Situated in Kyoto, a city with a rich East Asian cultural heritage, Kyoto University’s Fundamental Principles, as stated in our Mission Statement assert that “as an international institution, Kyoto University will promote international academic exchange,” and “the pursuit of harmonious coexistence within human and ecological community on this planet.” Keeping these principles in mind, our international exchange efforts are not limited to simply accepting international students. In addition to actively supporting students and researchers in their educational and research activities overseas, we have been making efforts to pursue joint projects with talented international researchers, and disseminate the results of such endeavors to various educational and research organizations and communities around the world.
To further these endeavors and continuously improve the quality of our international exchange while maintaining our status as a point of convergence for talented students and researchers worldwide, it is important that we take full advantage of Kyoto University’s tradition of education and research, which is founded on a global outlook and respect for regional cultures. Kyoto University’s international exchange activities are intended to be mutually beneficial for all participants. By engaging in increasingly creative and diverse forms of international exchange, we hope to further define the university’s identity in the international community.
Based on this philosophy, the following four themes will be adopted to develop and improve Kyoto University’s international cooperation and exchange endeavors:
- A shift in information flow, from a “receiving mode” to a “disseminating mode.”
- Progression from the enrichment of bilateral exchanges to the development of multilateral exchanges.
- Focused support for exchange activities in specially designated fields.
- Enrichment of the International Exchange Infrastructure.