On March 19, 2026, the International Strategy Center of the Nara National University Corporation held an online meeting to present improvement measures based on third-party evaluations of its various programs and to exchange opinions.

The Center conducts external evaluations of its “international exchange experience programs” for students, assessing whether they effectively contribute to the development of skills and competencies expected after graduation, as well as to the promotion of international and intercultural understanding. The results are used to improve and develop these programs. In January 2026, the Center provided an overview of its programs to the evaluators and received evaluation sheets from them, which have since been used to consider future improvements.

At the meeting, Director Satoshi Kagiwada opened the session with welcoming remarks, expressing appreciation for the evaluators’ contributions and outlining the purpose and agenda of the meeting.

 

Following this, Professor Hashida and Lecturer Nagumo presented a summary of the evaluation results and the issues identified through the evaluation process. The results indicated that the Center’s overall initiatives were generally well received. At the same time, several issues were identified from the perspectives of the Nara National University Corporation, Nara University of Education, and Nara Women’s University.

The meeting also introduced future improvement measures and the direction of upcoming initiatives based on the evaluation. While the evaluation covered activities in FY2024, the Center explained that some measures have already been implemented in FY2025 and outlined plans for initiatives from FY2026 onward.

 

During the discussion session, evaluators commented that initiatives encouraging students to take an active role in planning activities help increase motivation and participation. In particular, they highlighted student-led overseas training programs and expressed expectations that such initiatives would be expanded to other programs. In response, Director Kagiwada emphasized the importance of student-led overseas programs as a key initiative and noted the need to expand opportunities to a wider range of students.

 

Based on the third-party evaluation and the feedback received, the Center confirmed its commitment to continuously improving its programs and promoting international exchange initiatives that foster global competencies among students of both universities.

 

<Evaluators>
Ms. Rie Yamaguchi
General Manager, Interpretation Office / Corporate & R&D HR Department, DMG MORI Co., Ltd.

Mr. Tatsuya Hitomi
Director, International Affairs Division, Governor’s Office, Nara Prefecture

Mr. Yasuhisa Yaoku
Director, Compulsory Education Division, Nara Prefectural Board of Education