Research Achievements

Excellent papers on Asian regional integration, which are prepared mainly by young researchers such as GIARI members, co-researchers, research fellows, and research assistants, will be published as working papers. Contributed papers, written in English or in Japanese, will be reviewed and examined by the editorial committee before publication. GIARI donates published papers to the libraries of Waseda and other related universities, research organizations, etc.

Asian Regional Integration and Education

Set against the backdrop of increasing economic interdependence in the Asia region, the idea of 'regional integration' is most often articulated as a policy instrument and political ideal. Arguably, this objective is being pursued to further promote regional competitiveness in the world economy and to bring about a new stable political order. Nevertheless, any move in this direction has been repeatedly challenged from perspectives that emphasize socio-cultural diversity in the region and shared histories. It is in this context that Waseda University received the Global COE research grant from the Ministry of Education of Japan. Waseda University was tasked with establishing the Graduate Institute for Asian Regional Integration (GIARI) to investigate problems and prospects relating to Asian regional integration. Issues of education are central to any dialogue that seeks to further integrate political, social, and economic systems in the region. Taking European integration as a precursor, it is clear that education plays a critical role in the integration process. It is certainly, therefore, within the purview and moreover, a responsibility of Waseda's Global COE-sponsored research to examine the role education will continue to play in a more comprehensive integration of the Asia region.

There is not a single nexus of research where the study of Asian regional integration and education meet; rather, there exist a diversity of approaches that form a matrix of research. A first feature of regional integration studies is the empirical study of 'de facto' integration of the region's education systems. From this approach, we conclude that education systems, economic systems and societal values are already intertwined and integrated to a certain degree. This first approach endeavors to take stock of the extent of actual integration. A second approach emphasizes the purpose(s) and governing principles which inform the integration process. It may then be possible to derive ordered conceptual frameworks that reveal future pathways of regional cooperation and integration. This approach asks why we need to integrate and the answers come mainly from historical and philosophical investigations of policy arguments. The third type of regional integration studies attempt to analyze existing frameworks and institutions for regional cooperation and integration of education systems. It is a political analysis that reveals practical and organizational implications for future regional cooperation and integration processes. The fourth approach focuses on the study of the actors involved in the regional integration process. Countries and governments are probably the most important actors in these processes, but educational institutions are also important. The fifth approach is best described as the comparative study of regional integration drawing on experiences from different regions; education regionalization in Europe, for example.

In doing these researches, we must share a vision concerning Asian regional integration and education that can foster mutual trust and a concept of people's Asia, and strengthening the competitiveness of Asian human resources in the world. By comprehensively discussing and internalizing diverse views, rather than relying on a single model or ideal, it will be possible to build a regional framework for education in Asia that can be expected to contribute greatly to the formation of an Asian Community, and thus, to peace and prosperity in the region.

Kazuo KURODA, Ph.D.
Leader, Education and Asian Regional Integration Research Group, GIARI

GIARI Working Paper Vol.2008-E-18

Higher Education Strategies and International Student
Flows in Asian Countries
　
SUGIMURA Miki, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Department of Education, Faculty of Humanities
Sophia University, Japan
January 2009


[390KB]


Index

Abstract
Introduction
1. International Student Flows and Economic and Political Factors in Asian Countries
1-1. Transnational Programs for International Student Exchange
1-2. The Economic Factor in International Student Flows
1-3. The Political Factor in International Student Flows
1-3-1. Each Country's Strategy and International Competence
1-3-2. International Students Influenced by Diplomatic Relationships
2. Structure of International Student Flows in Asian Countries
2-1. From the Traditional Cultural Context to Economic and Political Strategies
2-2. From Bilateral Exchange to Multilateral Exchange
3. Transition of International Student Flow in Asian Countries
4. Issues caused by Transitions in International Student Flows
Conclusion
References