From January 6-8, a delegation from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UT) visited Kobe University. The delegation included Will Jennings, associate vice provost of Global Learning and Impact; Kate Scott, director of the Programs Abroad Office; and Associate Professor Noriko Horiguchi, director of the Japan Center. The purpose of the visit was to further strengthen the partnership between the two universities and to exchange perspectives and practical insights on international affairs.
During their stay, the delegation visited the Graduate School of Intercultural Studies, the Graduate School of System Informatics and the Graduate School of Agricultural Science.
At the Graduate School of Intercultural Studies, discussions were held with Dean UMEYA Kiyoshi and faculty members from the social sciences on expanding student exchange programs in various ways by making greater use of the existing academic exchange agreement.
Meetings were also held with Professor USUI Hideyuki, dean of the Graduate School of System Informatics, and Professor SHIRAI Yasuhito, dean of the Graduate School of Agricultural Science, during which the participants exchanged views on strengthening collaboration in both research and education.

Meeting with the Faculty of the Graduate School of Intercultural Studies

In addition, a seminar for faculty and staff and an advising session for students were held with staff from UT’s Center for Global Engagement.
The seminar, titled “Reinvigorating Kobe University’s Engagement with North American Universities, Experiential Learning, Industry Internships, and the Way Forward for Deeper Engagement with the University of Tennessee” featured Dr. Jennings, who introduced UT’s institutional profile, discussed current challenges facing North American higher education and addressed students’ expectations regarding overseas study today. This was followed by a presentation by Dr. Horiguchi, who is scheduled to serve as director of the Japan Center to be established at UT in 2026. She introduced the relationship between the State of Tennessee and Japan, as well as UT’s initiatives in collaborative international education. In the subsequent student advising session, titled “Ask Anything About Studying in North America,” Ms. Scott responded carefully to students’ questions regarding study preparation and academic programs, drawing on her experience in hosting international students at North American universities. An active Q&A session followed, providing participating students with a valuable opportunity to obtain concrete and practical information.

Faculty and Staff Seminar

Student Advising Session 

At the conclusion of their visit, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to Executive Vice President TAMAKI Hisashi, director of the Institute for Promoting International Partnerships. The meeting was also attended by TANAKA Junko, director of the Americas Division, Institute for Promoting International Partnerships and professor at the Graduate School of Intercultural Studies, and INOUE Hirotaka, member of the same division and professor at the same graduate school.
During the meeting, the participants exchanged views on promoting student exchange and strengthening collaboration through industry internships, and confirmed their intention to further enhance cooperative relations in the future. It is expected that the strengthened partnership between the two universities will expand opportunities for students to learn from one another.

During the Courtesy Visit

Group Photo

This visit is expected to further deepen exchanges between the two universities.

(Global Engagement Division)