Fostering empathy and cultural sensitivity through international programs: Theorization and application in Japanese higher education

• Project/Area Number: 25K17034
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 09050:Tertiary education-related
• Research Institution: Kyushu University
• Principal Investigator: 野中 ちさと 九州大学, 留学生センター, 准教授 (70822203)
• Project Period (FY): 2025-04-01 – 2028-03-31
• Project Status: Granted (Fiscal Year 2025)
• Budget Amount: ¥2,860,000 (Direct Cost: ¥2,200,000、Indirect Cost: ¥660,000); Fiscal Year 2027: ¥1,040,000 (Direct Cost: ¥800,000、Indirect Cost: ¥240,000); Fiscal Year 2026: ¥780,000 (Direct Cost: ¥600,000、Indirect Cost: ¥180,000); Fiscal Year 2025: ¥1,040,000 (Direct Cost: ¥800,000、Indirect Cost: ¥240,000)
• Keywords: empathy / cultural sensitivity / internationalization / 国際化 / 共感力

Outline of Research at the Start

This research aims to develop an education program fostering empathy and cultural sensitivity among Japanese university students, essential for promoting diversity. In collaboration with the University of Hawai‘i, the study employs surveys, interviews, and fieldwork to analyze and theorize skill development, providing practical strategies for inclusion.