Skill Improvement Training for Faculty and Staff

Business overview

 As the globalization of higher education accelerates, with enhanced support for international students and the promotion of collaborative projects with overseas universities, English proficiency for university faculty and staff has become an indispensable fundamental skill.
 Furthermore, international students from many countries and regions have diverse cultural backgrounds, and in order to communicate smoothly, understanding customs, social norms, and religions beyond language proficiency is essential. For
 this reason, the University Consortium Kyoto aims to improve practical skills and increase motivation for skill development by conducting training programs that include case studies simulating various situations to enhance English proficiency, as well as training programs that teach about cultures outside of English-speaking countries. Due to their
 overwhelming popularity every year, please register early!

▷ 2026 Teacher and Staff Skill Improvement Training Flyer

Please check the event details and register using the application button for each course.

Event Overview

Overview of the 2026 Kyoto University Consortium Faculty and Staff Skill-Up Training Program
, Sessions 1-6

Program Overview:
1.Name:
Teacher and staff skills development training
Training content:
A total of 6 courses (individual registration required).
Date and time Training content
Part 1
[Language]
Saturday, July 25th
9:30-15:30
Venue:
Campus Plaza Kyoto
Communication Skills in University:
Practical English Course for University Staff (Beginner Level) – Useful on Campus!

Instructor: Owen Mark Kozlowski

This course teaches basic English expressions useful when interacting with international students and visitors on campus. It covers various scenarios you might encounter on campus, including counter service, simple directions, facility guidance using maps, document preparation, and telephone communication. Through role-playing and exercises, the course aims to improve practical English communication skills applicable to daily work.

[Application Period]
Applications are currently being accepted.
Apply here.

Deadline: July 18th (Sat)
English Level: Beginner level
Participation Limit: 18 people
Part 2
[Culture]
Saturday, August 1st
9:30-12:30
Venue:
Online (Zoom)
Discovering present-day China! A cultural understanding course learning from universities, education, and society.

Lecturer: Mr. Mao Xinghua

This presentation will cover contemporary Chinese social conditions, as well as the latest university trends, entrance examination systems, and education systems.
Furthermore, considering the recent changes in Japan-China relations, it will explain study abroad trends, shifts in student aspirations, and the current state of studying in Japan. It will also discuss the current state of rapidly growing top Chinese universities and the internationalization of domestic universities.
This presentation will help you understand the study abroad situation amidst ever-changing circumstances and learn how to communicate effectively with Chinese students studying abroad.

※This course will be conducted in Japanese.
[Application Period]
Applications are currently being accepted.
Apply here.

Deadline: July 25th (Sat)
Participant limit: 18 people
Part 3
[Language]
Saturday, August 22nd
9:30-12:30
Venue:
Campus Plaza Kyoto
Improve your communication skills! English expressions for email and web conferences (Beginner level)

Instructor: Owen Mark Kozlowski

This course provides a practical understanding of the basic structure of emails and how to create clear and effective announcement emails. You will also learn how to efficiently create emails using AI tools, as well as concise communication and expression techniques in chat. In web conferencing exercises, you will learn essential English phrases for meetings, from initial greetings and screen sharing to handling audio problems, and how to express your opinions through role-playing.
Through these exercises, you will develop a foundation for effective communication in English.

[Application Period]
Applications are currently being accepted.
Apply here.

Deadline: August 15th (Sat)
English Level: Beginner level
Participation Limit: 18 people
Part 4
[Language]
Saturday, August 29th
9:30-16:30
Venue:
Campus Plaza Kyoto
Practical Discussion Course (Beginner to Intermediate) – Useful for Meetings and Presentations!

Lecturer: Glenn Gregas

This course teaches fundamental expressions and methods for conducting smooth meetings in English and for logically structuring and communicating your own opinions. After understanding how to speak and structure discussions in meetings, participants will conduct mock meetings simulating real-world scenarios such as handling visits from overseas. Furthermore, they will practice giving presentations highlighting their university’s curriculum and strengths, simulating an overseas study fair. Through this series of exercises, the course aims to improve both English communication and presentation skills.

[Application Period]
Applications are currently being accepted .
Apply here.

Deadline: August 22nd (Sat)
English Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Participation Limit: 18 people
Part 5
[Culture]
Saturday, September 5th
9:30-12:30
Venue:
Online (Zoom)
Cultural understanding courses focusing on Italy and Spain

Lecturer: Beniamino Peruzzi Castellani

This course focuses on student relations with Southern European countries, primarily Italy and Spain, covering both the receiving and sending aspects of student exchange. It
explores the local cultural characteristics and university education styles, explaining the cultural gaps that often arise in Japanese universities due to these differences, using concrete examples.
The course also covers the importance of pre-departure guidance for Japanese students, local evaluation criteria, and required skills. Through real-world examples, participants will learn practical points useful for international exchange, such as the necessity of smooth communication and intercultural understanding education.

※This course will be conducted in Japanese.
[Application Period]
Applications are currently being accepted.
Apply here.

Deadline: August 29th (Sat)
Part 6
[Culture]
September 12th (Sat)
9:30-12:30
Venue:
Online (Zoom)
Courses on understanding Islamic culture, focusing on Southeast Asian countries.

Lecturer: Hangarda Priyahita

This course deepens your understanding of the cultural backgrounds and values ​​necessary when welcoming international students from Southeast Asian countries, particularly those from Islamic countries such as Indonesia. In addition to basic religious knowledge, it introduces specific challenges and the latest case studies that students are likely to encounter during university life, such as handling exams during fasting (Ramadan), providing prayer facilities, and dealing with problems related to halal. By understanding Islamic culture and the recent situation surrounding Japanese universities, you will cultivate the ability and mindset to respond appropriately in real-world situations.

※This course will be conducted in Japanese.
[Application Period]
Applications are currently being accepted.
Apply here.

Deadline: September 5th (Sat)
◎Regarding English level

Please choose your course based on the levels listed below. (*TOEIC scores are for reference only.)

Beginner:
You should be able to give simple greetings and self-introductions. You should be able to handle short, simple conversations. (Suitable for those with a TOEIC score of around 550)
Intermediate:
You can explain familiar topics. You can continue a conversation by asking questions.
(Suitable for those with a TOEIC score of around 550-800)
Advanced:
You can clearly express your opinions. You can exchange opinions and engage in discussions on a wide range of topics.
(For those with a TOEIC score of 800 or higher)

2. Venue:
[Sessions 1, 3, and 4] Held
at Campus Plaza Kyoto [Sessions 2, 5, and 6] Held online (Zoom)
Please ensure you have an internet connection and a computer with camera and microphone capabilities, and participate from a location convenient for you.
3.Participation fee:
[Sessions 1 & 4]
Faculty and staff of universities affiliated with the Kyoto University Consortium: 2,500 yen/session
Faculty and staff of universities not affiliated with the consortium: 6,000 yen/session
[Sessions 2, 3, 5 & 6]
Faculty and staff of universities affiliated with the Kyoto University Consortium: 1,500 yen/session
Faculty and staff of universities not affiliated with the consortium: 4,000 yen/session
4. How to apply:
Please apply through the Faculty and Staff Skill-Up Training page on the University Consortium Kyoto website:
https://www.consortium.or.jp/project/international/global
*We will contact all applicants by email with details regarding the training.
5. Payment method:
Please transfer the payment to the designated account of our foundation by the specified date.
*Further details will be provided in the course information email.

Contact information

 Kyoto University Consortium, International Affairs Department, Skills Development Training Section 
TEL: (075)353-9164 / E-mail: kokusai@consortium.or.jp

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