Unique Learning Features: "Nagano x Global"
What The University of Nagano aims for is to produce leaders who can revitalize their communities with a global perspective. Thinking from a global viewpoint, connecting with the world, learning from the world, and feeding that knowledge back into Japan and the local community is essential for future society. The world and the local community are not opposing forces; in fact, they are interconnected. Here, we will provide each student with the learning experience to set sail on the vast ocean and pursue their big dreams.
Things that only The University of Nagano can do.
WHAT WE CAN DO
To become a center of knowledge in Nagano Prefecture, to disseminate research results that enable sustainable development worldwide, and to be a university that can create a better future for humanity, we have attempted to create entirely new educational programs from scratch, without being bound by existing frameworks, in creating our learning environment.
WHAT WE CAN DO
To become a center of knowledge in Nagano Prefecture, to disseminate research results that enable sustainable development worldwide, and to be a university that can create a better future for humanity, we have attempted to create entirely new educational programs from scratch, without being bound by existing frameworks, in creating our learning environment.
1. The foundation of knowledge and learning for developing leaders
At The University of Nagano, we place particular emphasis on foundational liberal arts education in the first year to cultivate the "thinking skills" and "communication skills" necessary for entering society. As students progress through the years, their "specialized education" expands, deepening their practical and independent learning. We cultivate individuals who can immediately contribute to society by acquiring a balanced combination of foundational liberal arts and specialized fields.
First-year education at The University of Nagano
Through various programs, we cultivate the fundamental abilities necessary for university life, including native language communication skills, English proficiency, critical thinking and judgment skills, expressive abilities, and academic skills, laying the foundation for the second year and beyond. Furthermore, we are confident that these abilities foster "proactive learning," which is the foundation for life as a working adult, and that the acquired knowledge will become a tool to overcome many obstacles.
small group education
One of the ideals of education is "personalized education tailored to the individuality and aptitudes of each student." To achieve this, our university employs small-group classes. These classes encourage students to define their own questions, engage in input and output, and then participate in discussions and dialogues. In English Program for Global Mobility, the maximum class size is 25 students, and in the "Communication Seminar," it is approximately 16 students.
First year is a full-time residential program.
Through mutual learning, support, and healthy competition among students, students cultivate initiative, social skills, and communication abilities. Dormitory life also serves an educational function, including cross-cultural exchange with international students and career education through the Shozan Mirai Juku program. Living together with peers allows students to gain insights and learn things that cannot be obtained in the classroom.
English education
In our English Program for Global Mobility, which integrates the four skills of reading, listening, speaking, and writing, students attend four classes per week during their first year to develop a balanced combination of English proficiency and communication skills, acquiring practical abilities and the ability to understand the main points of spoken English.
Discussion class
Plato and Confucius are said to have educated their disciples in the pursuit of truth through dialogue and question-and-answer sessions, making discussion the foundation of education. At our university, we actively incorporate interactive classes that include discussions into seminars in Professional Licensing Programs and Technical Training within each department and into General Education. Furthermore, to ensure sufficient time for communication with students, knowledge transfer, and confirmation of their understanding, we have set the class duration to 100 minutes.
Internships that go beyond just an experience
-Faculty of Global Management Studies-
-Faculty of Global Management Studies-
Nagano Prefecture boasts numerous outstanding sustainable companies, including long-established businesses with unique histories and companies that leverage tradition to expand overseas. Our internship program allows students to gain practical experience by observing Japanese companies and visiting overseas businesses.
Practical training to deepen specialized skills and learning
Faculty of Health and Human Development
Faculty of Health and Human Development
We cultivate individuals who can immediately contribute to their workplaces after graduation. As part of "university-style learning," we not only provide qualifications, but also cultivate practical skills that can only be gained through extensive experience in settings such as hospitals, kindergartens, and nursing homes, as well as the flexibility and judgment to remain calm even when faced with unexpected situations.
We invite innovators,
Expanding CSI's broad learning
Expanding CSI's broad learning
Center for Social Innovation Initiatives (CSI), which brings together advisory members from all over Japan and professionals from various fields to create new mechanisms for solving social issues, is the center for a variety of programs. Through public lectures and industry-academia-government collaborations, it aims to cultivate innovative and practical human resources.
2. Learn about the world and cultivate a global perspective.
No matter where you are in Japan, you cannot solve problems without a global perspective. It's not just about going abroad, but what you think and learn there that matters. The University of Nagano requires all students to take intensive English courses and short-term Overseas Program as the international lingua franca, and promotes international exchange with international students to cultivate diverse values.
