In continuation of the introduction to the Graduate School of Asia Pacific Studies in the previous issue, we will focus on the International Cooperation Policy major in this issue. The Master's in ICP at APU provides students with practical skills necessary for contributing to organizations that work closely with developing nations. Students can specialize in any of the following areas: Development economics, International Public Administration, Tourism Policy and Administration, and Environmental Policy and Administration. Dean Yamagami and two ICP students came together to talk about the types of research being embarked upon recently. Dean, Academic Affairs Research Field: International Politics, Comparative Politics, Area Studies in East Asia Marc: What kind of research are students doing lately? Dean Yamagami: One student from China is now doing research on a region of Myanmar where there are many ethnic Chinese living. It used to be a center for opium there until a few years ago when a total ban of opium growth was enforced. Prior to this local governments had tried to make such a ban, but they had not succeeded. This particular student is researching the background behind enforcing this policy, what efforts have been made to help the community redevelop, and the future prospects for the region. Another student is researching the textbook problem in Japan, and comparing the similar text dialogues in East Asia, Japan and Korea and experiences of Germany~ Poland, Germany~ France. This is a very important topic and yet the student is doing the research alone except some advice from academic staff. A further student made a field trip to the United States, China and Taiwan and examined the prospects of the 2008 Beijing Olympics and Cross Strait relations between China and Taiwan. This student looked into how Taiwan radical or independent supporting groups may use the timing of the buildup to the Olympics to put pressure on China to gain independence and consequently found that such a prospect is very low. Dannielle: I was really surprised how many ICP students undertake field research. Could you tell me about the advantages of field research? Dean Yamagami: Field research is very important in obtaining direct knowledge and new insights into the development of your area of studies. We encourage graduate students to take field trips thus every year I believe more than 30 students receive subsidies from APU in order to do so. As a part of the process of New Challenge, more diverse research will be encouraged through increasing field studies and internships for Active Learning. A recent example is the field studies of Thematic Evaluation on South-south Cooperation Project which was conducted over the summer vacation this year. This evaluation was conducted in order to improve effective and efficient implementation of the future cooperation based on the previous performance of the South-south cooperation. Guided by APU professors, three of our graduate students participated in the project in an effort to evaluate the effectiveness of the Japanese government aid programs implemented in Africa, South America and South-east Asia through interviews with aid specialists, embassies and other bodies. Dannielle: What are the backgrounds of the students enrolled in the program? Dean Yamagami: The quality of the research and the diverse fields of the ICP program have attracted quite a large number of students who have served in government agencies in Asia to study at our graduate school. Upon completion of the Program, many of these competent professionals will return to their home countries and contribute to policy-making that will bring wide reaching effects in the Asia Pacific region and the world. Likewise, other students can expect to find employment as leaders of international aid organizations and directors of policy planning. Both private and government agencies, in Japan and around the world, are in need of specialists knowledgeable in issues addressed in the ICP Program. I WANTED TO LEARN THE JAPANESE PERSPECTIVE ON ASIA DAIGLE Dannielle Marie (GSA-ICP 1, USA) I chose to come to APU instead of attending a graduate school in the USA because of the unique opportunity to study "Asian Issues" with people from regions who had experienced its development. Hence I am intending to focus my research on Cambodian Political Development. The other aspect of the program that I found attractive was that going to a Japanese University would provide opportunities in the field of ICP with Japanese organizations. ICP REPRESENTS A SPRINGBOARD FOR THE TRAINING OF DEVELOPING COUNTRIES' FUTURE LEADERS HOUNGBEDJI Marc (GSA-ICP 1, Benin) After working for a few years in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Benin, I decided to continue my studies abroad and expand my knowledge and skills for managing the new changes occurring in the international arena. I expect, after graduating, to contribute to reinforcing Foreign Policy of my country using the knowledge I will have gained regarding the Asia Pacific region and also play an active role in African integration processes. My research is related to comparative study of problems and perspectives in regional integration process in Southeast Asia and West Africa

<Graduate Schools Corner> The ICP Program: SHAPING THE FUTURE OF THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION Back Number

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