News & Events

From February 18 to 21, 2025, UENO Masao (President), KOMA Kyoko (Vice President,International Affairs), IIZUKA Hiroshi (General Manager of International Collaboration Division), and OZAWA Yoshiaki (Manager of the Office of International Collaboration) visited the University of Hawaii to engage in discussions on promoting international exchanges between the universities. They visited the University of Hawaii at Manoa and Hilo to observe the students’ learning environment and to discuss concrete steps toward concluding an inter-university exchange agreement between universities.

Concluding an inter-university exchange agreement with the UH Manoa and strengthening exchanges
On February 18 and 19, the delegation made a courtesy visit to the University of Hawaii at Manoa (UH Manoa). They toured the campus and exchanged views with faculty members, including the chief of international exchange, the deans of the schools of social sciences and law. In discussions with Chief Global Officer Brent White, the two universities agreed to conclude a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on inter-university exchange, creating a framework for future cooperative relations. Further talks explored the potential of signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on student exchange, along with the sharing of specific details about short-term study abroad programs and internships that UH Manoa could offer.

The University of Hawaii at Manoa offers a variety of short-term programs such as Environmental Conservation, COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) and Global Scholars. These programs are expected to provide Meiji University students with expanded study opportunities. It was also shared that flexible learning options are tailored to students’ language proficiency levels.

Strengthening partnership with UH Hilo
From the afternoon of February 19 to 20, the delegation made a courtesy visit to the University of Hawaii at Hilo (UH Hilo),where they toured the campus, observing student support facilities and the learning environment. During the visit, they met with ONDA Riko, a second-year student from the School of Global Japanese Studies, currently on a one-year exchange program that began in the fall semester of 2024, to ask her about her learning and living conditions. The visiting members acknowledged UH Hilo as an appealing study abroad destination, with an education rooted in the philosophy of multicultural conviviality within a nature-rich setting.

Additionally, a session was arranged with UH Hilo students interested in studying in Japan, during which information about the learning environment and study abroad system at Meiji University was provided.

Future prospects
During the visit, Meiji University and the University of Hawaii at Manoa agreed to sign the MOU, solidifying the framework for future student exchange. There was also a discussion about the possibility of deepening ties and promoting exchange programs with the University of Hawaii at Hilo . Building on these agreements, the university intends to send and welcome more students, with the goal of broadening international exchanges. Exchanges will be encouraged not only among students but also among faculty members.

Through strengthening connections with universities worldwide, Meiji University aims to offer students attractive study abroad opportunities.