As one of Japan's earliest ports opened to the world, Kobe is well-known for its intercultural and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Here at Graduate School of Inter-cultural Studies, Kobe University (GICS), you would be impressed by the same atmosphere as well, within the provided programs.
Courses at GICS do not only offer students the access to global facts, but also encourage interactions among students from different countries, in which cross-cultural understandings may be widened and deepened. In addition, GICS programs cover a wide range of academic fields concerning modern society, contemporary issues, art and humanities.
Being led by experienced instructors, I was very delighted to obtain great opportunities to expand my outlook on international matters, from the perspective of my favorite academic field, art and cultural value.
Listen to international voices and polish your insight on today's diverse society!
GICS welcomes you to join our programs to see the global world together.
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Coming from Seattle, a sister-city of Kobe, I immediately encountered one of the numerous chances to experience a linkage between the U.S. and Japan in my first year at Kobe University during “North America Week,” where students invited from overseas and Japan discussed the global issue of environmental sustainability. During my studies in the master’s program of this faculty, I had opportunities to present my research and receive invaluable advice from cultural studies scholars at annual events such as Crossroads Conference in Hong Kong and Cultural Typhoon in Tokyo. Moreover, my research on Ad Council Japan has in turn enhanced my knowledge of Ad Council in the U.S. as well. However, the connections I have gained here extend beyond the enrichment of my academic life. For instance, my professional goal of working in the mass communications industry in Japan could not have been accomplished without the individuals I have associated with and befriended here, who have helped me in countless ways.
The Intercultural Studies Faculty brims with plenty of possibilities for students to not only stretch their minds, but also create friendships, as well as obtain opportunities to develop themselves academically and professionally on a global scale.
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As you approach the Faculty of Intercultural Studies, a space of multiculturalism and academic challenges opens up in front of you. Once entering the main building, on the right you may spot Japanese and international students preparing for projects, exams and presentations, or just talking about daily things in the pleasant multipurpose room. You are welcomed with a smile and a subtle nod of the head even if you don’t join the group. You go to the cafeteria and the same diverse, but still harmonious groups meet the eye. International students from all over the world, with different backgrounds but similar hopes, expectations and worries, interact with each other, and with Japanese students alike, during breaks, classes and their free time. These are the first things that you would notice at Kokubun (how everybody calls the faculty). This diversity of students is especially noticeable during Kobe University’s Festival where students of all nationalities work hard to promote their country’s culture, as well as during club activities where Japanese and international students enjoy friendly cultural interaction.
Savoring student life in an academic environment with special people is what makes the Faculty of Intercultural Studies a truly intercultural space.
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