Background and Objectives of Activities

   The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, aims to promote the mastery of 15 foreign languages which are considered to be essential to U.S. national security and economic interests. This program is implemented by the American Councils for International Education, a U.S. non-profit organization specializing in international education and exchange. Their Japanese language program was launched in 2010, and Okayama University became the first national university designated as a host institution in December 2018. The university has been the only host institution in Japan to offer the program since then.

Overview of Activities

   In 2019, we accepted 26 outstanding American undergraduate and graduate students selected by the U.S. Department of State. They took Japanese language classes as well as participated in activities on the theme of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) promoted by the university with the cooperation of local governments and businesses in Okayama Prefecture. Since the program was conducted online in 2020 (13 students) and in 2021 (32 students), we created our own educational video content and developed an original educational program with a focus on the SDGs. The program provided an opportunity to cultivate multiple perspectives through exchange with language partners on campus and local people.

Expected Outcomes

   Students from both the U.S. and Japan can further broaden their vision and insight and can develop the ability to think from various perspectives through activities in this program. At the same time, for members of the university, companies, and other organizations involved with the CLS Program, this is an opportunity to build future relationships with CLS students and U.S. entities (e.g., the Department of State, higher education institutions, research and development organizations, etc.). The collaborative nature of this program also offers important opportunities for addressing the SDGs, which are interconnected goals. The program is also expected to contribute to creating opportunities for interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary research and partnerships in various fields in North America.

URL

http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/tp/news/news_id8595.html