Faculty and Staff
Kyoko Tanaka, ACS Office Head, Professor, Advisor
After having studied and worked in different cities in Japan and abroad, I have settled myself in Nagoya. I have lived with and learned from people of a wide range of cultural, linguistic, religious, and economical backgrounds, belonging to different generations, or sometimes physically challenged. Through this journey I experienced the dynamism of intercultural communication. My main research topic pertains to intercultural contacts, focusing on that of Latin America and Japan, and my educational responsibility is, in addition to lectures on intercultural communication, advising international students on their study and life. My current research topic is about the long-term impacts of study in Japan on the individuals and the societies.
Hitomi Takaki, Associate Professor, Advisor
My primary responsibility is to offer advising to international students. I also implement various classes and educational programs that enhance intercultural understanding among students. I have lived abroad during my elementary school (USA), high school (Australia), and graduate school (USA) years. These intercultural experiences fostered in me a passion for a career in the fields of cross-cultural advising and international education. My research focuses are international student advising, cross-cultural group approach, and intercultural education. I love to visit different countries, and every year I try to travel to places that I have not visited.
It is likely that you will face many challenges while you are studying in a different country. You may have both positive and negative experiences. My message to you is to be aware of your processes during this intercultural journey, since these experiences could offer tremendous growth opportunities for you. Our office is willing to support you in your process. Whenever you need someone to talk to, please do not hesitate to come to our office.
Takashi Sakai, Associate Professor, Psychiatrist
Before coming to the Advising & Counseling Services(currently Global Engagement Center Support Team)in April 2015, I had been working as a psychiatrist at a university hospital and also at a psychiatric hospital. Now I am in charge of psychiatric examination and counseling for international students. My subject of study is "psychopathology", which is a field that seeks for the nature of psychiatric disorders from a psychological point of view.
When you study abroad, you may start to recognize some problems you have not encountered before and have a painful or sad feeling. Sometimes, you may not be able to sleep or eat. These kinds of problem may be difficult to solve by yourself, but talking to someone and/or receiving therapy can help you find a solution to your problems.
If you might recognize that things are not going well, please do not hesitate to come to talk to us.