The International College of Arts and Sciences at Fukuoka Women’s University (FWU) forms the new educational structure of FWU with its three departments: International Liberal Arts, Environmental Science, and Food and Health Sciences. In this new framework, we place “International Vision and Sensibility,” “Leadership,” and “Inventiveness and Creativity” as our central educational principles. Besides, the link between universities and the local communities is vital, even more so in Fukuoka Women’s University because we are a public university. The link with the local area and community to significantly support our international students, in particular, is indispensable for the globalization of FWU.
Our philosophy is to rear women who are knowledgeable and of sound judgment, women who can flexibly react in this era of change and can be versatile in applying their abilities. At the same time, we want them to contribute to creating an even better society for Japan and overseas countries and regions, from the viewpoint of Asia or the entire world.
The aims of the educational activities of FWU are as follows: “The nurturing of people that have leadership and can act globally” as well as “To contribute to the academics of our community and society, culture and everyday life.” Education at FWU not only thoroughly takes place inside the classroom or on campus but also beyond these borders. This kind of action is anticipated in and out of Japan, and a bright future awaits us when these students who will have learned an international sense and balance will lead Japan in the 21st Century as robust youth.
FWU -located in one of Asia’s most attractive cities, namely Fukuoka- has accumulated a history of personal and academic exchange with universities in Asia and around the globe. To give one example, in our WJC (The World of Japanese Culture) program, which was established in order to commemorate the foundation of the new International College of Arts and Sciences, the short term international students can take lessons on Japanese contemporary culture, mainly centered around Pop Culture, which has been receiving increasing attention among youngsters abroad. Moreover, FWU is developing dynamic international exchange activities as a foundation through societal and international cooperation, such as academic and student exchanges with top universities worldwide.
FWU was established initially in 1923 (Taisho year 12) as Fukuoka Prefectural College for Women, and it was the first public women’s college in Japan. Today it still upholds this tradition of bright women’s higher education. FWU produced many graduates who played an active part domestically or abroad, and it has mainly contributed to the higher education of women in Japan.
