Okayama University – Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences and the University of Strasbourg – Institute of Political Studies (IEP) concluded an international exchange agreement on the 8th of July. It is hoped that this agreement will facilitate exchange between the two universities, foster collaborative researches about EU and the East Asia Community, as well as contribute to scientific progress, strengthen our friendly relations and enhance cultural exchange.

Strasbourg is one of the centers of the EU and is where the European Court of Human Rights and the European Parliament rest. Academic exchanges between the universities are expected to stimulate the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences due to research regarding the EU. Also, it provides tremendous help for the Center for East Asian Studies, an educational research center that focuses on the feasibility and issues regarding integration of the East Asian area, allowing comparative researches about European integration and the East Asian Community.

The signing ceremony for the agreement took place in the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Okayama University. The Dean of the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Masaru Araki and Director of IEP, Sylvain Schirmann exchanged the letter of agreement. Masaru Araki said, “we can learn about the EU’s current issues and also, students can learn to be better global citizens through interaction with IEP”. Sylvain Schirmann said, “it is important to study and learn from the cases of other places, in order to promote EU integration. Okayama University, which is putting great effort into researching about the East Asian Community, provides a truly meaningful cooperation.” Both parties are expecting positive results from the cooperation.

Pictures: Director of IEP, Sylvain Schirmann and Dean of Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Masaru Araki at the signing ceremony

Contact: School of Humanities and Social
E-mail:www-adm@adm.okayama-u.ac.jp