Announcement of the start of acceptance for faculty and staff skill improvement training in 2024

 

Business Overview

As the globalization of higher education accelerates, such as the enhancement of support for international students and the promotion of collaborative projects with overseas universities, the English proficiency of university faculty and staff has become indispensable as a basic ability.
In addition, international students from many countries and regions have their own cultural backgrounds, and in order to communicate smoothly, it is essential to understand customs, social norms, religions, etc. beyond language.
For this reason, the University Consortium Kyoto aims to raise the level of practical skills and motivate students to improve their skills by providing training to improve English proficiency by conducting case studies in various situations and training to learn about cultures outside of English-speaking countries.

 

 

Outline of the event

Session 1: Saturday, July 20, 2024, 9:30-16:30 [Language] *Face-to-face lecture
Communication skills at university (English level: beginner)
Lecturer: Mr. Owen Mark Kozlowski
〈Finished〉
Session 2: Saturday, July 27, 2024, 9:30-16:30 [Culture] *Online course
Training for understanding Chinese culture
Lecturer: Mr. Mao Xinghua
〈Finished〉
Session 3: Saturday, August 24, 2024, 9:30-16:30 [Culture] *Online lecture
Training in Islamic culture with a focus on Southeast Asian countries
Lecturer: Ms. Hangarda Priyahita
〈Finished〉
Session 4: Saturday, September 14, 2024 and Wednesday, September 18, 2024, 13:30-16:30 [Language] *Online course
Business English Literacy: Cross-Cultural Understanding and Communication in English at University (English Level: Intermediate ~ Advanced)
Lecturer: Associate Professor Mikako Nishikawa, Nagasaki University
* The 4th session will be one training course for the first and second half of the course.
〈Finished〉

Session 5: Saturday, November 9, 2024, 9:30-16:30 [Language] *Face-to-face lecture
English Expressions for Email & Web Conferencing (English Level: Beginner)
Lecturer: Mr. Owen Mark Kozlowski
〈Finished〉
Session 6: Saturday, November 30, 2024, 9:30-16:30 [Language] *Face-to-face lecture
Meeting and Discussion (English Level: Intermediate ~ Advanced)
Lecturer: Glenn Gregas
〈Finished〉

☆ For details on the training contents, participation fee, capacity, etc., and the application form, please check the following page.

>>2024 Faculty and Staff Skill Improvement Training Detail Page

* Regarding the decision of whether or not to attend, the 4th session will be around mid ~ end of August.
In addition, the 5th and 6th sessions will be announced sequentially around October.

University Consortium Kyoto, International Business Department
TEL:(075)353-9164 / FAX:(075)353-9101
e-mail: kokusai■consortium.or.jp (Please replace ■ with @)

Application Deadline “Malaysia-Penang Cross-Cultural Understanding Training” March 2, 2025 (Sun) ~ March 11, 2025 (Tue) [For students]

Capacity has been reached”Malaysia-Penang Cross-Cultural Understanding Training” updated at noon on 11/27
Click here for the video of the first briefing→Video of the briefing on October 16

From this fiscal year, we will conduct a new “Malaysia-Penang Cross-Cultural Understanding Training” for university students who belong to member universities of the University Consortium Kyoto.

Features of this training
At Universiti Sains Malaysia, students will attend lectures on culture, history, and ethnicity in English with local students and deepen exchanges with local students.
With the support of local students (buddies), they visit refugee centers and government offices in Penang to conduct fieldwork. On the last day, students will present what they have learned in Penang in English.
At CEMACS, the Marine Centre of Universiti Universiti Malaysia of Sciences, you will observe the plants and organisms that inhabit the waters of Penang and learn about marine surveys and SDGs activities.
We will visit local Japanese companies and hear from local employees about the difficulties and rewards of working overseas, and we will have a question-and-answer session. We will also take a tour of the factory.
Based on the lectures they received at the university, they will explore Georgetown, a world cultural heritage site, and the city in groups. Challenge yourself to a puzzle-solving game targeting Penang Island.
Breakfast is served at the hotel, and lunch is served at four different cuisines (Nyonya, Chinese, Indian and Malay) to learn about the diverse food culture.
For dinner, we will guide you to several nearby hawker centres (food stall villages) and night markets, so you can enjoy Malaysia’s national food cheaply and safely.
Two university consortium staff members will lead the trip from the beginning to the end, so even students who are new to overseas can participate with confidence.

