The OIST Graduate School International Administration Forum provides an opportunity for university officials and staff across Japan to connect, exchange practices, and address the evolving demands of international graduate education.
International Graduate School Administration Forum
Upcoming Events
Updated on October 31
・Deadline for registration
・List of Participating Universities
・FAQ)
2nd Forum
The OIST International Administration Forum provides a practical, peer-based platform for university officials and staff to share expertise, exchange insights, and foster professional learning. Now in its second year, the upcoming Forum highlights four key areas:
- International student recruitment and outreach
- Supporting international students through effective communication and student-centered services
- Staff development for a globally responsive administrative workforce
- Collaboration with industry to expand doctoral career pathway
The forum also features workshops led by experts on strategic international student recruitment and on supporting students through effective and respectful communication, with a focus on promoting the well-being of both students and staff.
Participants will have the opportunity to gain insights, engage in hands-on workshops, and connect with colleagues across institutions, supporting both staff development and institutional growth.
Details
| Date: | November 26 - 28, 2025 |
| Venue: | OIST Main Campus |
| Participation Fee: | 14,000 yen
Includes two lunches and two dinners |
| Target: | University Officials and Staff (Capacity: 60 participants) |
| Language: | Japanese/English (Interpretation services will be provided) |
Schedule
(The content is subject to change.)
|
Nov. 26 |
Registration Opening Remarks Presentation: Introducing OIST Graduate School Initiatives Campus Tour Networking Dinner |
|
Nov. 27 |
Morning Networking Group Discussion Workshop ・Student Support Workshop* ・Hands-On Workshop for International Student Recruitment Networking Dinner *English program |
|
Nov. 28
|
Group Discussion
|
Workshop details
| Student Support Workshop |
| Language: English Instructors: Experts from OIST Ganjuu Welbeing Services As university staff, we engage with students on a daily basis. Communication—whether in person or by email—is at the heart of our work. These interactions can range from casual conversations to delivering difficult news or navigating emotionally sensitive discussions. This workshop will focus on developing effective communication skills with students, addressing both verbal and non-verbal aspects such as tone of voice, rhythm, active listening, and interpreting unspoken cues. Together, we will practice techniques such as paraphrasing and summarizing students’ words, asking thoughtful questions to encourage open dialogue, and managing interactions with students experiencing strong emotions, including frustration, anger, or disappointment. In addition, we will explore strategies to foster mutual respect, communicate with empathy, and use language that encourages engagement. The skills introduced in this session are not only useful in student interactions but can also enhance communication with colleagues, family, and friends. We warmly invite you to take part in this workshop and use it as an opportunity to strengthen your communication skills in ways that are both practical and impactful. |
| Hands-On Workshop for International Student Recruitment |
| Language: Japanese Instructor: Yuuki Guzman, Manager, Admissions and Recruitment Section This workshop offers practical training in planning and delivering effective online information sessions—a key element in successful international student recruitment. Participants will work through each stage, from technical setup to content creation, while designing sessions that are clear, engaging, and appealing to prospective students worldwide. In addition, the workshop will explore how these skills can be applied to develop tailored recruitment strategies that showcase the unique strengths of each university. |
Forum Flyer
Registration
Registration form
Registration period: August 25 - November 12, 2025
Inquiry
Please refer to FAQ here first, and if you cannot find answers you look for in the FAQ, please submit your inquiry through Inquiry Form
Cancellation Policy
If you wish to cancel your registration, refunds will be provided for cancellations made by November 5th (Wed) via the above inquiry form in accordance with OIST regulations. Cancellations made after that date are non-refundable.
OIST will provide further details for the refund after a cancellation request has been made.
Should unforeseeable circumstances, such as natural disasters or other exceptional events, prevent your attendance, please contact us via the designated inquiry form above so that we may provide appropriate guidance.
Past events
1st Forum
Date: March 14 - 15, 2024
Details:
Since opening in 2012, OIST Graduate University has attracted more than 300 outstanding students from around the world. In doing so, OIST has developed a truly international graduate school, requiring constant effort in overcoming the challenges that entails. OIST, as a graduate university without departments, faces difficulties in recruiting young talent, when compared to universities organized along more traditional lines.
As competition to attract international students intensifies, what strategies and mechanisms are required to continue to attract and retain outstanding students from Japan and overseas? In addition to provision of advanced education and research facilities and a good living environment, internationally competitive student support is critical to the success of our students. The professional staff of the OIST Graduate School find their varied skills, knowledge, and diverse educational and cultural backgrounds, cultivated through their extensive overseas experience, invaluable in assisting students as they navigate their path to a PhD degree. It is of the utmost importance that a graduate school provides international students with the necessary support and resources to enable them to concentrate on their studies, but furthermore this effort should have benefits for students that go beyond graduation. To ensure students ultimately find their place in their chosen fields, what strategies and effective career guidance should be provided to help students develop their career paths and professional networks?
The International Graduate School Administration Forum will explore the initiatives taken at OIST, and how to overcome common challenges faced by international graduate schools critical to raising and maintaining global reputation and visibility. It will also serve as a great opportunity for future collaboration among Japanese Universities collectively striving to become internationally recognized institutions dedicated to their students’ success.
Pictures during the forum:
