Smart Career Programme for Women Highlighted in Meiji University International Collaboration

On the First International Visit from 4 December 2023, representatives from the Lifelong Education Research Office of UNIST (Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology) and Choonhae Health Sciences University (CHSU) visited Meiji University from their respective homes in Ulsan Metropolitan City, South Korea to Tokyo in Japan. The international visit was intended to realise broader efforts at strengthening international academic co‑operation within Ulsan Metropolitan City as well as learning from the advanced model of lifelong and vocational education called the lifelong learning Liberty Academy at Meiji University.

However, the RISE project has been incorporated into the three local universities, one of which is CHSU. Meanwhile, UNIST, a designated research institute, is developing the "Ulsan Model" for lifelong and vocational education development; this aims to build a sustainable lifelong and vocational education ecosystem study by way of collaboration between universities and the municipality. To proceed with this learning, a visit to Meiji was organised to obtain cases in advanced education programmes at Liberty Academy, which has now achieved recognition as a hub for lifelong learning.

Meeting and Discussion

At Meiji University, the other representatives included KUROSAWA Mutsumi, Director of the Organisation for Community Relations and Support at Meiji University, and IDA Masamichi, Director of Liberty Academy. Detailed Q&A sessions about Liberty Academy's programmes, especially the Smart Career Programme for Women at Meiji University, took place. Questions involved course planning, content, target audience, operational structure, and subsidies.

Given Ulsan's background as an industrial city, a specific focus was placed by the Korean delegation on Meiji's industry‑academia collaboration examples, such as company‑commissioned training. All these were perceived as very practical and usable case studies under future policy processes.

Insight into Policy and Global Impact

It was noted that the Liberty Academy's advanced case studies UNIST CHSU meeting may be used by the Korean Ministry of Education and Ulsan Metropolitan City as policy reference materials. By the exchange, Meiji University's international collaboration with UNIST and CHSU showed how Meiji University's role in sustainable regional talent development in Japan and abroad is gaining international recognition.

Meiji University claimed social contribution, in which Liberty Academy is part of the intellectual property return‑to‑society mission. Founded in 1999, the Academy provides a vast array of courses, including Liberal Education and Culture programmes, training for business, and hands-on projects. The committee acknowledged the Smart Career Programme for Women and Industry‑academia collaboration at Meiji University – an initiative introduced in 2015 – as one of the main recurrent education‑catalysing initiatives supporting women's career paths and re‑entry into the workforce.

The visit from Meiji University Liberty Academy was the first of its kind in partnership with another global university for studying case sharing in innovative lifelong learning. In sharing advanced vocational education models studied during the Meiji University visit, the institution provided valuable insights for the South Korean partners. This contributes greatly to Meiji University's mission of community and global contribution, while further strengthening Japan–South Korea academic exchange universities and building bridges for future collaboration.

Editor’s Note:

This international university visit by partners from UNIST and CHSU to the Liberty Academy of Meiji University in Japan is an important event in global academic collaboration. The meeting presented how universities in Ulsan Metropolitan City are trying to improve their own systems of lifelong and vocational education by adopting the advanced model at Meiji University in Tokyo. Among the topics discussed were programmes offered by Liberty Academy, such as the Smart Career Programme for Women, Meiji University – a programme to support working women reintegrating into the workforce. Another aspect of attention from the Korean delegation was the industry‑academia collaboration examples at Meiji, like company‑commissioned training, which closely matched Ulsan, an industrial city. Those case studies were considered practical models to be incorporated into possible policies in the future. The visit also highlighted how Meiji University's lifelong learning Liberty Academy serves wider social objectives. Founded in 1999, Liberty Academy has become a hub of lifelong learning, offering cultural courses, business programmes, and hands-on projects. Its function to return intellectual property to society shows Meiji University's serious commitment to the community.

As per Skoobuzz, this exchange showed South Korean universities good examples of advanced vocational education models seen in the visit to Meiji University. It would further embed Meiji University into sustainable regional talent development within Japan and beyond, establishing stronger bridges in Japan–South Korea academic exchange universities. Such collaboration argues for sharing knowledge across borders to create improved education systems and support tomorrow's workforce development.

FAQs

1. How much does it cost to visit the Meiji University Museum?

Admission to the Meiji University Museum is free of charge. Visitors can explore exhibitions on law, criminal materials, and archaeology without paying an entry fee.

2. Is Meiji University a public or private institution?

Meiji University is a private university in Tokyo, Japan. It was founded in 1881 and is one of the country’s leading private institutions.

3. Is Meiji University considered a good university?

Yes. Meiji University is regarded as one of Japan’s top private universities, known for strong academic programmes, international collaborations, and a wide range of faculties. It consistently ranks well in national and international evaluations.

4. Does Meiji University provide student dormitories?

Yes. Meiji University offers dormitory accommodation for both Japanese and international students. These facilities provide affordable housing and support services to help students adjust to university life.

5. Does Meiji Shrine have a dress code?

There is no strict dress code at Meiji Shrine, but visitors are expected to dress respectfully. Modest clothing is recommended, especially when attending ceremonies or formal occasions.

6. What is the Smart Career Programme for Women at Meiji University?

The Smart Career Programme for Women at Meiji University is a recurrent education initiative launched in 2015. It supports women aiming to advance their careers or re‑enter the workforce. The programme offers certificate courses approved by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), focusing on practical skills and career development.