Recommended for people like this
◆ People who want to make friends abroad
◆ People who want to experience different cultures by experiencing Malaysian culture, ethnicity, and history
◆ Those who are not confident in their English proficiency, but want to use English to converse and interact with local students
◆ People who want to visit local Japanese companies
◆ Those who are new to overseas training (We will conduct pre- and post-training!) )
◇ If you want to interact with students from other universities in Kyoto, please join us!
◇ Those who are in the graduation year who are thinking of going overseas as a graduation trip are also OK!

Highlights of Penang
Penang in Malaysia is also very safe, and it is the fourth safest city in Southeast Asia after Singapore. In addition, the cost of living is very cheap, and even in recent years, when the yen is depreciating, it is very cheap at 1/3 of Japan, and you can enjoy lunch and dinner within 300 to 500 yen. In addition, there are three main ethnic groups living in Malaysia, Malay, Chinese, and Indian, but the people are very friendly and many of them are pro-Japan, so you can stay with peace of mind. English is used as a semi-official language after Malay, and since tourists from all over the world visit Penang, English is almost always spoken in public places such as convenience stores and supermarkets. The climate in Penang is very mild, around 25 degrees Celsius in the morning and around 30 degrees Celsius in the afternoon, and there is little precipitation from November to March, making it the best season to visit.

Re:

 March 2, 2025 (Sun) ~ March 11, 2025 (Tue) 8 nights 10 days Kansai International Airport departure with Malaysia Airlines

Cost:

 300,000 yen ~ 350,000 yen (including accommodation, training fee, air ticket, fuel surcharge, airport tax)
*Airport taxes are subject to change, so please finalize the fare at the end of December and pay the balance.

Training Location:

Universiti Universiti Universiti Universit

Where to stay:

3-star hotel in Georgetown (1 room for 2-3 people) *Separate for men and women
Examples: Hotel Neo+, The Gallivant Hotel, Travelodge Georgetown, Cititel Express, Hotel Sentral Georgetown, etc.
*Hotel details will be decided 2 months prior to the departure date.

Target:

Students enrolled in a member university of the University Consortium Kyoto (including students in the year of graduation)
・University and graduate students
・Junior college students

Additional Capacity:

 1 person (first-come, first-served basis) * If the capacity is reached, you will be on the waiting list.  

Minimum Organizers:

8

Deadline:

Closed by noon on Wednesday, November 27, 2024

How to apply:

Please apply from the application button above. Please transfer the application fee by Wednesday, December 4th. Details will be announced later.
* Since the start time of training is approaching, cancellation after application is not possible *

Main training contents:

・Attending lectures in English at Universiti Universiti Sains Malaysia and interacting with local students
* All lectures are conducted in English, but since they are conducted in easy English, there is no problem if you have English skills equivalent to graduating from high school.
・Visits to local Japanese companies, social gatherings with local employees, and factory tours
・A program that allows you to explore world cultural heritage sites and experience a multicultural, multi-ethnic, and multilingual society
We will hold a total of 5 pre- and post-training sessions on November 20, December 18, 1/15/, 2/19, and 3/19. (Online participation available 17:30-19:30)
(*The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan will hold an online seminar on safety management measures from 16:00 to 17:00 on Wednesday, January 22.)

