The University of Hyogo 2025 Fall Entrance Ceremony for the Global Business Course (GBC) and the Department of Global Business (DGB)
On Friday, September 19, we held the 2025 Fall Entrance Ceremony for international students enrolled in the Global Business Course (hereinafter “GBC”) of the School of Economics and Management (Bachelor’s degree program) and the Department of Global Business (hereinafter “DGB”) of the Graduate School of Social Sciences (Master’s degree program) at the Kobe Campus for Commerce.
Each September, we welcome international students into the GBC and the DGB through fall admission. This year, 32 international students from 14 countries and regions—including new countries such as Canada, Colombia, Egypt, Italy, and Uganda—were admitted to the GBC. In addition, four international students from two countries, Bangladesh and Romania, enrolled in the DGB, marking this auspicious occasion. The ceremony was also live-streamed for related parties who were unable to attend in person.
The entire ceremony was conducted in English, including the congratulatory address delivered by President Makoto Kosaka, as well as messages from guests of honor.
In his address, President Kosaka referred to the GBC and the DGB, stating:
“We launched the GBC six years ago, and the DGB four years ago, to nurture professionals of knowledge who can lead a multi-cultural global society and build bridges rather than walls between people. Now, you are new students with dignity and strong values.
At this university, we treat you as adults and expect you to take responsibility for your actions. You are asked to observe the norms of society and exercise sound self-discipline. Do not be misled by simplistic statements that are difficult to verify or lack objectivity. Careless or self-righteous remarks can wound others deeply. Instead, make good friends with whom you can work hard together—friends who may become lifelong companions—during your vibrant student life. Please also keep in mind with gratitude that your education is financially supported by many generous corporations, whose names are displayed on the plaque at the entrance of Global House. Strive to be decent, honest, and fair!
Let us join hands to create new value and hope in a chaotic world while sharing both joys and sorrows and being grateful for the blessings we receive.”
Congratulatory Address by President Kosaka
Messages from Guests of Honor
During the matriculation address by the representative of new GBC students, Ms. Le Thu Minh from Vietnam delivered an address. She stated:
“I chose the Global Business Course at the University of Hyogo because it’s truly global. I learned that GBC has “a fully integrated international program with international students worldwide”, which is exactly the global environment I hoped for. The program also offers various seminars on projects and research as well as many programs to learn about Japanese culture, which enables me to enhance both my business skills and my understanding of Japan’s rich culture. This combination of global learning and cultural immersion motivated me to join GBC. I was particularly drawn by Japan’s blend of tradition and innovation, which has fascinated me for years.”
She went on to express her aspirations for studying abroad, saying:
“At GBC, I am eager to take on challenges. I will commit myself fully to my studies and project work, actively participate in campus activities and clubs, and speak Japanese confidently in my daily life. I believe that they are not barriers but opportunities to learn and grow. I am especially determined to master the Japanese language and adapt to local customs so that I can fully immerse myself in life here. I am inspired by the Japanese saying “Nanakorobi yaoki” — fall seven times, stand up eight — which reminds me to stay resilient. With this mindset, I am looking forward to the journey ahead.”
Matriculation Address by the Representative of New GBC Students
During the matriculation address by the representative of new DGB students, Ms. Cluian Teodora from Romania, who advanced from the GBC to the DGB, spoke as follows:
“Pursuing a master’s degree demonstrates a commitment to achieving a deeper understanding and specialized knowledge in the future. It is the first step on a long and sometimes arduous path towards excellence and a profound understanding of one’s research. It affirms that we are all here to challenge ourselves, collaborate with one another, and contribute to our respective fields.
For me, this program is not just a stepping stone; it is the path itself. My ambition is to eventually pursue a Ph.D., with the ultimate goal of becoming a researcher and professor. I intend to dedicate my future career to studying the relationship between Japanese culture and its economy, focusing particularly on the business of traditions, festivals, rituals and performing arts. I may have never discovered this passion for Japanese culture if I hadn’t been a GBC student, and I would like to express my gratitude towards all the professors who guided me and my classmates for four amazing years. I wouldn’t be here without their extraordinary support. Today, we begin a new chapter in our lives. Let us fill the blank pages with knowledge and wisdom, as we embark on the next stage of our academic journey.”
