International Graduate School Administration Forum at OIST - 14-15 March 2024

Since opening in 2012, OIST Graduate University has attracted more than 300 outstanding students from around the world. In doing so, OIST has developed a  truly international graduate school, requiring constant effort in overcoming the challenges that entails. OIST, as a graduate university without departments, faces difficulties in recruiting young talent, when compared to universities organized along more traditional lines. As competition to attract international students intensifies, what strategies and mechanisms are required to continue to attract and retain outstanding students from Japan and overseas? In addition to provision of advanced education and research facilities and a good living environment, internationally competitive student support is critical to the success of our students. The professional staff of the OIST Graduate School find their varied skills, knowledge, and diverse educational and cultural backgrounds, cultivated through their extensive overseas experience, invaluable in assisting students as they navigate their path to a PhD degree. It is of the utmost importance that a graduate school provides international students with the necessary support and resources to enable them to concentrate on their studies, but furthermore this effort should have benefits for students that go beyond graduation. To ensure students ultimately find their place in their chosen fields, what strategies and effective career guidance should be provided to help students develop their career paths and professional networks? The International Graduate School Administration Forum will explore the initiatives taken at OIST, and how to overcome common challenges faced by international graduate schools critical to raising and maintaining global reputation and visibility.  It will also serve as a great opportunity for future collaboration among Japanese Universities collectively striving to become internationally recognized institutions dedicated to their students’ success.    

The flyer and summary can be found here: https://groups.oist.jp/adminforum.