What is the Faculty of International Studies?

What do you study in the Faculty of International Studies?

NUCB Undergraduate School's Faculty of International Studies is the place to learn the tools you need to survive this globalized modern society. If you just want to speak English, you would choose a “foreign language department” or “language school.” However, in order to succeed in today’s modern international community, you need more than just English proficiency or English language ability

Seeing as though English is the Lingua Franca or universal language, it is not enough to see English only as a tool to facilitate communication. In doing so, anyone who can use English would become reduced to the role of an interpreter who cannot convey the nuance and complexity of human interaction.

Moreover, English education in Japan is generally conducted as if the “correct answer" is the grammatically correct one. In fact, “Natural English" is much more valuable, than grammatically correct English that is generally taught. So, if this is the case, what do you learn at the Faculty of International Studies?

The Faculty of International Studies helps students develop "Uncommon Sense"

What do we mean by “uncommon sense” and why is it important to us at NUCB Undergraduate School’s Faculty of International Studies?  We strive to deepen our understanding of different cultures, international issues, and international relationships; at the same time, we help students develop the ability to play an active role in their community as a true Global Citizen. To do so, we must understand that the common sense in Japan, what is taught in schools throughout Japan through sociology, culture, information technology, psychology, human relations, etc. is not at all common sense in many other parts of the world. This can result in many unexpected problems and misunderstandings.  

Let us look towards Taxis as an example. In Japan, it is "common sense" to pay the fee displayed on the meter.  However, this is not the case in other places around the world. There are some countries that have flat rates in the city, and some countries require you to tell the driver your destination and "negotiate" a fair price. Even if you traveled the same distance to get to your destination, the return fare might be twice the price of the first fare.

Another example of this is seen with how taxis handle luggage. In Japan, it is common sense for a driver to help you put your luggage in the trunk. However, people from overseas would be surprised that taxi drivers would do this for free. In many places around the world, it is common sense that you will be charged an "extra charge" when you ask for the driver to help put your luggage in the trunk. When you consider these examples it is easy to see how there is no universal common sense as one way to use a taxi.

The “uncommon sense” taught in the Faculty of International Studies helps you navigate many challenges that arise from living in a global society

Many people have a negative image of the Middle East and other Islamic nations; they can seem scary and dangerous. Through comedy, Maz Jobrani tries to break preconceptions and prejudices about Middle Eastern people and Muslims in general. It's easy to understand if you visit Middle Eastern countries at least once.

Middle Eastern countries like Dubai and Abu Dhabi have developed as international cities; they also have a completely different history and culture from those of the West. These cities, which were developed with ideas that cannot be easily conveyed by the common sense held by many Japanese people, gives us a glimpse into the future while retaining some aspects of the ancient past.

It is true that certain religious elements can have an impact on everyday life; As such, it may be "difficult to understand" from the point of view of the average areligious Japanese person. However, It is important to respect each culture and different points of view. The education that the Faculty of International Studies aims for is one that helps us to understand these different cultures and coexist with people from various backgrounds and cultures. Who knows? Maybe it would great to tell the world about Japanese common sense through jokes like Maz?

How do you acquire this uncommon sense in the Faculty of International Studies?

When you are in Japan, you don't know about the world's "eccentricities." Similarly, like a fish living in water does not notice the existence of "water". In other words, it is difficult to grasp the difference with the international sense without gaining some experience abroad, and even if you take a lecture in the classroom, you will not be able to explain it in your own words without first experiencing it for yourself.

Therefore, the Faculty of International Studies aims to give those experiences from real-world situations, cultures, and economies by choosing one of the experiences such as study abroad, and overseas internships during your time here at NUCB Undergraduate School. The goal is to create students that can face challenges head-on! In other words. To cultivate an attitude that allows students to use their better judgment, after experiencing and understanding the issues facing people, companies, and society around the world.

The chance to travel overseas

Nowadays, it is not unusual to study abroad in the United States or the United Kingdom. The aim of the Faculty of International Studies is not just to study abroad, but to experience life immersed in a completely different culture and environment abroad. We will help develop people with an international way of thinking, by gaining hands-on experience overseas without being bound only to English-speaking countries. We strive to let students experience the world in places such as Northern Europe, South America, and Asia and gaining life lessons through their experiences. Of course, language skills are also a necessary factor, but there are many that do not require English skills. We have a number of unique and well-supported overseas programs, such as exchange programs at more than 100 universities in over 40 countries, as well as short-term summer programs, international volunteer activities, and the “Gap Year” of solo travel in Europe. We encourage everyone to join. Even if you cannot participate in the overseas experience, you can experience something similar here by earning credits in a joint lecture with exchange students on campus.

• Short-term summer program Short-term study abroad at a top European university
• Gap Year Traveling alone in Europe and by doing so, creating your own image for the future
• International Volunteer Volunteer with overseas colleagues for 2-3 weeks during summer vacation
• Overseas internships Experience international business through the experience of working in a Japanese company overseas
• Exchange / Study Abroad Learn global standard business at global campuses spread across the world
• 80 days round the world Expand your perspective and potential by going all around the world
• Around North and South America for 65 days A tour of the North American and South American countries (both developed and developing countries) in order to help foster the insights you need for the 21st century
• Overseas Language Training Study abroad in the UK, Canada, or China to acquire language skills that can be used for business

Uncanny Study Abroad

It seems that many of the international faculties around world are based on a curriculum that incorporates some form of study abroad, but with our Uncanny study abroad Programs, you choose the destination on your own, think what you will learn there, and challenge the gap between our assumptions. While experiencing, you will return home with the confidence that you managed accomplish your goals and grow. However,  you may have heard that there is a university where you can study abroad at the same university, ride in the same airplane and be together to experience things together in the same year; it is like a “World Tour” and it is very similar to a school trip.

Get a Complete International Education on campus

Over 100 exchange students come to NUCB Undergraduate School every year from our overseas partner schools to study Therefore, you can study on campus and immerse yourself in an international atmosphere. In addition, we regularly hold events where we can interact with many different students from around the world; we also have a “Language Exchange Program” where you can interact with each other exchanging both language and culture. This program facilitates becoming a lifelong friend with exchange students that will enable future international collaboration and will be the foundation for success in today’s globalized society.

Expanded course offerings to help you learn in English

We offer many business and liberal arts conducted 100% in English. While most of these courses are designed for exchange students to take, it is also possible for Japanese students to enroll. By studying with international exchange students who take an active part in the lessons, it will be possible for you to acquire a cutting edge business education at NUCB Undergraduate School.

One of the highest Ratio of Top Level foreign teachers in the whole of Japan

At NUCB Undergraduate School, our ratio of foreign teachers is second in Aichi Prefecture (11th in Japan); we have an environment where you can communicate with native speakers at any time. In addition, we are equipped with a "Language Education Center", which is a specialized learning facility for languages, and the "Self Access Center (SAC)", which is a self-study facility for English, to create an environment where students can acquire higher-level language skills on campus.