In an increasingly interconnected world, US-Japan education serves as a cornerstone for fostering global relationships. Nowhere is this more evident than in the thriving educational and cultural ties between the United States and Japan. Bruce Stronach, President of Showa Boston Institute (SBI), highlights the essential role of globalisation in higher education and the importance of nurturing the US-Japan relationship through language, cultural exchange, and academic collaboration.
Globalisation in Higher Education
As global challenges become more complex, universities are tasked with preparing students to navigate and succeed in a globalised world. This involves offering access to study abroad programs, recruiting international students and faculty, and providing cross-cultural resources. For the US and Japan, two countries with a deeply interconnected relationship, education is a vital link that sustains and strengthens their partnership.
“The future success of higher education depends on embracing globalisation, which is key to educating the next generation of Japanese and Americans for a globalised world,” Stronach emphasizes.
Language and Cultural Exchange
Language is a bridge that connects societies, and mutual linguistic and cultural understanding is crucial for maintaining robust bilateral relations. Japan’s need for proficient English speakers aligns with the US’s interest in producing skilled Japanese speakers.
SBI stands at the forefront of this exchange, fostering learning opportunities for students from both nations. With its Japanese Language Program, the largest in New England, SBI prepares students of all ages for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test and equips them for academic or professional pursuits in Japan.
On the other hand, SBI also hosts Japanese students, offering for-credit English language courses to help them navigate American culture and academia. These programs not only provide linguistic skills but also foster mutual cultural appreciation and understanding.
Educational Collaboration and Community Engagement
SBI serves as a vital cultural hub in Boston, connecting students, educators, and the local community to Japanese culture. From its volunteer hosting program, with hosts that have welcomed students for over 20 years, to its active participation in cultural events like the Japan Festival of Boston, SBI enriches the community while promoting cross-cultural dialogue.
The institute’s work is especially timely as interest in studying abroad surges in the post-COVID era. Currently, Japan hosts approximately 280,000 international students, 20% of whom focus on the Japanese language. Meanwhile, Japan also leads in sending intensive English language students to the US, with 11,000 participants accounting for 16% of the global total.
The Role of Showa Boston Institute
SBI embodies the spirit of international cooperation and education. By offering semester-long and short-term programs, SBI creates opportunities for diverse learners, from elementary students to working professionals, to deepen their understanding of Japanese culture or improve their English skills.
As the Boston branch of Showa Women’s University (SWU), an institution with over 100 years of history empowering women in Tokyo, SBI leverages its heritage to connect the East Coast’s academic hub with Japanese society.
Strengthening US-Japan Relations Through Education
Institutions like SBI play a pivotal role in fostering understanding, cooperation, and shared progress.US-Japan Education’s power to transcend borders is exemplified by initiatives that encourage cultural exchange and academic collaboration.
As Bruce Stronach notes, “In an era where globalisation is crucial for educational success, institutions like SBI prepare students for a globalised future while strengthening the vital US-Japan relationship through education and cultural exchange.”
The success of US-Japan relations relies heavily on the strength of their educational ties. By embracing globalisation and fostering language, cultural, and academic exchange, institutions like Showa Boston Institute are building the foundation for a brighter, more interconnected future.
US-Japan immersive language programs, study abroad opportunities, or community engagement, SBI exemplifies the potential of education to unite nations and empower individuals.
