International Center

What We Do at the International Center

■ Study Abroad Programs for Domestic Students

Study abroad programs

The International Center offers an extensive range of study abroad opportunities for students: short-term language programs and study abroad programs during spring and summer breaks; long-term study abroad programs lasting one semester or an academic year; exchange programs at partner institutions; and intensive language programs in Japan.

Study abroad counseling with International Center faculty members

Students can receive counseling regarding study abroad programs and language learning from a study abroad counselor, who also teaches exchange/visiting students at the International Center.

■ Support for International Students

Academic support

The Center offers Japanese Studies courses to help improve students’ Japanese language ability and enhance their understanding of Japanese culture. We also have an "International Student Peer Support System" in which Japanese students support international students who have questions about Japanese language and culture.

Daily life support

The Center arranges orientation sessions for new students when they first arrive on campus, offers advice concerning residence registration while at the university, and assist with paperwork and other tasks prior to departure.

■ Cultural Exchange

Events and activities

The Center hosts Japanese/English speech competitions for international and Japanese students. We also organize various events to provide a platform to meet new people, make friends across international borders, and enjoy meals and games together.

Special seminars

The Center invites guest lecturers to enhance students’ language skills and increase multicultural awareness.

Pagetop

A Message from the Director of the International Center

Globalization is accelerating at a phenomenal rate, ushering in a transformation that will have a major impact on diverse fields, including business, tourism, sports, education, the arts, lifestyle, and social welfare. In this rapidly globalizing world, it is our mission to prepare our students for careers in a range of fields, harnessing their potential to shape them into global citizens with a good command of foreign languages, who can build relationships with those from other cultures and backgrounds, and who can collaborate to work for the betterment of the global community. Otsuma Women’s University (OWU) offers an extensive range of programs aimed at developing practical communication skills and cross-cultural competence in our students. The International Center coordinates these programs and works in close collaboration with academic departments across the university, thereby helping our students find a program that best meets their needs and goals.

Study abroad programs can vary widely depending on how long the program is and where it takes place. Students can study abroad on a short-term, semester-long, or year-long basis, and choose from a range of institutions in different parts of the world. As of April 2024, OWU has partnerships with 40 institutions in North America, Asia, Oceania, and Europe, which offer distinct study-abroad programs: specialized programs with an academic focus, language programs, cross-cultural programs, and research programs that involve fieldwork. Different students may have different goals for their study abroad experience. Some students who are moderately proficient in a foreign language may choose to study overseas on a long-term exchange program, while others who may lack confidence in their language skills can seek opportunities to explore different cultures and broaden their horizons. The International Center has accumulated years of experience helping students to take on the challenge of studying abroad. You are not entirely on your own in this, so if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us for any help.

In addition to providing study abroad opportunities for domestic students, the International Center supports international students who come from every corner of the world to study at OWU. We offer multifaceted support to help students reach their full potential, including academic support in their specialized fields in each department, Japanese language courses, and a variety of opportunities to make friends across international borders. Our goal is to continue to provide an environment where students from both inside and outside of Japan can come together on our campus, whether in the classroom or in the cafeteria.

Studying abroad and spending time away from your home country opens up a whole new awareness about the importance of studying your country’s history, culture, politics, and economy. We encourage students to study abroad, as the experience will open your eyes to what is going on in the global landscape and breeds an appreciation for who you are, or where you come from. The International Center will continue to serve as a bridge between students and institutions worldwide. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Hiroshi Ogawa, Director