Thursday, November 12, 2009

Off to Niigata, again!

Let the interviewing begin!  After a few months of reading, and some bits and pieces of writing, I will have my first few interviews this weekend.  I will visit two universities who have funding for innovative programs from the national government - "good practices" in higher education.  One university is teaching students to serve in local schools as "internationalization instuctors" - running units on international trade, inequality, cross-cultural understanding and so on.  The other has a big sisters/big brothers type program where students mentor chronically ill youngsters.  I've selected both programs (the first of six I intend to look at in depth) because they give evidence of creative thinking about how students should be encouraged to contribute to society - which I think I can take one step further, as evidence of thinking about what sorts of citizens people should be.
We'll be staying with our good friends O & Y again, who have graciously agreed to host me and the kids - O has also provided the introductions to both these programs.  I am humbled and most grateful.  More reporting soon!

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