News

Tohoku University has welcomed 22 new international undergraduates from 10 countries and regions to its Future Global Leadership (FGL) programme. The entrance ceremony was held on September 26 at Kawauchi campus.

The FGL programme offers three degree courses taught entirely in English. Among this year's cohort, eight students are enrolled in the Advanced Molecular Chemistry programme (AMC), seven in the International Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering programme (IMAC-U) and seven in Applied Marine Biology (AMB).

Before arriving in Sendai, the students participated in a pre-enrolment online course over the summer, which included Japanese language lessons and STEM subject reviews. This preparation also provided an opportunity for students to connect with one another and get a sense of student life at Tohoku University.

In his welcome address, Executive Vice President for Education and Student Support Hirotsugu Takizawa highlighted the university's diverse and inclusive environment nurtured by a long-standing tradition of welcoming international students. He also spoke of the university's commitment to global readiness as Japan's first University for International Research Excellence.

"The era facing you will no doubt be challenging. So expansive knowledge transcending traditional academic fields and the ability to understand diverse cultures and values will be indispensable," he said. "Here in Sendai, your quest for knowledge will be aided not only by lectures and research, but also volunteer work, international exchange and various other collaborative activities. I'm certain that during your time at Tohoku University, you will meet lifelong mentors and friends and make great leaps of personal growth."

Dong Yushan from China, gave a speech on behalf of the AMC students. He said he chose Tohoku University because of its "research first" approach. "I hope to build a strong academic foundation here and explore new possibilities in an open environment. Over the past century, Tohoku University has nurtured many outstanding individuals who have contributed not only to academia but also to society at large. Their stories inspire me greatly," he said, adding that he is also looking forward to the cross-cultural experience for which the university is renowned.

"Studying abroad means challenges, but also growth. We will learn how to adapt to different languages and cultures, and how to understand diverse perspectives. I believe these experiences will make us more independent, more confident and more open-minded in facing the world."

Turkish student Tunahan Sevindi, representing the IMAC-U programme, had kind words for the pre-enrolment course which he said alleviated his concerns about coming to Japan for the first time. "I appreciated the quick responses to my emails and appreciated our professors' and our seniors' willingness to answer any type of question we had," he said. "They really helped me understand what I can expect as an FGL student."

Looking ahead, he said that as an IMAC-U student, he hopes to "guide this world into a more sustainable and greener environment with new innovations."

Mika Prameshwari Toendan, from Indonesia, spoke on behalf of the AMB students. She reflected on the personal sacrifices she made to come to Japan and the invaluable support she received from family and friends. "University isn't just a place to study. It's a place to grow, discover ourselves, make new friendships and open doors to opportunities," she said. "We will grow not only as students, but as individuals ready to contribute to the world."

She added her confidence that the FGL community will also support each other and provide "a sense of home when we feel lost or homesick" and urged her fellow students to "enter this new chapter with courage, curiosity and an open heart."

Over the next four years, FGL students will study within their specialised courses while also having opportunities to engage with Japanese students in intercultural collaborative learning environments.

Tohoku University's exchange programmes attract hundreds of students annually from around the world. For more information about the FGL programme and other exchange opportunities, please visit:
https://www.insc.tohoku.ac.jp/english/degree/undergraduate-english/