Matriculation Address by the Representative of New DGB Students
In the welcome address by the representative of current GBC students, Mr. Niyibizi Gad from Rwanda shared his experience, stating:
“Some of you may have already experienced independence before, but studying abroad adds a whole new dimension to it. Here, it’s not just about being away from home; it’s about stepping into a world where you are fully responsible for your own integrity, your choices, and how you manage daily life.
Based on personal experience, balancing classes, assignments, extracurricular activities, and personal routines is not always easy. I remember struggling with time management during my first semester. But I realized that having structure and taking responsibility don’t limit your freedom. They help you succeed and feel in control.”
He further encouraged new students by saying:
“I encourage you to make the most of the resources this university offers. Whether it’s the library, the Center for Global Engagement, or the athletic facilities, they are all here to support you.
Another rewarding part of this journey is the people you will meet. You will be surrounded by classmates from different corners of the world, each with diverse stories and ways of seeing things. It is important to take time to share, listen, and be open. You will learn so much from each other, and some of those connections might just turn into lifelong friendships.”
Welcome Address by the Representative of Current GBC Students
In addition, during the welcome address by the representative of current DGB students, Mr. Bhatt Siddhant from India offered advice for student life abroad: “We all come from different backgrounds and cultures, and the culture of Japan is as different as it can possibly be. Therefore, although I may not be qualified to provide you with advice, I will still like to try.
First—and perhaps most important advice—master Japanese.
I know many of you hope to settle in Japan, even if not, learning Japanese can open many doors for you. Many of you know the JLPT examination system. My recommendation: You start small. Start with N5 and progress systematically towards N1.
Second, perform well in university. Many people criticize the value of a degree these days. They say things like, “It’s just a piece of paper,” or “Your GPA doesn’t matter.”
But how about no? What if a degree is not just a piece of paper? It shows that you showed up, met deadlines, and got things done. It’s a marker of competence. This marker is of significant value.
Third, be kind. As much as I’d like to credit my success to hard work, it would be dishonest not to admit the role that luck has played.
I come from India, a developing country where many people are still underprivileged.
I didn’t choose my surroundings, my family, or the social capital I was born into — and neither does anyone else. So if you ever find yourself in a position to help someone, do it.”
Note:
※ Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT): A test organized by the Japan Foundation and the Japan Educational Exchanges and Services to evaluate and certify the Japanese-language proficiency of non-native speakers. It consists of five levels, from N1 (highest) to N5 (lowest).
※ GPA (Grade Point Average): A grading system commonly used in universities and high schools in the United States. University of Hyogo has also adopted the GPA system to clarify students’ academic progress and results, enhance learning motivation, provide appropriate academic guidance, promote rigorous assessment, and improve the quality of learning.
Welcome Address by the Representative of Current DGB Students
To all international students, congratulations on your admission. We sincerely hope that during your studies in the GBC and the DGB at the University of Hyogo, you will deepen your learning, enjoy days filled with joy and inspiration, and grow further through diverse experiences and exchanges as you spread your wings to the world. All faculty members and staff are wholeheartedly supporting you.
Global Business Course (GBC), School of Economics and Management
The GBC was established in 2019 to cultivate outstanding international and Japanese students who can utilize strong English proficiency and communication skills to thrive immediately as global professionals in multinational companies and other international arenas. In the GBC, all lectures and seminars, including specialized courses in economics and business administration, are conducted entirely in English. Accordingly, Japanese students admitted in April undertake approximately five weeks of overseas language program during the first semester of their first year to intensively develop English as a communication tool. Furthermore, during their first year after enrollment, all students reside in the Global House (international student dormitory) located on the Kobe Campus of Commerce, where international and Japanese students live together to develop social skills, global awareness, and international communication abilities.
Department of Global Business (DGB), Graduate School of Social Sciences
The DGB is one of the five programs in the Graduate School of Social Sciences established in 2021 and was designed as a graduate-level program connected to the GBC. While all classes are conducted in English with the primary aim of developing globally active business professionals, the program places strong emphasis on problem-solving abilities. These include connecting with people in diverse cultural and multicultural environments brought about by globalization, understanding differences, and addressing challenges by transcending differing values, worldviews, and historical perspectives. In consideration of overseas academic calendars, the program offers both April and September admissions.