On Saturday, 11 August 2018, The Centre for Human Rights, Migration, and Multiculturalism hosted Professor Yuzuru Shimada from Nagoya University, Graduate School of International Development (GISD). As one of our members will be attending Non-Degree Program in October, Professor Shimada returned to the CHRM to present an additional insight to the graduate program for potential students.
Professor Shimada began his presentation with an introduction video to the city of Nagoya, and an in depth look at all of the university’s diverse facilities. Six Nobel Laureates have graduated from Nagoya University in the 21st century, and they have trained Nobel prize winners from various degrees. With nine undergraduate programs, and fourteen graduate schools, Nagoya University is home to students all over the world. Most classes are taught in English, but students may also choose to take classes to study Japanese. The Graduate School of International Development focuses on poverty, inequality, conflict, migration, the environment, and more. Many of GSID’s graduates are essential figures in the international development world, all around the globe. The three divisions of the school include, International Development, International Cooperation Studies, and International Communication.
GSID believes that poverty is not only a matter of economy, but also a matter of society. The program encourages students to collaborate to create innovative solutions. “GSID pursues a mission to promote understanding of the problems we face in the globalizing world and to create a sustainable society by contributing to policy-making and implementation by international organizations, governments, and civil society organizations. In order to find solutions to contemporary problems, technical approaches are often not enough. We need to understand the existing policy frameworks and apply innovative thinking based on social science perspectives. GSID thus attempts to cultivate courageous intellectuals capable of finding such solutions by promoting policy-oriented, interdisciplinary research and teaching in cooperation with a network of academic and research institutions and implementing agencies” (GSID Informational Brochure).
“Objectives are to promote empirical research based on social science theories and methods that can inform the policy-making and implementation processes of the international community, governments, and civil society” (GSID Informational Brochure). GSID promotes practical education by offering both overseas fieldwork and domestic fieldwork. The five Masters education programs for the Department of International Development and Cooperation include: Economic Development Policy and Management, Peace and Governance, Inclusive Society and State, Education and Human Resource Development, & Poverty and Social Policy. Special programs include, “Global Leaders Career Course” and the “Special Program for Global Business Professionals”.
Many graduates work within various governments, as well as various NGOs. Several scholarships are available, such as the MEXT scholarship, ADB Scholarship Program, Honor Scholarships, and more. Rent at Nagoya University is usually $500 USD per month, not including gas, electricity, or phone bills. As it is a secular university, there is no place designated for religion, however, there are mediation rooms available. Please refer to the “Master’s Programs Application Guidebook” on the GSID website for information on entrance examinations- one must go to Japan to take the exams. MOU is unnecessary for Japan.
We are very grateful to have hosted Professor Shimada, and we look forward to continue to build a relationship with GSID. If you are interested in any of these programs, please contact Al Khanif in CHRM.