Building on the achievements of its predecessor, the former International Student Center, the Center for International Education and Exchange has been contributing steadily to the university’s globalization efforts. Starting in April 2025, the Center’s three divisions—the Division of International Student Support, the Division of Japanese Language Education, and the Division of Student Exchange—will collaborate closely as part of the newly established university-wide Institute for International Initiatives, which will oversee all international endeavors at The University of Osaka. Together, they will serve a foundational role in supporting and promoting international education and exchange across the university.

    The Center provides comprehensive programs and support to promote international education and exchange across the university. Specifically, the Center will offer life-cycle support for international students—from pre-admission through to post-graduation careers. The Center is also committed to improving students’ quality of life and providing Japanese language education designed to support the academic success of international students. In addition, it will lead the planning, improvement, and quality assurance of university-wide student exchange programs (both inbound and outbound) and international education initiatives, including multicultural collaborative learning.

    At the Center, strong collaboration between faculty and staff has long been a hallmark of our support for both international and domestic students. We work closely not only with the staff who directly engage with students, but also with international student advisors across departments and the International Affairs Division. Through daily communication and shared initiatives, we have built a robust yet flexible network that connects stakeholders involved in language education and international exchange—both within the university and with external partners—enhancing our collective impact.

    Building on these networks, the Center actively supports student-led organizations such as the Osaka University International Students Association (OUISA) and B.S.P., with the aim of preventing the isolation of international students and enhancing their quality of life. In addition, the Center has a strong track record of collaborating with local international exchange organizations and volunteer groups on a range of community-based activities.

    Another distinguishing feature of the Center is the active research engagement of its faculty members, who widely disseminate the outcomes of their practice-based and empirical studies. Many of the Center’s full-time faculty also serve as affiliated faculty members in relevant graduate schools, such as the Graduate School of Humanities and the Graduate School of Human Sciences, where they contribute to teaching and academic supervision. In addition, the Center has secured numerous research grants, including KAKENHI. Faculty members are also actively involved in professional and international academic societies, serve on governmental and organizational committees, and frequently give public lectures and lead outreach programs.

    As the Center enters a new phase within the Institute for International Initiatives, we remain committed to advancing both practice and research as two integral pillars of our work. Our goal is to create an environment where international students can truly feel that studying in Japan is worthwhile and that being a part of The University of Osaka is a meaningful and fulfilling experience. Through these ongoing efforts, we aim to contribute to the University’s mission of cultivating individuals who can lead the creation of new social value across cultural boundaries.

Mioko Yoshinaga, Director, Center for International Education and Exchange