Quality of education, rigorous scientific research are the advantages of studying in Japan

Dubai, UAE, October 25, 2018:  Representatives from six of Japan’s leading universities, including Joshibi University of Art and Design, Kyushu University, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Shibaura Institute of Technology, Tokai University, Tokyo University of Technology and Japanese Language Education Center of Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO), are set to entice the UAE’s brightest students to enrol in their institutions when exhibiting at the Japan Pavilion at this year’s NAJAH Abu Dhabi higher education event to be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from 31 October till 02 November , 2018. 

The Japanese higher-education promotional initiative is spearheaded by JICE (Japan International Cooperation Center), which encourages Emirati students to study in Japan. JICE offers opportunities for UAE students and their families to directly engage with representatives from internationally acclaimed institutions with a myriad of technological, commercial and humanity courses, coupled with the opportunities of experiencing Japan’s unique culture and lifestyle. It will be the 6th time for JICE to participate at NAJAH – the UAE’s leading higher education event.

One of the regularly participating universities is Tokai University which currently hosts 135 students from the GCC including 29 from the UAE. Founded in 1942, Tokai University consists of 7 campuses which are comprised of 20 schools and colleges with 78 departments. The university provides wide range of support for the international students through the International Education Center, and availability of prayer spaces and Halal food at the cafeterias is one of the reasons many Muslim students are choosing Tokai University. “Tokai Cool Japan Program” is perfect for those who would like to try summer course in Japan, the courses are entirely taught in English.   

 Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) is a truly multicultural institution with nearly half of the students are from overseas. The entire curriculum are taught in either English or Japanese. Currently, 2,906 international students from 89 different countries are studying at APU enjoying the unique bilingual education system. 

Joshibi University of Art and Design, Japan’s acclaimed women-only art university, will be participating at NAJAH for the second time, aiming to outreach to the UAE’s female student community. More than 10 Emirati students enrolled for this year’s Summer Programme in July – August, result of reaching out directly to the students at NAJAH last year.

Founded in Tokyo in 1900, Joshibi University is the first institution in Japan which opened the gate of art education for women with aim of empowering women to achieve independence through the arts, and is still the only female-only art university in Japan. For 118 years, the university produced more than 70,000 talented female artists, designers and educators. Among them are the artists who made a great contribution to the history of Japanese modern art and are the designers of popular characters such as Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, Gudetama and Rilakkuma. Joshibi University focuses on creating the educational environment where women can feel that they are able to achieve anything without restricting their ideas, and where women can feel safe and comfortable to learn. 

Says Mr. Munehiro Mishima, General Manager, JICE Abu Dhabi Office: “We are excited to introduce these leading Japanese universities to students in the UAE.

Their academic standard is high and well recognised, and they are welcoming international students from around the world. Most of the universities which are exhibiting at Japan Pavilion at NAJAH this year have a history of receiving a number of UAE students and offer a variety of courses in both English and Japanese.”

Mishima continues; “Japan is a great place to study. Tokyo is ranked second after London as World Best Student Cities by QS World Ranking 2018. Advanced technology, the unique culture, safety and the quality of life contribute why more international students choose Japan for studying.” 

In addition to the six universities slated to attend the event, visiting students and their families will also be able to inquire and receive information about other Japanese universities both from the JICE representative in attendance at NAJAH, and also directly from members of JASSO (Japan Student Services Organization). Many short-term courses are available throughout a year for both high school and university level students. They provide excellent opportunity for students to learn about Japanese culture and Japanese language. 

Since the opening of the JICE Abu Dhabi Office in 2013, the number of Emirati students studying in Japan for both degree and non-degree programmes has increased by 62% from 102 students in 2013 to 166 students in 2018. This resulted the total number of Emirati students in the past 6 years has reached 699. The increase is expected to continue in 2018, aided by the many outreach and informational activities conducted by JICE throughout the year.