Fostering Global Citizens

Waseda University’s Study Abroad Plan

With goals to foster successful, global citizens, Waseda Vision 150 strategic plan aims to have all Waseda University students study abroad. This article presents the details and framework for executing this grand proposal through an interview with Professor Masakazu Iino, the Dean of the Center for International Education.

To thrive in a diversifying, global society

The Center for International Education (CIE) is responsible for supporting international students at Waseda University and domestic students studying abroad. Professor Masakazu Iino from the Faculty of International Research and Education serves as the Dean of CIE.

Professor Masakazu Iino from the Faculty of International Research and Education
Dean of the Center of International Education
After graduating from Waseda University’s School of Political Science and Economics, Professor Iino worked for the Bank of Japan. He holds masters and doctoral degrees from the University of Pennsylvania. He was an assistant professor at California State University, Los Angeles and J.F. Oberlin University prior to becoming professor at the School of Political Science and Economics, Waseda University. Currently, he is a professor at the Faculty of International Research and Education, teaching at both School of International Liberal Studies and Graduate School of International Culture and Communication Studies. He specializes in sociolinguistics.

Waseda University Study Abroad Network – High in numbers and quality

Under Waseda Vision 150, what is the objective of expanding study abroad programs at Waseda University? How does CIE plan to do this?

Waseda Vision 150 intends Waseda University students to become ambitious individuals who can make contributions in our global society. The global leaders we envision will not only reach new heights on the world stage but support regional communities with a global perspective as well.

To realize Waseda Vision 150, we aspire to have all Waseda University study abroad, in comparison to the 2,541 students who went abroad in the year 2012. Our study abroad plan will focus on both quality and quality.

In terms of quantity, we have agreements with 600 universities and institutions worldwide, boasting the largest study abroad network in the country. Within this network, students can select from a wide range of programs according to their needs, based on language fluency level and their reasons for going abroad.

To pursue high quality, we are increasing the number of exchanges with top universities abroad, including Peking University (China), Chulalongkorn University (Thailand), Columbia University (USA), National University of Singapore (Singapore), Oxford University (England), and Paris Institute of Political Studies (France).

To become an active speaker, not a learner of language

Why should students study abroad?

Compared to the times of Japanese missions going to Sui China and Tang China, studying abroad has become a much closer reality. If anyone should ask if studying abroad is worth spending money and time, my answer is absolutely yes. I believe there is no other beneficial investment towards the future of university students.

Especially for those Japanese students who have lived in a materialistically and socioeconomically affluent comfort zone, they will face challenges and conflict when immersing themselves in a culturally different environment. They will be forced to question their norms and overcome obstacles that come their way, helping students change dramatically for the better.

In addition, non-English speaking countries are making presence in the business and academic worlds recently. What is required of leaders from those countries is to speak English with confidence, not necessarily with good accents, pronunciation, and grammar. We need to be good English speakers, not learners. A matter of fact, successful businesspersons from non-English countries do not speak perfectly according to the standards of native English speakers, but they can boldly convey their thoughts and ideas.

On the other hand, English education system in Japan overly emphasizes speaking like a native speaker. I want Waseda students to let go of this common notion and encourage them to have vitality and communication skills for holding conversations with people from all backgrounds on equal grounds.

What kind of struggles did you have when you studied abroad?

I studied abroad for the first time when I was a high school student. I stayed in Texas in the United States for a year. Because I lived in a conservatively Christian area, everyone in the family except me went to church on the weekends.

What I remember most from this experience was the humble lifestyle of middle-class families with loans. Japan at the time was disillusioned by the image of the United States as a superpower, so I learned a lot from the gap between this image and what I saw in front of me. My research topic today is related to this experience.

Making study abroad programs more accessible

To have all Waseda University students study abroad, motivating the students will become necessary as well.

That’s true. We actively promote study abroad programs during study abroad fairs held twice a year by the CIE. At this time, it is important to dispel the myth of study abroad being expensive. There are tuition agreements※ for approximately 700 students and scholarships available.

Also, as the Dean of CIE, I am working together with each faculty across the University to accept transferred credits obtained through study abroad.

※An agreement between partner institutions and Waseda University where students would be exempt from paying tuition to the study abroad programs by paying tuition at their home institution.

Have faith in students

What would you like to tell guardians cosigning study abroad documents?

I personally feel that there has been an increase of guardians who are apprehensive about sending students abroad. Despite the student wanting international experience, there are many cases where the guardians are against this because of concerns such as health and safety issues. However, Waseda University students only go to the top ranking universities overseas. These institutions offer more than the basic living arrangements and study environment. Furthermore, there will be support if anything were to happen, so I would like guardians to be rest assured and send the students off without any worries. I wish that the guardians would believe in the students and respect their decisions.

As the Dean of CIE, what do you look forward to in the future?

Azusa Ono, one of the founding fathers of Waseda University, laid out the pillar of the “Independence of Learning,” claiming that future leaders must not only be independent from the power and authority at the time but from Western rule and complete devotion to Western civilization as well.

However, even still in modern day Japan, a superstitious trend of placing high values of Western thinking and ideologies. I believe that Waseda University students can broaden their perspectives by studying abroad and be freed from such stereotypes, becoming active members of the diversifying, international community. As the Dean of CIE, I look forward to CIE acting as a window for promoting study abroad opportunities for all Waseda University students.