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Basic Policy of Internationalization at Kagoshima University

Basic Policy of Internationalization at Kagoshima University

Established on 15 March 2018

by the Education and Research Council

Background

In 2007, Kagoshima University established a University Charter based on its basic philosophy of 'enterprising spirit', 'gumption' or 'challenging mindset' and laid out what Kagoshima University should do specifically under the philosophy. In the Charter, internationalization of Kagoshima University is defined as an effort of 'deepening ties with Asia-Pacific countries; promoting two-way exchange of researchers and students; cooperation in international research and education; and contributing to the welfare of humanity, maintenance of world peace and conservation of the global environment'. To put this plan into practice, specific measures have been implemented. One of the basic goals during the 2nd mid-term objectives planning period starting in 2010 was 'development of human resources who will contribute to the solution of international problems and who are able to make a difference in the age of globalization'. During the 3rd mid-term objectives planning period starting in 2016, 'furthering the effort to develop human resources locally who will have a global perspective' was one of the basic goals.

Basic Policy

(1) Establishment and enhancement of an educational system/educational environment conducive to the development of human resources who will have a global perspective

In order to internationalize Kagoshima University, it is necessary to internationalize the content of education offered to students. Therefore, we will further internationalize our educational system and environment. For Japanese students, we will provide an educational system and environment in which students may both spontaneously develop an interest in international affairs and different cultures of the world and use English and other foreign languages to grow into human resources with high skills in bidirectional communication. For non-Japanese students, we will build and offer a flexible education system so that they will be able to achieve their individual purposes of studying at Kagoshima University.

(2) Proactive internationalization of core research to turn Kagoshima University into a center of excellence for international education and research

Kagoshima University will promote world-class research efforts in which our strengths are brought into full play and accelerate academic exchange with overseas research institutions to recast the university as a center of excellence for international education and research. We will also enter into academic exchange agreements to accept more students from overseas academic institutions and send our high-performing undergraduate and graduate students to foreign academic institutions to develop human resources who will someday make a difference in the world.

(3) Development of high-quality human resources/organizations necessary to reinforce the internationalization of Kagoshima University

When a university internationalizes itself, it must make efforts across a wide spectrum of areas simultaneously, including education, research, social contribution, and control and management, and, in doing so, a flexible approach is often called for. In addition, faculty and university staff involved in international projects are required to have a certain level of language skills, and that is why organizations in charge of international projects are generally formed and operated independently from ordinary faculty and administrative organizations. However, it is necessary to make it understood across the university that human resources tasked with internationalization are not only such 'special staff' but also the whole faculty and staff of the university. At the same time, it is important to develop high-quality human resources and organizations within the university.

(4) Flexible and adequately focused budgeting and effective use of the budget on international projects

A substantial budget is required to carry out internationalization projects, and the university budget is too strained. To solve this problem, the university will submit, as part of its reform plan, an estimated budget necessary to implement internationalization projects and aggressively seek external funds. The university will also regularly evaluate the content and outcome of each project and reflect the results on the projects and budgets of the next year onward. Such evaluation will make it possible to formulate a budget flexibly with a clear focus and utilize it effectively on projects.