Glocal Hatara-Kurasu Gunma
Project
Project for International Student's Living Environment and Job Search Support
Project to improve the environment to make it favorable for foreign students by promoting the“Glocal Hatara-Kurasu Gunma”Project
Overview of the initiative
Aim of the project
Gunma (prefecture) boasts rich resources nurtured by its nature, worship of gods, and culture. Some industries are engaged in fostering sustainable communities taking advantage of these resources, while aiming to develop their businesses both domestically and internationally. With cooperation between industry, academia, and government, this project provides training for international students who, as “glocal” (global-local) human resources, represent the next generation of these industries. This project, implemented by all the parties of Gunma prefecture, creates a welcoming environment for accepting these students. As a result, this project will increase the attractiveness to study in Japan and promote the growth of competent international students in Gunma.
Purpose and Background
Purpose
To develop a rich and accepting environment by establishing a consortium with the collaboration of industry, academia, and government that promotes support for international students living and searching for jobs in Gunma prefecture.
Target
International students enrolled in higher educational institutions in Gunma Prefecture.
952 students in 2014 → 1,600 students in 2023
Social Background and Needs
Expectations on the increase of international students and their settlement in Gunma prefecture who will become competent personnel for revitalization of local communities.
- Rapid decrease of the population of productive age. Growing shortages of human resources which can enhance the development of businesses.
- If 1.6 times more students are secured, its economic effect will be 3.2 billion yen (1.2 billion yen more than the present).
- Only 16.4% of international students wish to find a job in Gunma prefecture. Opportunities are few for international students to get to know the companies in Gunma.
Designated depopulated area in Gunma prefecture (April 1, 2014: shown by hatched area). Approximately half of the prefecture is occupied by these areas (Official website of Gunma prefecture). The rate of population aging in Gunma prefecture is highest in the Kanto region (25.8% in 2013, 36.6% in 2040. Source: “Annual Report on the Aging Society: 2014” by Cabinet Office, Government of Japan).
Only 16.4% of international students at universities in Gunma prefecture wish to find jobs in Gunma prefecture. 83.6% of them wish to leave Gunma prefecture after graduation. Source: Megumi Yuki (2014) “Internship Program by Project “HATARA-KURASU GUNMA” Japan Student Services Organization, in “Ryugakusei Koryu”, pp. 22-28.
A “local” model of environmental improvement for accepting international students is required
- Establish a model to motivate international students to select a local region in favor of urban or overseas.
- Foster them as glocal talents whose lives are based in the sustainable local region that they contribute to and aim to extend their businesses both domestically and internationally
Features of the Project
The program aims to introduce a system to promote the growth of competent international students in Gunma with the collaboration of industry, academia, and government. This system helps both the academic studies and research they pursue at their higher educational institutions and the experience of living and learning in Gunma to become beneficial in their life and career after graduation.
To create a comfortable environment for international students to live in and look for jobs in Gunma, Japan
Improve the “HATARA-KURASU GUNMA” project consists of five projects that create a comfortable environment for international students to live in and look for jobs in Gunma.
To nurture competent international students who actively contribute in their work as glocal leaders in Gunma
With the collaboration of competent glocal companies in Gunma and related government organization and regional stakeholders, we aim to provide a project-type internships for international students in Gunma (Glocal Leadership Program; GLLP).
