While Japanese universities have long been recognized for their academic excellence, their recent decline in international competitiveness has raised concerns among policymakers, educators and students alike. Like other leading institutions in Japan, the newly merged Science Tokyo faces the challenge of implementing comprehensive reforms to achieve successful internationalization.
To encourage discussion on these challenges and consider the future growth of Science Tokyo, GSEP hosted a special talk on January 28, 2025, with Prof. Patrick Foss, Science Tokyo Vice President for International Strategy and Internationalization, as the guest speaker. The event attracted not only GSEP students but also international students, faculty and staff from various schools and departments across the Institute.
Prof. Foss began his presentation with an overview of the current level of international engagement at Science Tokyo. While referencing the international student and faculty ratios at benchmark universities in the U.S. and Europe, Prof. Foss emphasized that internationalization is not only about achieving numerical targets. To stimulate discussion, he proposed a multifaceted definition of “internationalization” for Science Tokyo, and invited the audience to consider the practical implications of that definition in shaping the university’s international strategy.
One of the key points discussed was the importance of a collective effort to create an inclusive academic environment. An international student shared the challenges of interacting with Japanese students and adjusting to the campus environment, and a Japanese faculty member described her efforts to integrate both Japanese and international students in the classroom, emphasizing that much of her approach is based on personal commitment. It was highlighted that systemic changes are necessary at the university level to address these challenges effectively.
Another important topic mentioned was the need to encourage the use of English as a common language. Noting that most meetings at Science Tokyo are currently conducted in Japanese, Prof. Foss suggested using English could not only enhance accessibility, but also promote the exchange of new ideas and reduce some systemic barriers. One Japanese faculty member also emphasized the importance of supporting Japanese students as use of English expands. It was pointed out that to help all members of the university community adapt to a bilingual environment, workshops on cultural competence and the effective use of translation tools in particular would be beneficial.
The discussion also addressed the concept of a “bigger GSEP” or expanding English-taught programs to other disciplines. Questions were raised about how to secure sufficient financial and human resources to offer attractive programs. The importance of involving support staff was also emphasized, as having enough staff to support students is essential for any program’s success.
Throughout the session, participants engaged in thoughtful reflection on both the meaning and practice of “internationalization”. The insights shared underscored that internationalization is a long-term commitment that demands a collective effort to embrace diversity and cultivate cross-cultural understanding. Prof. Foss concluded the session with a key message: while challenges and barriers are inevitable, they can be overcome through mutual respect and collaboration, driven by a flexible and open mindset.
