Daily classes to interact with different cultures in languages ​​other than Japanese deepen learning

　How does Kansai University utilize COIL-type education? We asked Prof. Yoshiko Ikeda, Vice Director of IIGE, about the specific content of the class.

　“Instead of creating new courses for COIL, we are taking the form of converting existing courses into COIL. From the perspective of students, I think that the impression is that 'I took the desired course and it was a COIL type.' On the other hand, spring And during long summer vacations, we are developing a special COIL-type program that provides an alternative experience to studying abroad.”

　Its utilization ranges from common subjects of the university to specialized subjects and seminars of each faculty.For example, some science and engineering seminars are introduced with the aim of exchanging knowledge with overseas universities and obtaining more accurate research results.In other words, it is already being recognized that there are effects and characteristics that go beyond the stages of cross-cultural exchange and improving communication skills to deepen learning and expand activities.

　Against this backdrop, Kansai University has joined the Japan-Multilateral COIL/VE Project (J-MCP), a multilateral project that links multiple countries, as a project of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's "University Internationalization Promotion Forum." also tackle.This is a more advanced method than the two-way COIL, which connects universities one-to-one. “In the last two years, the world has developed an online learning environment. That is why we started J-MCP, which is a multinational connection and learning together. We have created a system that allows students to choose between bidirectional and multidirectional depending on their purpose and characteristics.” (Professor Ikeda)

　In the COIL-type class, there are times when I have experiences that I cannot imagine just by being in Japan.As a result, students are sometimes surprised and annoyed by clashes of opinions, friction, and differences in cultural backgrounds.

　“However, there are many opportunities to see students who initially lacked confidence in their communication skills overcome hurdles through COIL-type classes. is the value of COIL.”

　Vice President Fujita says that when you overcome the wall, you can take a big step forward as an international person.During the four years at Kansai University, there are various opportunities for growth through contact with the world, including COIL-type education.