From October 13 to 17, Professor TANAKA Junko of the Graduate School of Intercultural Studies and the director of the American Division of the Institute for Promoting International Partnerships, together with Professor INOUE Hiroki of the Graduate School of Intercultural Studies, visited Tennessee, USA.

During the visit, they exchanged views on future cooperation with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Gretchen Neisler, vice president, Rachel Rui, the director of the Office of Asian Engagement, and other officials. They discussed the trends of students wishing to study abroad and held concrete discussions on concluding the departmental student exchange program with the Faculty of Business Administration of our university. It is expected that the exchange of students from both universities will be promoted.

In addition, Tanaka and Inoue visited the Japanese Consulate General in Nashville and local offices of Japanese companies to request cooperation for an internship program in which students from our university and the University of Tennessee would work together. They received positive responses, and further concrete discussions are planned for implementation.

Furthermore, an opening ceremony for the KU Tennessee Office was held at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. This office is expected to be used for future English training and internship programs. It is expected that this office will also serve as a hub for closer cooperation between students and faculty from both universities, promoting active research and educational activities that link industry, government, and academia between Japan and the United States.

(Global Engagement Division)