The “International Faculty Development Program 2016” orientation was held on July 25, 2016.

Starting in 2004, NAIST has continually held this annual program for faculty to further enhance NAIST’s curriculum and promote globalization in education and research, while improving English teaching capacity.

A total of 6 faculty members, 2 from each graduate school, will participate in the 2-week program from October 24th to November 4th this year. During the first week, the participants will be exposed to and study effective techniques for science and technology graduate school education in English at the University of California Davis, as well as observe lectures, visit local schools, meet with guest speakers, and more. Following this, each faculty member will visit a research laboratory of his/her choice in North America to gain insights into styles of lab management, graduate student guidance and supervision, and other areas related to graduate education.

At the orientation, the participants first met the UC Davis Extension faculty member in charge of the program via Skype. Afterwards, Associate Professor Arakawa of the Graduate School of Information Science (2014 FD participant) explained how his FD experience expanded his views of graduate school education, contributing to his exceptional educational activities at NAIST. Finally, DGE Director Sachi Ando provided general information concerning the program, followed by International Affairs Section staff member Junko Machida describing the travel arrangements. The orientation concluded with a thorough question and answer session.