Frequently Asked Questions
Q. About the Curriculum
What are the major differences between this program and other departments (fields) in the Faculty of Agriculture and the Faculty of Fisheries?
The primary differences lie in the required courses. In the International Food Resource Studies Special Program, students are required to take both agriculture-related and fisheries-related courses. This means students enrolled in the Faculty of Agriculture must also complete fisheries-related courses, while those in the Faculty of Fisheries must take agriculture-related courses. Additionally, some of the required courses are taught in English. Furthermore, students must take courses that provide essential humanities knowledge for succeeding in a globalized society, such as “International Economics,” “Introduction to International Relations Law,” and “International Development Studies.” For more details, please refer to the “Curriculum” page under “1. Required Courses” on this website.
Q. If I enter through the “Fisheries Sub-course,” can I graduate with a Bachelor of Agriculture?
Students admitted to the Agriculture Sub-course belong to the Faculty of Agriculture, while those in the Fisheries Sub-course belong to the Faculty of Fisheries. However, transfers between faculties are possible, depending on factors such as the supervising department of your graduation project in the fourth year. Therefore, even if you enter through the Fisheries Sub-course, you may be eligible to graduate with a “Bachelor of Agriculture” if the faculty transfer is approved.
Q. Can I obtain a teaching license?
Yes. The Agriculture Sub-course offers accreditation for a high school teacher’s license (Type 1) in Agriculture, while the Fisheries Sub-course offers accreditation for a high school teacher’s license (Type 1) in Fisheries. Students wishing to obtain a teaching license must create a “Teaching License Progress Plan” starting in their first year and systematically complete the required credits.
Q. What types of jobs are included under “International Public Service” listed on the “Post-Graduation Careers” page?
Examples of professions under International Public Service include:
- “International Civil Servant”: This refers to positions in international organizations such as the United Nations (UN), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), or the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
- “Organizations Related to International Cooperation”: These include positions such as JICA staff, JICA experts, international development consultants handling international cooperation projects, and staff members of international cooperation-related NGOs.
- “Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV)”: This is a volunteer program implemented by JICA as part of the government’s Official Development Assistance (ODA). For more details, please refer to the JICA。
- “Food-Related Public Sector Positions”: These include roles such as specialists in the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, researchers in related institutions, and staff members of agricultural cooperatives (JA).
Many of these professions often require a master’s degree, so you should consider graduate studies as part of your career path. Some faculty members in the International Food Resource Studies Special Program are alumni of such professions.
Q. What kinds of jobs are included under “Global Business” listed on the “Post-Graduation Careers” page?
Examples of corporate categories under Global Business are as follows:
- “Food Trading Companies”: Companies primarily engaged in the import and export of food products.
- “General Trading Companies”: Firms that deal in a wide range of products and services, including food, and engage in both international trade and domestic distribution.
- “Global Food Companies”: Japanese food companies with overseas branches or operations that expand business internationally.
- “Foreign Food Companies”: Food-related companies with foreign capital investment (e.g., foreign food manufacturers).
Consider how you wish to contribute to the food industry after graduation, utilizing opportunities such as internships to explore and carve out your career path.