Tohoku University Summer 2024 to Host Prestigious Global Hagi Scholarship and Global Leader Awards Ceremony
A ceremony was held on Kawauchi campus on August 2 to recognise 42 students for their contributions to Tohoku University’s internationalisation efforts.
Executive Vice President for Education and Student Support Hirotsugu Takizawa delivered a congratulatory speech on behalf of President Teiji Tominaga, who was unable to attend. In the speech, he highlighted the importance of having a global mindset as Tohoku University prepares for official accreditation as a University for International Research Excellence.
“To nurture human resources capable of thriving in a global society, we believe it is essential to provide our students and young researchers with rich overseas experiences and opportunities for international collaborative learning,” he said. “Studying, researching and living abroad fosters adaptability, cultural understanding and the ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds. It is an opportunity not only to advance in your specialised field but also to build strong networks by interacting with students and researchers worldwide.”
Twenty-five students were awarded the Global Hagi Scholarship to study abroad at one of the university’s partner institutions. Supported by the Tohoku University Fund, this scholarship is granted to students who have outstanding academic records.
Ryuto Maruyama, a fourth-year engineering student set to study architecture and urban planning in Munich, spoke on behalf of the Global Hagi Scholarship recipients. He thanked the university and his family for their support, and committed to making the most of his time abroad.
“In Germany, a country with different geographical, historical and urban conditions, I can gain new perspectives on urban planning that can contribute to disaster reduction in Japan,” he said. “Although living abroad poses some challenges, I have the confidence from my previous experiences on short-term study abroad programmes that I am able to adapt to new environments. I aim to further develop the skills and qualities needed to eventually work internationally.”
Seventeen students also received their Global Leader certification during the ceremony.
The Global Leader (TGL) programme is a key component of the university’s efforts to promote an international curriculum and foster co-learning among students from different cultures. Domestic Japanese students earn the Global Leader certification by accumulating points from classes that encourage a global mindset, and activities such as participating in study abroad programmes and passing foreign language proficiency tests.
In her speech on behalf of the recipients, fourth-year dentistry student Yuka Kobayashi spoke of overcoming challenges in her quest for TGL certification.
“There was a limited number of courses I could take and overseas study programmes I could participate in, and I had to travel between Kawauchi and Seiryo campuses for classes and practical training. There were times when I almost gave up,” she said. “But I was inspired by my friends who were also aiming to become Global Leaders, who had diverse goals and their own visions of the future. Through their enthusiasm and encouragement, I found my own goal, which is to study the most advanced medicine in the world so that I can contribute to dental care in Japan and in developing countries.”
She then urged all students to follow their dreams. “The TGL programme has given us a foundation to connect with the world, to expand our possibilities and to meet people with whom we can compete. Today, a great door opens before us, and we take a new step forward as global leaders.”
The Global Leader certificates are awarded twice a year. Some 260 students have received certification since the TGL programme began in 2013.