The University of Kitakyushu

The University of Kitakyushu, established by Kitakyushu City, is one of the nations leading public universities. As a model environmental city in Japan, Kitakyushu City vigorously promotes various environmental measures and environmental industries' development while upgrading the airport, port, and other urban infrastructure necessary for future development.
The University of Kitakyushu has student exchange agreements with numerous overseas universities in the U.S., U.K., Australia, China, and South Korea. In 2008, an overseas study program was initiated, through which 55 students a year are dispatched to Tacoma Community College in Tacoma, Washington in the U.S.
The Kitakyushu Science and Research Park, which aims to become an academic research hub in Asia, houses many science and technology-related organizations, including universities (Waseda University, Kyushu Institute of Technology, University of Kitakyushu, etc.), research institutes, and companies. Joint education and research programs are being actively implemented through close cooperation among these organizations.
Through close cooperation with residents, NPOs, governmental bodies, companies, elementary and junior/senior high schools, and other universities, the University of Kitakyushu seeks to contribute to solving various regional problems and invigorating by bringing the fruits of its education and research to local communities. The University was ranked first among 730 universities in Japan in the 2008 University Regional Contribution Ranking.
The Graduate School of Social System Studies, the Graduate School of Environmental Engineering, and the Center for Cultural and Social Studies of Asia conduct interdisciplinary studies on Asia through a network of teachers and researchers in various disciplines dealing with East Asia.
The campus has offered various flexible programs to meet the diversified academic needs of business people and the public. In addition to the 14-story (above the ground) Main Tower, equipped with the latest technologies, the campus also has a Library, a Center for Information Technology and Management, which offers IT-related services, and a Center for International Education & Exchange, which helps students from overseas build friendships and networks with Japanese students and the public.
The Center for International Education & Exchange was established in 2001 to promote further international programs of the University of Kitakyushu, such as joint academic programs and student exchange with overseas institutes. The center has implemented various programs to facilitate international exchange through daily activities in academic, cultural, and life-related areas to make the campuses even more open to the international community as a place for international joint activities.
Exchange programs are underway with universities and research institutes in the USA, China, U.K., South Korea, Australia, and Canada. Partnerships will be entered into with more universities worldwide to further expand student exchange programs, in response to many students' requests. Japanese lessons at various levels are offered to International students. Japanese students are running a tutoring program to support International students. Educational and research programs by designated teachers are also underway, regarding such subjects as teaching methods of Japanese language and cross-cultural communication. Language classes, including lessons to improve TOEFL and IELTS scores, support students who wish to study in overseas countries. Three main programs are underway: Exchange program, Study-abroad program, and semiannual short-term program.