after 2021
and that international exchanges will return to normal.）※As a measure to further improve our THE Japan ranking, we will build asystem that considers all travel such as overseas training camps, fieldsurveys, study abroad at one's private expense during a leave of absence orvacation, and individual travel.
Corresponding University-Wide Concept
400Act-P No.
1-11-①

R-Globe Project ②

Development of Short-Term Study
Abroad (Including New OutboundMobility Opportunities)
While continuing to work on the development of a credit-bearing short-term study
abroad program available university-wide, we will also consider the possibility of
new outbound mobility (online international exchange, etc.) which can be
implemented even if infectious diseases occur worldwide.
At the same time, we will strive to develop a program in which students withdisabilities can participate with peace of mind.
Corresponding University-Wide Concept
400Act-P No.
1-11-②

R-Globe Project ③

EstablishmentofSubsidy
Assistance for Study Abroad
We will endeavor to disseminate information widely about the Alumni Association
overseas study program incentives, establish a support system for students who
have difficulties studying abroad economically, and secure financial resources sothe system can be continued even after support from the Alumni Association hasended.
Corresponding University-Wide Concept
400Act-P No.
1-11-①

R-Globe Project ④

Establishment of Measures toPromote Outbound Student
Exchange
In order to encourage participation in exchange programs and to promote thefulfillment of language requirements, teaching materials in the Language StudyArea (established in the Global Commons) will be enhanced, and free language
test courses (i.e. IELTS) will be offered.

3Corresponding University-Wide Concept
400Act-P No.
1-10-②、1-10-③

R-Globe Project ⑤

Establishment of Global Supporter
SystemAs the leader in promoting student outbound mobility and globalization within theuniversity, we have established a new student organization [Global Supporters],
centered on those who have participated in the Global Career Challenge
Program (GCCP) and those who have studied abroad. It is a peer program that
supports students' international understanding.
Corresponding University-Wide Concept
400Act-P No.
1-15-⑥

R-Globe Project ⑥
Expansion of Global Career
Challenge Program (GCCP)

Through the Global Career Challenge Program, etc. we will raise international
understanding and awareness in students from their early years at the university
and increase the number or students who actively engage in study abroad andinternships. Through participation in various programs, we will work to develop
students who will form the core global human resources of our university.
2.

Expansion of Admitted International Students / Environment Improvement
Corresponding University-Wide Concept
400Act-P No.
1-11-②

R-Globe Project ⑦

Achievement of 700 International
Students
By 2023 we will increase the number of inbound international students to 700 andforma foundation for achieving the minimum clearing standard required for theglobal standard of 5% or more (about 1,100) of international students to the total
number of students. This will lead to the achievement of our four-year target (for2027) or eight-year target (for 2031).
(It is assumed that the spread of the Novel Coronavirus will subside after 2021
and that international exchanges will return to normal.）Corresponding University-Wide Concept
400Act-P No.

R-Globe Project ⑧

1-5-⑥
Implementation of a New Entrance
Examination System and Promotion of
Further Reforms
From the time of entrance exams for international students eligible for admissionin April 2021, (1) active utilization of the EJU and pass/fail judgement by scoring
will be used, (2) recruitment personnel will be set for International Student
Admissions, and multiple opportunities for International Students to take theentrance exam will be implemented. Through the establishment of these threeadmissions reforms, we will endeavor to significantly increase the number ofapplicants.
In addition to considering the pre-admission Examination for Japanese
University Admission for International Students as well as progressing in thedevelopment of a program which allows students to obtain a degree in English,4

we will also consider the implementation of an English-based entrance
examination.
Corresponding University-Wide Concept
400Act-P No.
1-11-④

R-Globe Project ⑨

Achievement of 150 Student
Exchange Partner
Universities/Institutions
We will set a target of 150 universities. To achieve our goal of 1,000 outboundstudents and 700 inbound students, we will strive to acquire applicants forinternational exchange in both directions. While most of the regular international
students at our university come from East Asia, we take it as our position thatstudents accepted from other regions through international exchanges are very
important in contributing to our diversity.
Corresponding University-Wide Concept
400Act-P No.
1-5-⑦

R-Globe Project ⑩

Securing International Students
through Collaboration BetweenUniversities
With a focus on Shenyang University (including its affiliated high school) andother institutions with which we have already established a comprehensive
partnership agreement, we will consider measures to establish a system for thesustainable admission of exemplary international students (Recommendationbased Admissions System, etc.) and secure a lead to the quantitative expansionof international students.
Corresponding University-Wide Concept
400Act-P No.
1-11-⑤

R-Globe Project ⑪

Enhancement of our Japanese
Language Education Program
We will enhance Japanese language education for international students
undertaking studies in general education subjects on Fukakusa Campus, in theJapanese Culture and Language Program (JCLP), and in the JapaneseExperience Program in Kyoto (JEP Kyoto), based in the Language Education
Program Management Coordination Meeting. In addition, we will work tostrengthen quality assurance in Japanese language education and consider future
developments.
Corresponding University-Wide Concept
400Act-P No.
2-4-⑦、A-1-⑤、4-3-④

R-Globe Project ⑫

Enhancement of Public Relations
Overseas
We will strengthen our provision of admissions information overseas while
utilizing overseas bases to secure exemplary international students. In addition,
we will actively develop recruitment activities utilizing the global bases of the Jodo
Shinshu Hongwanji Sect and work to attract international students from throughout
the world.

5

Corresponding University-Wide Concept
400Act-P No.
1-15-⑤

R-Globe Project ⑬

Enhancement of Employment
Support System for International
StudentsAs the number of international students increases (at the undergraduate level inparticular), the employment support system for international students will bestrengthened in collaboration with the Career Center. In addition, we will actively
expand the internship acceptance limit for international students, and work toraise their awareness about employment from their early years at the university.
3.

