Health Sciences University of Hokkaido

A Message from the Director

Yoshihiro Abiko

Director, International Education and Exchange Center

Yoshihiro Abiko

B.A., D.D.S, Ph.D.

The Health Sciences University of Hokkaido is located in the Hokkaido prefecture in the northern part of Japan. Hokkaido is richly endowed with natural beauty and consists of several green areas as well as mountains. The main campus of the university is located in the town of Tobetsu, on the outskirts of Sapporo city. Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, is the fifth-largest city in Japan and has a population of over 1.9 million. Furthermore, it has developed into an international city. Hokkaido is very popular with international tourists, particularly those from Asian countries.

In the midst of globalization, one of the important aims of this university is to develop an international-minded medical professional. The International Exchange and Education Center (IEEC), which was launched in 2017, took over the responsibility of the global network office at the university. The IEEC plays an important role in supporting the university’s efforts to promote globalization. Currently, this university partners with four other universities, sixteen faculties, and three institutions overseas.

The IECC has been conducting a wide range of academic exchange programs, globally. We have several short-term and long-term student exchange programs with various universities. The exchange of researchers between universities for research collaboration has provided opportunities for new ideas. We have been accepting international students for undergraduate and postgraduate courses in different schools of our university for a long time. This has helped both Japanese and international students to gain educational, cultural, and social experiences from each other.

In addition, we have developed some special exchange programs, such as the Dual Ph.D. program (a system in which doctoral degrees can be obtained from both universities at the same time) with the Taipei Medical University. We have been conducting joint academic conferences with different universities to discuss various ideas, challenges, and solutions. Moreover, friendly visits of delegates to and from various universities have strengthened our relationships.

International exchange has always been a priority for our university. We are dedicated to creating an international community where students, researchers, and academicians can mutually learn from each other and contribute to the society.

Yoshihiro Abiko B.A., D.D.S, Ph.D.
Director, International Education and Exchange Center

International Education and Exchange Center

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