* About overseas travel insurance

Basically, you will be required to purchase AIG Insurance’s overseas travel insurance from HIS (additional cost is required). AIG is available 24 hours a day in Japanese and provides local support. In the unlikely event of an accident, injury, or illness in the field, the staff of the University Consortium Kyoto will respond with support from the HIS Kuala Lumpur Branch.
AIG Damages: https://travel.aig.co.jp/
AIG Support: https://travel.aig.co.jp/ota/service

【Organizer University Consortium Kyoto International Business Department 【Travel Agency】HIS Educational Travel Office No. 2
【Itinerary】

Update Time Schedule Food
March 2 (Sun)

07:30
09:55
15:55
19:00
20:00


Meet at Kansai Airport
✈ Air to Malaysia
After arriving at Kuala Lumpur Airport,
Transit (Guided to the food court in the airport: Dinner at each person)
Kuala Lumpur Airport Departures
Arrival at Penang Airport Hotel by 🚌  

Morning: ×
Lunch: In-flight meal
Evening: ×
(Snacks on board)

March 3 (Mon)

09:00
09:30
10:30
12:00
14:00
16:00

🚌 Depart by private car (accompanied by a local student buddy)
Universiti Sains Malaysia (Universiti Universiti Universiti) Campus Tour
Lecture on Geography and History of Malaysia and Refugee Studies
Lunch at a restaurant
Explore the city of Penang and visit the city hall, tourist office, and more
To the hotel 【Stay in Penang】

Morning: 〇
Day: 〇
Evening: ×
March 4 (Tue)

09:00

12:00
14:00
17:00

🚌 Depart by private car (accompanied by a local student buddy)
Visit to the Refugee Learning Center with a local buddy, Queensbay Mall, etc.
Lunch at a restaurant
Lecture on Malay ethnicity, culture and diversity at Universiti Universiti
To the hotel 【Stay in Penang】

Morning: 〇
Day: 〇
Evening: ×
March 5 (Wed) 08:30

12:00
13:00
18:30

🚌 Departing by private car Georgetown tour (multi-ethnic, multicultural, and historical training) with ★ bilingual guide (Penang Hill, Street Art, Babagnyonya Mansion, Kranjeti)
Lunch at a restaurant on the way
Explore Georgetown with a group
To the hotel 【Stay in Penang】

Morning: 〇
Day: 〇
Evening: ×
Thursday, March 6

09:00
10:00
12:00
15:30
16:00
17:00

🚌 Departure by private car
Travel by boat from Teluk Bahang Jetty (or Batu Ferringi)
CEMACS Mangrove Tour (Learning to Protect the Environment),
Lunch, Marine Plastics Survey (SDGs Learning), CEMACS Facility Tour
Transfer by boat from Teluk Bahang Jetty (or Batu Ferringi)
To the hotel by private car 【Stay in Penang】

Morning: 〇
Day: 〇
Evening: ×
March 7 (Fri)

09:00
10:00
12:00
14:00
16:00

🚌 Departure by private car
Visits to Japanese companies: Visit to Smillover, interaction with local employees, factory tour
Lunch at a restaurant
Kampong Agon (Countryside Experience) to experience and interact with Malay villages
To the hotel 【Stay in Penang】

Morning: 〇
Day: 〇
Evening: ×
Saturday, March 8

Self-Improvement Day
Optional Tour or Penang World Heritage Exploration [Stay in Penang]

Morning: 〇
Day: ×
Evening: ×
March 9 (Sun) Self-Improvement Day
Optional Tour or Penang World Heritage Exploration [Stay in Penang]
Morning: 〇
Day: ×
Evening: ×
March 10 (Mon)

09:00

12:00
14:00
17:30
20:35
21:35
22:40

🚌 Departure by private car
Final presentation by Japan students and presentation of certificates of completion (accompanied by buddies)
(Lunch at the university area)
🚌 Tour of Penang Island by private car (dinner at the food court)
🚌 Take a private car to the airport
From Penang Airport
Arrival at Kuala Lumpur Airport and layover
From Kuala Lumpur Airport [Overnight stay]

Morning: 〇
Day: ×
Evening: × (in-flight snacks)

March 11 (Tue) 05:40

Arrival at Kansai Airport, dismissal after customs clearance ~Thank you for your hard work~

Morning: In-flight meal

*Please note that the schedule is subject to change depending on local circumstances.
[About optional tours]
World Heritage Penang City Tour:https://activities.his-j.com/TourLeaf/PEN0073/
★ Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si Temple:https://activities.his-j.com/TourLeaf/PEN0078/
★ Peranakan Mansion and Georgetown World Heritage Sightseeing (Trishaw Ride Included):https://activities.his-j.com/TourLeaf/PEN0077/
* In addition, as introduced on the website, various optional tours can be used for an additional fee.

* If you have any questions or inquiries, please feel free to contact us at the address below.
Contact
[University Consortium Kyoto International Business Department, Murono, Tsuruyama, Kawachi]
〒600-8216 Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Nishitoin-dori, Shiokoji Shimoru Campus Plaza Kyoto
Tel: 075-353-9164 (Tue-Sat 9:00-17:00 Closed on Sundays and Mondays)
Email: kokusai■consortium.or.jp (Please change ■ to @.) )

《Click here for information on Penang》
◆Universiti Universiti Sains Malaysia
URL: https://www.usm.my/
◆USM Campus Tour 2020 (English explanation video at USM)
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQSrzpcScEo
◆CEMACS (Marine Research Center) https://youtu.be/uWkZKa8ei9E
◆Malaysia Penang Tourism Board
URL: https://www.tourismmalaysia.or.jp/area/penang_01.html
◆ Penang Digital Brochure
URL: https://www.tourismmalaysia.or.jp/pamphlet/index.html

【To registered organizations / university officials】Information on practical training experience exchange meeting / externship (work experience) course


The trainees will be divided into three groups and give presentations on their practical training.
Please take a look at the experiences of the trainees at various host destinations.

Date and time

Date & Time: Saturday, September 14, 2024 15:00~
Held online
*Free entry and exit

Who should attend?

・The Foundation’s Industry-Academia Collaborative Education Program Registered Organizations
・University officials who are participating in the Foundation’s Industry-Academia Collaborative Education Program
* If you are a member of a group or university other than the above and would like to visit, please contact the secretariat below.

Contact us

University Consortium Kyoto, Industry-Academia Collaborative Education Project Promotion Office
Mail intern@consortium.or.jp
TEL 075-353-9106 FAX 075-353-9101
〒600-8216 Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Nishitoin-dori, Shiokoji, Shimo-ku, Kyoto, Campus Plaza Kyoto
* Reception hours: Tuesday ~ Saturday 9:00 ~ 17:00 (excluding year-end and New Year holidays)

Temporary closure when a special warning is issued due to the approach of a typhoon, etc.

 

In the event that a special warning is issued due to an approaching typhoon, Campus Plaza Kyoto will respond as follows.

 

  • In the event of a special warning (heavy rain (landslides, flooding, storms), storms) in the southern part of Kyoto Prefecture or the Kameoka area of Kyoto, the museum will be temporarily closed.
  • However, if it is canceled by 7 a.m., it will open as usual.
  • The museum will open from 1 p.m. if it is canceled by 10 a.m. and from 4 p.m. if it is canceled by 1 p.m.
  • If a special alert is still in effect after 1 p.m., the museum will be closed for the entire day.


For details,
“Standards for Responding to Disasters at the Center for Community Exchange at Kyoto City University”
Please check.

【Closed】Bidding and Open Call for Proposals (International Student Study Kyoto Network “2024 Kyoto Premium Experience and Exchange Project”)

[This matter has been closed]

everyone

The International Student Study Kyoto Network (Secretariat: University Consortium Kyoto International Affairs Department) will create a premium experience for students studying in Kyoto (international students and Japan students) to learn about the diverse and profound charms of Kyoto, and will implement the “Kyoto Premium Experience and Exchange Project” as a “place for exchange between international students and Japan students.”

We believe that it is important to provide an opportunity for both international and Japan students studying in Kyoto to develop an attachment to Kyoto and to establish themselves as leaders of Kyoto for a long time after graduation, as well as to raise global awareness and deepen understanding of diversity.

Based on the above, we are looking for a contractor who can carry out the planning and operation work related to the “2024 Kyoto Premium Experience and Exchange Project” through an open call for proposals.

