The history of our special relationships with distinguished Chinese universities, such as Nankai University and Beijing Language and Culture University, is a reflection of the spirit at the time of the foundation of Aichi University gto give the students an international outlook and cultural background". In addition to the relationships with 5 Chinese universities, we have concluded an agreement with Reading University in England, situated not far from London, and also concluded an agreement with Southeast Missouri State University in America, situated not far from St. Louis. At the present stage of our internationalization we are looking towards China, England and America.
Since starting exchange programs with Nankai University and Beijing Language and Culture University in 1980, we have now had more than 10 years experience in this field. We have been training up students with an international way of thinking, in programs of short duration in the spring and summer vacations, and in one year programs, and other longer term exchange programs for students and scholars.
Reading University
Reading University in England was originally established by Oxford University, and in 1926 it became independent. There are now 10,500 students there of whom 2,000 are overseas students. The relationship with Aichi University began in 1987, and since then more than 100 Aichi University students have attended the spring and summer English seminars there every year. These seminars are offered by the Centre for Applied Language Studies (CALS) of Reading University.
South East Missouri University of the United States was founded in 1873 as a teachers' university. It now consists of five colleges and a Graduate School. Especially strong are its Schools of Business and Education. Small classes are a speciality. The exchange program with our university began in 1991 and 30 students attend the Spring Seminar Program each year. The exchanges are expected to expand.
Nankai University in Tianjin has 22 faculties and 17 research institutes, and it is one of China's leading universities. It was Premier Zhou Enlai's Alma Mater. Every year there is a summer seminar to study the Chinese Language and 30 or 40 students take part. Also, teachers from this university come to teach at Aichi University in Japan.
Beijing Language and Culture University accepts students from abroad to study Chinese for longer periods, and sends teachers abroad to teach Chinese Language and Literature. Students come from a number of countries. Since 1976 Aichi University has received teachers from here, and there are now some long term students from Aichi University studying there in Beijing.
Fudan University in Shanghai is one of China's great universities, ranking with Beijing University. It has 8 schools, 29 departments and 23 research institutes. It has received both short term and long term students from Aichi University. Teachers and researchers from there have come to teach at our university.
Shanghai International Studies University has departments teaching Japanese, French, German, Spanish, Russian and Arabic. It is a national institution of the highest level with 11 faculties and 18 departments. Aichi University graduates have taught Japanese there, and researchers have come from there to study at Aichi University in Japan.
Beijing Second Foreign Language Institute was established to provide interpreters in the languages used in Asia, Africa, Western and Eastern Europe. It has 6 faculties. Chinese teachers and researchers have come from this university to Aichi University, and Aichi University students go there in the spring and summer to attend the Chinese language seminars.
In 1993 an academic agreement was signed with the University of Wisconsin Law School and the Aichi University Graduate School of Law for the promotion of academic exchange between the two institutions.
In 1994 an academic agreement was signed with the Hochschule Bremen in Germany for the promotion of academic exchange. Students from Germany will be taking courses in Japanese and Japanese Economics starting in April.