センター長のあいさつ
近年、社会は急速なグローバル化に加え、AI技術の進展や価値観の多様化、地域社会を取り巻く環境の変化など、大きな転換の時代を迎えています。こうした中で、言語教育には、単に外国語運用能力を育成するだけでなく、異なる背景をもつ他者とつながり、相互理解を深め、新たな価値を共に創り出す力を育むことが、これまで以上に求められています。
島根大学では、国際感覚とコミュニケーション力を備え、地域社会と世界の双方に貢献できる人材の育成を重視しています。また、「地域とつながりながら世界に開かれた大学」を目指す全学的な方針のもと、教育・研究・国際交流のさらなる充実が進められています。
このような大学の方針のもと、外国語教育センターは、外国語教育、日本語教育、クロス教育プログラム、留学・海外研修支援、留学生支援、国際交流促進などを通して、学生と教職員、地域と世界をつなぐ役割を担っています。2026年度は、
を活動の基本方針として掲げ、次のような取組を進めてまいります。
- 外国語教育および日本語教育の充実と改善
- 学生の主体的な学びを支える支援体制の強化
- 留学・海外研修・国際交流機会の拡充
- 地域と連携したグローバル教育の推進
- 多様な学びと交流を支える環境整備
本センターは、これまで培ってきた教育の蓄積を基盤に、多様な専門性と経験をもつ教職員の協働を通じて、学生一人ひとりが新たな世界に目を開き、自らの可能性を広げていくことのできる場でありたいと考えています。そして、学内外のさまざまなつながりを大切にしながら、これからの時代にふさわしい外国語教育・国際教育のあり方を切りひらいてまいります。
今後とも、外国語教育センターの活動にご理解とご支援を賜りますよう、よろしくお願い申し上げます。
In recent years, our society has entered a period of major transformation shaped by rapid globalization, advances in AI technology, increasing diversity in values and lifestyles, and significant changes in local communities. In this context, language education is expected not only to develop practical communication skills, but also to foster the ability to connect with others from different backgrounds, deepen mutual understanding, and create new value together.
At Shimane University, we place great importance on cultivating individuals who possess international awareness and communication skills and who can contribute both to local communities and to the wider world. Under the university’s commitment to becoming an institution that remains rooted in the region while opening itself to the world, we continue to advance education, research, and international exchange.
Within this framework, the Center for Foreign Language Education plays an important role in connecting students, faculty, staff, the local community, and the global community through foreign language education, Japanese language education, cross-educational programs, study abroad and overseas training support, international student support, and the promotion of intercultural exchange. In the 2026 academic year, we will move forward under the guiding theme: “Connecting, Innovating, and Looking Ahead.”
Based on this vision, our main priorities for the year are as follows:
- Enhancing and improving foreign language and Japanese language education
- Strengthening support systems for students’ independent and active learning
- Expanding opportunities for study abroad, overseas training, and international exchange
- Promoting global education in collaboration with the local community
- Creating an environment that supports diverse learning and interaction
Building on the educational foundation that the Center has developed over the years, and through the collaboration of faculty and staff with diverse expertise and experience, we aim to provide a place where each student can broaden their horizons and expand their potential. By valuing the many connections within and beyond the university, we will continue to open new pathways for foreign language and international education suited to the needs of our changing times.
We sincerely appreciate your continued understanding and support for the mission and activities of the Center.
Jun Iwata
Director, Center for Foreign Language Education