A major feature of our university is that all students from their second year onward participate in short-term Overseas Program designed to allow them to efficiently experience language learning and specialized field studies. By requiring all students to participate, it is expected that students who share experiences, similar to dormitory life, will grow into independent and collaborative individuals. Faculty of Global Management Studies Department of Global Management Studies and Department of Food and Health Sciences Faculty of Health and Human Development will participate in the second semester of their second year, while Department of Child Development and Education Faculty of Health and Human Development will participate in the third semester of their third year.
POINT 01: Let all students experience overseas life.
In principle, all students participate. This short-term training program allows each student to experience life abroad, fostering a solid foundation for learning languages and their specialized fields.
In principle, all students participate. This short-term training program allows each student to experience life abroad, fostering a solid foundation for learning languages and their specialized fields.
POINT 02 Report on preparation and learning
Through practical training at companies and organizations within the prefecture related to their training destination, students engage in thorough preparatory learning, reflecting on what they want to learn before heading to their training site. Upon returning to Japan, they share their insights and what they've learned with friends, juniors, and faculty members through presentations and reporting sessions.
Through practical training at companies and organizations within the prefecture related to their training destination, students engage in thorough preparatory learning, reflecting on what they want to learn before heading to their training site. Upon returning to Japan, they share their insights and what they've learned with friends, juniors, and faculty members through presentations and reporting sessions.
POINT 03 Towards the development and acquisition of human capabilities
Through cross-cultural experiences, presenting opinions in English, and interacting with local students and community members, students will acquire leadership skills, intercultural communication abilities, problem-solving skills, and resilience to face challenges.
Through cross-cultural experiences, presenting opinions in English, and interacting with local students and community members, students will acquire leadership skills, intercultural communication abilities, problem-solving skills, and resilience to face challenges.
Specific learning experiences available in each department.
Department of Global Management Studies
- English training to improve communication skills using business English.
- Lectures on the fundamentals of business at universities and other institutions.
- Company visits and workplace experiences
Department of Food and Health Sciences
- Lectures and practical experiences on food and health at universities and in local communities.
- Visits to hospitals and welfare facilities, and interaction with Registered Dietitians (RDs)
Department of Child Development and Education
- Lectures on early childhood education in Finland and interaction with local students.
- Visits to daycare centers, practical training experiences at public daycare centers and nature-based daycare centers, etc.
Global Center
Located on Miwa Campus, this department is responsible for planning and implementing Overseas Program, supporting students from our university who wish to study abroad for medium to long term, supporting exchange students from partner universities overseas (from acceptance to Japanese language and culture learning, living support, etc.), and organizing international exchange events.
3. Innovation that connects regions and creates new value
Social innovation refers to "new innovations using business to advance society in a better direction." To address the social challenges facing modern society, we must create effective and sustainable innovative initiatives not only through public institutions but also through corporate activities. The University of Nagano will support the development of new mechanisms that will serve as catalysts for regional revitalization and promote unconventional contributions through industry-academia-government collaboration.
I want to be a leader who is based in Nagano Prefecture, loves Nagano, and one day can give back to the community.
Nagano Prefecture is home to many excellent companies and entrepreneurs who are creating new standards and leading the region. Interacting with them gives students courage and inspiration. We aim to cultivate a love for Nagano, fostering bonds with outstanding people, so that even if students travel to any part of the world or Japan, they can one day give back to Nagano. We strive to develop innovative individuals who can transform society with a broad perspective.
Towards regional revitalization: To become a core university in Nagano
Nagano Prefecture boasts beautiful and abundant nature, a long history, and rich traditions. Sakuma Zozan, a scholar of Western learning during the late Edo period, was also born in Shinshu (Nagano). The young people who emerged from his private school became a driving force for pioneering a new era. The University of Nagano aims to be a "center of knowledge" that revitalizes Nagano's industry, culture, and life, and to be a source of regional revitalization and development.
Encountering outstanding role models stimulates students' potential.
It's often said that the establishment of a university revitalizes a city. In the United States, universities can become starting points for innovation, providing students with opportunities to meet role models who are active in society and who aspire to change the world. Witnessing the realities of innovators, professionals, and entrepreneurs from around the world awakens them profoundly.
Center for Social Innovation Initiatives (CSI)
Located on Gocho Campus, it fosters industry-academia-government collaboration and local community partnerships to support the development of new products, services, and systems that address social issues.
