Message from the Head
Professor Ikuo Tooyama
Board Director/ Vice President
Head of International Center
International Center at Shiga University of Medical Science (SUMS), a successor of International Liaison Office, was established in April 2020 as a core organization to promote globalization of SUMS. I am a Vice President and Board Director in charge of international affairs, and now serve as a Head of International Center.
SUMS has been putting the emphasis on the international exchange activities by sending the 3rd year undergraduate students abroad, adopting the special quota for government-supported foreign students, and opening an international collaborative research division to invite distinguished foreign researchers. Upon establishment of International Center, we can more strategically and efficiently promote the above-mentioned exchange activities.
When we were about to start the international projects through the Center, the COVID-19 pandemic has occurred in worldwide, and we have been facing a serious challenge. Knowing that the foreign students and researchers have no other choice but to be away from their home and family for a long time and accordingly they feel isolated and anxious, our current focus is to offer a timely support to them.
One of such supports is to expand the Japanese language program. We offer a full range of Japanese classes by assigning university staff to teachers. Furthermore, last March we held the Japanese speech contest for the first time. There were 12 participants (6 beginners, 3 pre-intermediates, and 3 intermediates). The contest was live-streamed through Zoom, and we received favorable comments.
Our activities are based on the support of many people both inside and outside of the University. We appreciate your continuing supports, and welcome your suggestions.