If you would like to participate in the proposal, please prepare a project proposal and quotation according to the following guidelines and submit it by the deadline.

Date: August 20, 2024 (Tuesday) noon

Guidelines: International Student Study Kyoto Network “2024 Kyoto Premium Experience and Exchange Project” Call for Proposals

Inquiries

University Consortium Kyoto
International Student Study Kyoto Network Secretariat (Murono)
〒600-8216 Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Nishitoin-dori, Shiokoji Shimoru Campus Plaza Kyoto
TEL:075-353-9164

Mail:kyoto-nw@consortium.or.jp

* Reception hours: Tuesday ~ Saturday 9:00 ~ 17:00

【Closed】Applications for the 21st National University Consortium Research Exchange Forum are now being accepted! (Until 8/9)

The 21st National University Consortium Research Exchange Forum

At the National University Consortium Council,

The 21st National University Consortium Research Exchange Forum will be held as follows.

This forum is held once a year.

Consortium officials, faculty and staff from all over the country gathered together

It is one of the few opportunities to interact and exchange information.

The application period has been extended and applications are being accepted until Friday, August 9th.

We look forward to your active participation.

 

Main

“Development of inter-university and regional collaboration that takes advantage of regional characteristics”

Re

Saturday, September 7, 2024 13:00~18:00・Sunday, September 8, 2024 10:00~12:00

Venue

Saturday, September 7: Kyoto City University of Arts Sunday, September 8: Campus Plaza Kyoto

Contents [Day 1] Saturday, September 7, 2024 13:00~18:00

◇Keynote Speech (1)

“Utilizing the resources of the region to create higher education in a new era”

~Exchange and Collaboration in Kyoto Based on Culture and Art~”

Mr. Oussouby Sako (Director, Information Center, Kyoto Seika University)

◇Keynote Speech (2)

“Future Cultural Policy and Inter-University and Inter-Regional Collaboration Based on Trends in Higher Education”

Mr. Jugo Imaizumi (Deputy Director, Agency for Cultural Affairs)

◇Symposium “Expectations for University Consortiums Utilizing Regional Characteristics”

[Coordinator]
Yuji Kawano (President of the Elisabeth College of Music, Representative Secretary of the National Council of University Consortiums)

[Symposist]
Ms. Yoko Matsubara (Vice President, Ritsumeikan Educational Corporation)
Mr. Senyoshi Ikebo (Vice President, Kyoto Association of Corporate Executives)
Hitoshi Miki (Life is Tech Co., Ltd., Former Director of Policy Department, Kyoto City University)

◇Poster Session

We will introduce advanced examples and activities of consortium organizations nationwide.
Please use it as a place to collect practical efforts and various information.

Poster session for 2023 (Shizuoka venue)

◇Information Exchange Meeting (18:30~20:00) Venue: Hotel Granvia Kyoto

While eating and drinking in a standing format, you can exchange information with consortium members who participated from all over the country.
There will also be a performance of the Kyoto Student Festival’s original creation “Kyo Flame Sodefure!”

Kyo Flame Sodetouch!

Contents [2]Day] Sunday, September 8, 2024 10:00~12:00

◇ Subcommittees (4 subcommittees in total)
・Subcommittee 1 (University Consortium Kyoto)
“Development and Management of PBL Courses in Collaboration between Universities and World Heritage Sites”

・Subcommittee 2 (Consortium for Higher Education Miyazaki)
“Co-Creation of Learning and Growth in the Future of High School and University: Exploring New High School-University Collaboration Beyond Consortiums”

・Subcommittee 3 (Non-profit organization University Consortium Osaka)
“Development of wide-area credit transfer by a university consortium
―Toward the realization of high-quality learning that makes the most of the characteristics of the region―”

・Subcommittee 4 (Non-profit organization University Consortium Osaka)
“The Future of Student Volunteer Activities Drawn by Students: Thinking about Sustainable Volunteer Activities”

Participation Fee

Participation fee: 5,000 yen (free for students)
Information Exchange Membership Fee (General) 4,000 yen (Students) 2,000 yen
* If you wish to receive a collection of reports, an additional 1,000 yen is required.

