1. Introduction
In recent years, the trend of internationalization in higher education has become increasingly prevalent. One way of achieving this is by adopting English as a medium of instruction. However, the question remains whether graduate education at Kanazawa University is conducted in English. In this article, we will explore the language policy at Kanazawa University for postgraduate studies.
2. Language Policy at Kanazawa University
According to the website of Kanazawa University, the language policy for postgraduate studies is as follows: "Courses are offered mainly in Japanese, but there are programs taught in English, too. International students who have difficulty with Japanese can take courses taught in English. There is also a correspondence course program that can be taken by students living overseas." This suggests that English is not the main medium of instruction for postgraduate studies at Kanazawa University, but there are programs taught in English that cater to international students.
3. English-medium Programs at Kanazawa University
Kanazawa University offers several English-medium programs for postgraduate studies. These include the International Graduate Program in Natural Science and Technology, the Graduate Program in Materials Science and Engineering, the Graduate Program in Environmental Sciences, and the Graduate Program in Medical Sciences. These programs are taught entirely in English and are designed to attract international students who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in Japan. In addition, Kanazawa University also offers an English-language correspondence course program.
4. Implications of Language Policy for Postgraduate Studies at Kanazawa University
The language policy at Kanazawa University has several implications for postgraduate students. Firstly, the language requirements for admission to postgraduate programs vary depending on the program. Students who wish to pursue English-medium programs will need to demonstrate a certain level of proficiency in English. Secondly, students who are not fluent in Japanese may face certain challenges when pursuing postgraduate studies at Kanazawa University. While they have the option to take courses taught in English, the majority of the courses are conducted in Japanese, which may limit their options for course selection. Lastly, the language policy at Kanazawa University reflects the institution's commitment to promoting internationalization in higher education by offering English-medium programs that cater to the needs of international students.
In conclusion, while the language of instruction for postgraduate studies at Kanazawa University is primarily Japanese, the institution offers several English-medium programs that cater to international students. The language policy has implications for students' language requirements for admission, course selection, and overall experience at the university.
