TUFS Top Global University Project

TUFS CONNECTS resources worldwide ! �� From the world to Japan and Japan to the world

TUFS was selected as the ��Top Global University�� by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology; MEXT (Funding Type B: Toward Globalization) in 2014. With this designation, TUFS receives funding to serve as a key network university that connects worldwide resources under the slogan, ��From the world to Japan and from Japan to the world��.

Outline

TUFS CONNECTS resources worldwide !

This project titled ��TUFS CONNECTS resources worldwide�� is designed with an aim of contributing to the policy of ��globalisation of Japanese universities�� and its implementation which is needed in today��s increasingly global and diverse world.

With our expertise in theoretical and applied learning in a diverse number of languages which includes Japanese language, TUFS sees itself in a ��key position�� in Japanese academia. As such, we believe that we have the right sets of expertise and capabilities which will contribute to increasing ��globalisation of Japanese universities��.

In order to contribute to globalisation of Japanese universities, TUFS will exclusively focus on these three areas:

• Multi-lingual Global Human Resources
• Enhancement of Japanese Language and Culture Outreach
• Consulting services for fellow Universities on how to globalise

We define ��Multi-lingual Global Human Resources�� as those capable of fully participating and delivering results in today��s global world. We envision these human resources as being competent in a highly diverse range of languages which is not limited to competency in English language.

Our teaching curriculum is designed with an aim of equipping our learners with theoretical and applied knowledge in a number of diverse languages and we believe that these skills will empower them in their global careers. We believe that theoretical understanding of today��s diverse world and how it runs as well as practical ��real-world experience�� is indispensable in training global human resources.

We also see the need for ��enhancement of Japanese language and culture outreach�� in order to elevate Japan��s global presence. With this in mind, we run ��Japanese Language, Culture and Society�� studies both for Japanese students and for international students who study here in Japan, with a global career in mind. Moreover, we run ��Global Japan Office�� centers in cooperation with our overseas partners and we use this office for promoting Japan and Japanese language studies. We believe that training of the overseas Japanese language educators also contributes to ��enhancement of Japanese language and culture outreach��.

We see the need for a complete overhaul of Japanese university practices if we were to succeed in globalising the academia. In order to improve this current situation, we will use our established international presence and share our ��Global Japan Office�� with other universities thus effectively creating ��shared usage centers��. Moreover, we will provide consulting services on how to globalize to other universities based on our expertise. We believe that through this initiative of ��shared usage centers�� and consulting, Japan will see an increase in the number of international students in future. The process of bringing in international students to Japan will also run smoother and therefore contribute to ��internalisation of Japanese universities��.

In sum, we strongly believe that realisation of this project will benefit us on two fronts. It will assist TUFS in delivering its aim of ��research and education in a number of diverse languages and respective cultures and societies�� as well as policy makers in contributing to enhancement of ��internalisation of Japanese universities��.