Introduction
We are trying to grow more and more.
Interview with Dr. Yasunori Kanaho
- Thank you for speaking to us today, Dr. Kanaho. First, could you tell us about the thinking behind the G30 program?
The G30 program was started to accept students from abroad to educate in Japanese universities. We are aiming to cultivate students for future international leaders in globalized world and to provide solutions to global-scale challenges through social action work. One of our roles is to gather and disseminate knowledge backed by high-level research. In the beginning, the plan was to give classes in English for the foreign students, while Japanese students could take classes in Japanese. But I thought that is not true internationalization. My criteria for internationalization is for even Japanese students to be able to easily understand English, so they can go abroad for study at any time. Active participation in class discussions in a cross-cultural environment integrates and stimulates one’s ideas and thoughts. So we decided to give all classes in English and to give the students opportunities to show their abilities to accomplish their goals.
- Do you plan to enhance the program?
Oh, yes. Of course, many institutions are also trying to set up exchange programs with other countries all over the world. For example, we have already established exchange programs between our university and two others in Vietnam, and we are trying to establish an exchange program with Taiwan National University, Edinburgh University, Bordeaux University and so on. If we have exchange programs all over the world, maybe students can utilize our university as a hub for exchange programs. For example, if a student from Vietnam came here to study, they could go on to other universities, such as Edinburgh.
- How can the G30 program benefit research here?
All programs involved in the education of graduate students are based on research. So first we should establish collaboration between our university and other universities. If we can successfully establish collaboration with other universities, maybe graduate students will realize how good our university is. So in the near future, we can form a lot of connections between our university and private companies. For communication it’s really important to know other countries’ culture, not only science.
- Is this a policy direction for the whole university?
In the world ranking of universities, if you want to get a good position, you need everything – of course excellent researchers, as well as quality education and communication with other countries, researchers and educators. Part of that aim is to attract students from foreign countries. One of the evaluations of your institution is how well you contribute to education all over the world.
- How about the future of the program?
We are trying to grow more and more. We have established a very valuable program here for both research and education to support students from foreign countries. This means they can come to Tsukuba University and do research and study in a very comfortable environment, and that is very valuable, for both the university and the country.
Full Name: Yasunori Kanaho
Nationality: Japanese
Position/Year: Professor,Vice provost, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba
Field of study/Major: Physiological Chemistry, Signal Transduction
