The Japan Multilateral COIL/VE Project (MCP) at Kansai University recently concluded its latest course, Leadership Skills for Navigating Global Complexities. This dynamic program brought together students from diverse backgrounds to enhance their leadership capabilities and critical thinking skills in a globalized context.

 

Designed to equip students with essential competencies for today’s interconnected world, the course featured engaging lectures on leadership for diversity and inclusion, cross-cultural communication, metacognition, critical thinking, SDGs, and digital skills. The sessions were facilitated by esteemed professors: Prof. Aisyah Astari (Kansai University), Prof. Adrian Bercea (Kansai University), Prof. Markane Sipraseuth (Kansai University), and Prof. Yoshihiro Nakajima (Osaka Metropolitan University).

 

Throughout the course, students engaged in Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), analyzing global sustainability challenges and proposing innovative solutions. A key highlight of this program was the creation of a video project, where students shared their perspectives on SDG-related issues through storytelling. This collaborative effort showcased their ability to work across cultural and academic boundaries, fostering a deeper understanding of global complexities. During the final sessions, students presented their projects and reflected on their experiences, emphasizing the value of international cooperation in tackling real-world challenges.

 

This year, the program welcomed 27 students from four Japanese universities and universities in USA, Germany, Thailand and Hong Kong, underscoring the truly international nature of the J-MCP initiative.

 

 

About the MCP program

The Japan Multilateral COIL/VE Project (MCP) is an innovative online education initiative developed by Kansai University in collaboration with multiple Japanese and international institutions. It provides university lecturers and students with a unique opportunity to participate in multilateral COIL/Virtual Exchange (VE) courses, crossing institutional boundaries to foster global engagement.

 

J-MCP courses, offered twice annually during the Spring and Summer breaks, run for 3-5 weeks and consist of 10 synchronous sessions focusing on key global competencies. Past course topics have included 21st Century Skills, SDGs & Business, Diversity & Inclusion, Social Entrepreneurship, and Skills for Society 5.0. Upon completion, students receive credits and/or digital credentials recognizing their achievements in international collaboration and problem-solving.

 

As a free and inclusive program, MCP continues to provide students with valuable international learning experiences, preparing them to become future global leaders.