Nagoya University of Commerce & Business Launches New Language Program at the University of Otago, New Zealand

Nagoya University of Commerce & Business (NUCB) has launched a new study abroad program at the University of Otago Language Centre in New Zealand starting in the 2025 academic year, and the first cohort of participating students has recently returned after completing an approximately four-month training period. Until now, the university has primarily offered English language study abroad programs in Canada. By adding New Zealand as a new destination, NUCB aims to provide a more diverse learning environment and expand study abroad opportunities tailored to students' goals and proficiency levels.

Program Overview and Learning Content This program is conducted at the University of Otago Language Centre and features a curriculum designed to comprehensively strengthen the four English skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Classes are small, averaging 14 students (maximum 18), to improve practical communication skills. The lessons heavily incorporate pair work and group discussions, and self-learning time is provided after school, creating an environment that encourages the establishment of study habits and independent learning. Accommodation is provided through homestays, offering abundant opportunities to use English in daily life and cultivate practical language skills outside the classroom.

Voice of a Participating Student "Through this study abroad experience, by placing myself in an environment where I used English not only in classes but also in daily life, I was able to acquire practical language skills and the ability to act independently. At the language school, I engaged in discussions with multinational students, which fostered my ability to express my opinions in English. Furthermore, outside of class, I actively participated in conversations with my host family and local community activities, increasing my opportunities to use English on my own. By making learning a habit within a limited period, such as continuously reading and keeping a diary, I feel that my listening and writing skills have also significantly improved.

The biggest growth from this experience was acquiring not just language skills, but also the ability to think and act on my own, as well as adaptability to different cultures." (3rd-year student, Faculty of Economics)

Diverse Overseas Dispatch Programs In addition to language study abroad and exchange programs with partner institutions, NUCB offers a variety of overseas dispatch programs, including international volunteer programs tackling social issues abroad, gap year programs conducting independent research in Europe, and overseas internships in Southeast Asia. The launch of the new New Zealand program has further broadened the choices available to students. By providing options tailored to each student's interests and developmental stage, the university aims to foster the practical skills and independence needed to succeed in the international community. Furthermore, to ensure students can confidently take on the challenge of studying abroad, the entire university supports them through the establishment of scholarship systems covering travel subsidies and tuition exemptions at host institutions, as well as providing academic and lifestyle support through pre-departure training.

In the 2022 academic year, Nagoya University of Commerce & Business was recognized as an official member of PIM (Partnership in International Management), an association of the world's top business schools (including Imperial College London, HEC Paris, Columbia University, and Tsinghua University). This enables exchange programs with 196 universities across 63 countries, including PIM partner schools, in addition to NUCB's own overseas partner institutions. Furthermore, the number of international students studying in undergraduate and graduate programs has reached a record high of 75 countries worldwide, with 687 international students studying on campus (as of September 2025).