Representatives from six of Japan’s attractive universities, including Joshibi University of Art and Design, Kyushu University, Nagoya University, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Shibaura Institute of Technology, Tokai University, and Japanese Language Education Center of Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO), are set to entice the UAE’s brightest students to enrol in their institutions when exhibiting at the Japan Pavilion at this year’s NAJAH Abu Dhabi higher education event to be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from 30 October till 01 November , 2019.
The Japanese higher-education promotional initiative is spearheaded by JICE (Japan International Cooperation Center), which encourages Emirati students to study in Japan. JICE offers opportunities for UAE students and their families to directly engage with representatives from internationally acclaimed institutions with a myriad of Japan’s cutting edge technological, commercial, artistically and humanity courses, coupled with the opportunities of experiencing Japan’s unique culture and lifestyle. It will be the 7th time for JICE to participate at NAJAH – the UAE’s leading higher education event.
One university to regularly participate at NAJAH is Tokai University, which currently hosts 120 students from the Gulf Countries, including 37 students from the UAE. Founded in 1942, Tokai University consists of 7 campuses, which are comprised of 21 schools and colleges with 79 departments. The university provides a wide range of support for international students through its International Education Center, including the availability of prayer spaces on campus, and the serving of Halal food at university cafeterias, which has become one of the reasons why many Muslim students from across the world are choosing Tokai University for further education. Additionally, the university also offers the “Tokai Cool Japan Program”, which is perfect for those seeking short summer courses in Japan, with the courses taught entirely in English.
Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) is a leading multicultural tertiary institution in Japan, with nearly half of its enrolled students heralding from overseas. The entire curriculum is taught in either English or Japanese, and there are currently 2,906 international students from 91 different countries currently enrolled enjoying the unique bilingual education system.
Joshibi University of Art and Design, Japan’s acclaimed women-only art university, will be participating at NAJAH for the third time, aiming to outreach to the UAE’s female student community that hold a deep passion for furthering their studies in art and design.
Founded in Tokyo in 1900, Joshibi University is the first institution in Japan which opened its gate for the education of art for women, with the aim of empowering women to achieve independence through the arts. Today it remains Japan’s sole female-only art university. For 119 years the university has produced more than 70,000 talented female artists, designers and educators. Among them are artists who have made great contributions to the history of Japanese modern art, including designers who are the original creators of popular characters such as Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, Gudetama and Rilakkuma. Joshibi University focuses on creating an educational environment where women can feel that they are able to achieve anything without restricting their ideas, and where women can feel safe and comfortable to learn.
Says Mr. Shigeto Aoki, General Manager, JICE Abu Dhabi Office: “We are excited to introduce these attractive Japanese universities to students in the UAE. Their academic standards are high and well recognised globally, and they are welcoming international students from around the world. Most of the universities which are exhibiting at the Japan Pavilion at NAJAH this year already have a history of receiving a number of UAE students, and offer a variety of courses in both English and Japanese.”
Aoki continues; “Japan is a great place to study. Tokyo is ranked second after London as World Best Student Cities by QS World Ranking 2019. Advanced technology, the unique culture, safety and the quality of life contribute to why an increasing number of international students are choosing Japan for study.”
In addition to the six universities slated to attend the event, visiting students and their families will also be able to inquire and receive information about other Japanese universities both from the JICE representative in attendance at NAJAH, and also directly from members of JASSO. Many short-term courses are also available throughout the year for both high school and university level students,that provide excellent opportunities for students to learn about Japanese culture and Japanese language.
As a new challenge for the 7th exhibition, JICE will share our unique initiative of collaboration between Japanese Industry and Academia at the occasion of NAJAH CONFERENCE that is an exclusive senior-level B2B platform fostering networking with global academia and cross-industry organizations.
Since the opening of the JICE Abu Dhabi Office in 2013, the number of Emirati students studying in Japan for both degree and non-degree programmes has increased by 156% from 85 students in 2013 to 133 students in 2018. This equates to a grand total of 783 Emirati students to have studied in Japan over the 7-year period. The increase is expected to continue in 2019, aided by the many outreach and informational activities conducted by JICE throughout the year.
For more information about studying in Japan and the free assistance and services offered by JICE visit: www.jice.org/en or call: 02 652 6875