Application Deadline

Until Friday, August 9, 2024 *The application period has been extended.

Details & Application

For more information on each program and to apply, please visit this special website.
 The 21st National University Consortium Research Exchange Forum Special Site

Click here for the leaflet
 The 21st National University Consortium Research Exchange Forum Leaflet

Contact us

National University Consortium Council Secretariat
telephone : 075-353-9100 FAX : 075-353-9101
* Business hours: Tuesday ~ Saturday 9:00 ~ 17:00 (excluding year-end and New Year holidays)

The 29th FD Forum Report is now available

The 29th FD Forum: The Future of Higher Education in the DX and AI Era

On February 23 and 24, 2024, we are pleased to announce the release of the report of the 29th FD Forum “Challenge: Challenges and Choices Required to Support Diverse Learning”.
Click on each item to view the PDF data.

symposium Gazing at the Learning Continuum: Seeking Tolerance and Unsubstitutability of Generative AI
Session 1 Aiming to create a classroom environment where students can learn without being intimidated
Session 2 A detonator for university education?! Academic DX
Subcommittee 3 The use of AI in university education and its harmful effects
Session 4 Effects and Challenges of Self-Educational Education in Universities
Subcommittee 5 How language education should change
Session 6 Supporting Students in the Face of “Care”
Session 7 Let’s AL with ICT in university classes!
Session 8 Generative AI and the Future of Humanity: Technology, Education, Soul, and the Possibility of Coexistence
Session 9 Automatic Classification of Free Writing in Class Evaluation Questionnaires and Its Application
Session 10 What do you do? Future Career Education and Employment Support
Session 11 Will university education change if the course of study changes?
Session 12 Learning and support in the era of the “Human-AI Occupancy”

* You can see the full-page report collection here.
 Report on the 29th FD Forum

【For Students】6/29 (Sat) Call for Participants for “TOEFL iBT® Test Online Skill Improvement Seminar”

Continuing from last year, the University Consortium Kyoto will hold the “TOEFL iBT® Test Online Skill Improvement Seminar” by ETS-certified trainers for university students who belong to member universities of the University Consortium Kyoto.

If you are planning to study or take the TOEFL iBT® test for future study abroad, or if you have taken the test and want to further improve your score, please join us!
* This year, the event will be held online using Zoom, so you can participate from home.

The TOEFL iBT® test is one of the world’s most successful tests designed to measure the proficiency of non-native English speakers. It comprehensively measures the four skills of reading, listening, speaking, and writing.
TOEFL iBT® test scores are widely used by more than 11,500 universities, graduate schools, and educational institutions in 160 countries around the world for study abroad and entrance examinations.
In this seminar, ETS certified trainers will explain not only the basics of the TOEFL iBT® test, but also more effective ways to study to improve your score, using past questions.

Date & Time:

Saturday, June 29, 2024 10:00~13:00

Embodiment:

Online (Zoom)
* Please prepare an Internet environment that can access the online course and a computer with a camera and microphone function, and access from a convenient location.

Target:

Students enrolled in a member university of the University Consortium Kyoto who fall under the following categories:

・Those who are studying for or planning to take the TOEFL iBT® test
・ Those who have taken the exam and aim to further improve their score

Capacity:

50 (first-come, first-served basis)
* Please note that it will be closed as soon as the capacity is reached.

Lecturer:

U.S. ETS Certified Trainer
Prof. Chiaki Taoka (Associate Professor, Center for Common English Education, Kobe Jogakuin University )

Contents:

– Introduction of questions specific to the TOEFL iBT® test
– Preparation for TOEFL iBT® Test Section 4 (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing)
・Introduction of effective learning methods and teaching materials
*Lectures will be conducted in Japanese.

Co-organizers: University Consortium Kyoto / ETS Japan G.K.

Contact:
[TOEFL®テスト日本事務局] 
ETS Japan G.K. https://www.toefl-ibt.jp/test_takers/
Email: event■etsjapan.jp (Please change ■ to @.) )