Education / Research Environment Improvement
Corresponding University-Wide Concept
400Act-P No.
1-8-⑥

R-Globe Project ⑭

Development of English
Language-based DegreePrograms
In order to accept a diverse range of international students, it is essential todevelop an undergraduate-level degree program in the English language (whichhas already become a standard at Japanese universities). We will endeavor towork on the development of a program which allow students to obtain a degreein English, centered within the Faculty of International Studies, Department ofGlobal Studies. In developing this program, there will be a considerable financial
burden (such as the personnel cost for Faculty Members), so measures will beconsidered by which the burden will be reduced by partially utilizing a university
policy frame by which the cost will not be concentrated only on the relevant
Faculty.
Corresponding University-Wide Concept
400Act-P No.
2-4-⑦、A-1-⑤、4-3-④

R-Globe Project ⑮

Active Utilization and New
Development of Overseas Bases
In addition to the effective use of the existing Berkeley Center (RUBeC) and
Hawai'i Office (RUHO), we will consider specific measures for establishingoverseas bases and attracting international students through the utilization of
Hongwanji's global network.
Corresponding University-Wide Concept
400Act-P No.
1-8-⑦

R-Globe Project ⑯

Development of a University-wide
Dual Degree Program
We will conclude separate dual-degree program agreements with overseas
Partner Universities (such as the University of Central Lancashire in the UnitedKingdom) and start operations as soon as possible. Regarding the cost burden,
in order to reduce the financial burden on students, we will ask the Alumni
Association and Shinwakai to consider providing support.

6Corresponding University-Wide Concept
400Act-P No.
1-7-⑤

R-Globe Project ⑰

Development and Expansion ofGlobalGeneral
Education
Subjects
We will aim to merge Japan-related elective subjects and special lectures (taughtin Japanese and English) within the Japanese Experience Program in Kyoto (aprogram established specifically for exchange students), as well as JEP-E
subjects, with intra-faculty liberal arts subjects and faculty-based specialized
subjects to create Global Subjects* (*tentative name). In addition, we will build anenvironment in which both international students and Japanese students canstudy together through courses in which the instructor wishes to accept
international students (Recommended Courses for International Students).
4.

Strengthening of Governance to Promote Globalization
Corresponding University-Wide Concept
400Act-P No.
2-4-⑥

R-Globe Project ⑱

University-wide Efforts Regarding
Institutional Ranking
1) UniRank Established Brand as the World's #1 Buddhist University
Ryukoku University was ranked #1 in the Buddhist University World Rankingsfor two consecutive years, through the university ranking institution UniRank.
In an effort to solidify our position as the world's leading Buddhist university,
we will work to strengthen the power of our brand by actively inviting
researchers in Buddhism, as well as holding World Religion Forums.
2) Improvement of our QS/THE Asian University Ranking
We will aim to be ranked within the top 400 of the QS/THE Asian UniversityRankings, and will strengthen our efforts to improve our point scores in eacharea. Also, focusing on communications with QS/THE, we will conduct a survey
regarding marketing methods that lead to improved rankings.
Corresponding University-Wide Concept
400Act-P No.
1-11-⑥

R-Globe Project ⑲

Enhancement of Outbound Crisis
Management System
Based on the Overseas Crisis Management Manual (established in April 2015),
enhancements will be made with the addition of an infectious disease crisis
management section to support global pandemics, such as the Novel
Coronavirus which appeared in 2020. Furthermore, a crisis management system
will be developed to quickly respond to such incidents as accidents, illnesses,
and natural disasters concerning outbound students located overseas, as wellas to confirm their safety. We will establish a system by which information canbe provided in a prompt manner. In addition, the crisis management system forinbound international students will be improved.

7

Corresponding University-Wide Concept
400Act-P No.
1-11-⑥

R-Globe Project⑳

Reorganization of an Administration
which
Responds
EffectivelytoInternationalization
Amongst our Graduate Schools, the Graduate School of International Studies andthe Graduate School of Economics have already implemented programs whichallow students to obtain a degree in English. There is an increasing demand forEnglish support in various situations such as in public relations, admissions
procedures, orientation at the time of entrance, and daily student guidance. At
present, not all Faculty Offices have such an admissions system in place, so weare considering the establishment of a department to handle the organization of
those English-based programs -- for example, the Corresponding Team and theGraduate School English Program Office* (*tentative name), through which a system
will be built to provide intensive and efficient handling.
Corresponding University-Wide Concept
400Act-P No.
2-9-⑥

R-Globe Project㉑

Strengthening the Ability of
Administrative Staff to Respond toInternationalization
In order to cultivate an Administrative Staff which is able to respond to globalization,
we will consider not only overseas higher education training and language training,
but also the addition of language proficiency to the hiring conditions for new
Administrative Staff Members. In addition, a new TOEIC test fee subsidy system
will be established to encourage Administrative Staff Members to take the test.
The target value for the percentage of staff who have obtained 800 points will beset at 20%.
In addition, Administrative Staff Members with various backgrounds and globalversatility (including foreigners) will be hired.

8Ⅳ Reference Data
1. Simulation: Achievement of 700 International Students
Number ofStudents

International Student Category

510

Regular International Students
Japanese Culture and Language
Program Students
Exchange Students
Other（Special InternationalStudents・Research Students,etc.）
Total

2

Supplemental Information
Expected to increase due to the setting ofrecruitment personnel (from previous 35 →124) for International Student Admissions
from 20204012525700

Changes in Outbound International Student Numbers from Ryukoku University
2009452

2010
452

2011
418

2012
525

2013
494

2014
450

92015
441

2016
636

2017
685

2018
766

2019
697