About
Message from the Director
GEC: The Hube of “Realizing a Global University” at Hosei University
Dr. Satoru Matsumoto, Vice President, Director of Global Education Center
Hosei University has been promoting its globalization since designated a grantee under the “Project for Promotion of Global Human Resource” and the “Top Global University Project” by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). Based on these experiences and internal/external evaluations, Hosei University has established the new Basic Policy for “Realizing a Global University” in 2030, the 150th anniversary of its founding.
What is a global university? You might imagine such a university where many students study abroad, are fluent in foreign languages, and where the campus is filled with international students from universities around the world. Certainly, as a means to an end, it is important to promote studying abroad, improving foreign language skills, and increasing the number of international students. However, Hosei University's “Basic Policy for Realizing a Global University” places greater emphasis on cultivating a “Global Mindset” among its members, including university students, affiliated school students, faculty members and staff. A global mindset is the ability to “aim for creating a world where more people can live better,” “be aware of oneself and one's actions within a global context,” “have flexibility in thinking,” and “thrive in unknown situations by applying acquired skills and knowledge.” These means include learning in Japan in one's native language and accepting not only international students but also students from diverse cultural backgrounds.
The Global Education Center was established in 2014, succeeding the International Center and the Center for Global Human Resource Development. Since the 1970s, the International Center had been actively supporting Hosei University’s internationalization efforts, including establishing partnerships with overseas universities and maintaining a vibrant student exchange program. On the other hand, the Center for Global Human Resource Development was established in 2012 to develop human resources who can actively challenge and play an active role in the global arena through the English Reinforcement Program (ERP), the International Volunteer and Internship Program, and other programs that provide students with opportunities to improve English proficiency, cultivate global sensitivity and perspectives, and have actual overseas experiences. The Global Education Center has taken over the roles and activities of these two institutions and further enhances efforts in providing support for international students as well as Japanese students participating in study abroad programs, funding for international scholars to pursue research at Hosei University, and hosting exchange students and international researchers from our partner institutions. As a center for realizing a global university under the new basic policy, the Global Education Center promotes and develops activities while strengthening cooperation with various institutions of Hosei University, including faculties, graduate schools, affiliated schools, and research institutes.
