Tohoku University welcomed 20 international undergraduates from nine countries and regions to its Future Global Leadership (FGL) Programme on September 29, the final cohort before the programme is integrated into the university's new Gateway College in 2027.

The FGL Programme offers three degree courses taught entirely in English. This year's cohort includes five students in Advanced Molecular Chemistry (AMC), 13 in International Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (IMAC-U) and two in Applied Marine Biology (AMB).

Before arriving in Sendai, the students took part in an online pre-enrolment course over the summer, covering Japanese language and STEM subjects. The programme also gave them an opportunity to meet their future classmates and learn more about life at Tohoku University.

In his welcome address, Vice President for Education Reform Naoki Odanaka highlighted Tohoku University's diverse and inclusive community and its long history of welcoming international students. He also emphasised the university's commitment to developing graduates with a global outlook as Japan's first University for International Research Excellence.

Referring to the increasingly complex challenges facing today's students and society, Odanaka said that "expansive knowledge transcending traditional academic fields and the ability to understand diverse cultures and values will be indispensable."

He also reflected on the history of the FGL Programme, which has welcomed 380 students over the past 15 years. With the programme coming to an end and Gateway College scheduled to launch in 2027, he encouraged the new students to see themselves as a pivotal link between the past and the future.

Speaking on behalf of the AMC students, Zuo Haokun, from China, said he was drawn to Tohoku University because of its strong research tradition in molecular chemistry.

"We are deeply inspired by the university's remarkable research legacy," he said. "And beyond classroom learning, we are eager to exchange ideas with classmates from different cultural backgrounds, learn from one another, broaden our global perspective and grow together."

He also expressed his appreciation for the instructors who taught the pre-enrolment course, saying their support helped the students feel welcome even before arriving in Sendai.

Representing IMAC-U, Phạm Anh Khoa from Vietnam spoke about overcoming his fear of public speaking. "Every time I try to speak in front of crowds, or give a presentation, my heart would race and my body would tense up," he said. "But I realised that being scared only hinders my growth, and stepping out of my comfort zone is essential, especially when starting a new journey in a whole different country."

He then urged his fellow students to face their fears and explore new opportunities during their time at Tohoku University. "Let's make our four years together unforgettable."

Theobald Bimasuta from Indonesia, representing the AMB students, spoke about how his early interest in reading National Geographic developed into a passion for animals and marine life. "I became inspired by the work of the late Dr. Leanne Armand, especially her research on ocean temperatures," he said, adding that at Tohoku University, he hopes to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to "create meaningful and impactful change towards a better Earth for every species."

Over the next four years, the students will pursue their specialist studies while participating in intercultural collaborative learning with Japanese and other international students.

As the final FGL cohort, they will also form a link between a programme that has shaped the university's international undergraduate community for 15 years and the new Gateway College, which will carry that international and interdisciplinary approach into its next chapter.

News in Japanese