Learning resources
Choose an objective, plan a route, and execute the plan.
socialize internationally
international social group
The Hokudai student group SACLA organizes social events that welcomes international and local students alike.
Many of my students enjoy SACLA. I encourage you to join them.
SACLA
Many of my students enjoy SACLA. I encourage you to join them.
SACLA
international student association
Hokudai's international student association organizes (among other things) social outings, performances, and sport events.
Although I am not involved with them, I encourage you to participate.
HUISA
Although I am not involved with them, I encourage you to participate.
HUISA
study in english
exchange program
Hokudai's international student center offers an exchange student program.
Many students of mine have participated. All of them are satisfied. I urge you to consider.
international student center click on 北大生の留学情報
Many students of mine have participated. All of them are satisfied. I urge you to consider.
international student center click on 北大生の留学情報
courses in english
Hokudai's international student center coordinates courses taught in English. Some courses are for non-Japanese students seeking an introduction to Japanese culture, society, business, or technology. Others are for both Japanese and non-Japanese students.
Most (but not all) departments recognize these courses for their graduation requirements.
Many students of mine have participated. I urge you to consider.
international student center click on 国際交流科目
Most (but not all) departments recognize these courses for their graduation requirements.
Many students of mine have participated. I urge you to consider.
international student center click on 国際交流科目
read and write academic english
book reviews
The Hokudai library lists books recommended by staff. Some books are written in English.
My colleagues' broad interests constantly amaze me. This initiative is a wonderful way to pool our insights.
I contributed some reviews.
book reviews 本は脳を育てる
My colleagues' broad interests constantly amaze me. This initiative is a wonderful way to pool our insights.
I contributed some reviews.
book reviews 本は脳を育てる
academic writing service
Hokudai offiers a service to improve academic writing. The service is free of charge to Hokudai students and personnel.
Although I am not involved with them, nor have I tried them, based on their website, I imagine their advice is worthwhile.
HAWL
Although I am not involved with them, nor have I tried them, based on their website, I imagine their advice is worthwhile.
HAWL
earn professional licenses
teaching certificate
Teaching certificates for middle school and high school are highly desirable professional licenses.
The process of earning teaching certificates is exhilarating and rewarding.
After you earn them, your teaching certificates become triply valuable.
First, if you want to teach, you become one of the few people legally qualified to do so.
Second, if you choose not to teach, your certificates will convince potential employers that you have accomplished more than ordinary students.
Third, no matter what career you choose, your teacher training will enable you to train others who come after you.
No matter what others might say, for all practical purposes, you can only earn teaching certificates while enrolled in college full-time. If you have the slightest interest, act now.
Teaching programs are offered by most Hokudai schools, including the school of education and the school of letters.
Hokudai's career center offers seminars and workshops.
I am proud of my teaching certificates.
The process of earning teaching certificates is exhilarating and rewarding.
After you earn them, your teaching certificates become triply valuable.
First, if you want to teach, you become one of the few people legally qualified to do so.
Second, if you choose not to teach, your certificates will convince potential employers that you have accomplished more than ordinary students.
Third, no matter what career you choose, your teacher training will enable you to train others who come after you.
No matter what others might say, for all practical purposes, you can only earn teaching certificates while enrolled in college full-time. If you have the slightest interest, act now.
Teaching programs are offered by most Hokudai schools, including the school of education and the school of letters.
Hokudai's career center offers seminars and workshops.
I am proud of my teaching certificates.
interpreter guide
The Japan National Tourism Organization administers exams for the Interpreter Guide license.
This is a prestigious professional qualification that requires knowledge of history, geography, culture, and language.
Licensees are legally allowed to commercially perform interpreter-guide services.
The language test ranks among the most challenging.
The test result is pass or fail, not a score.
I hope to take the test myself.
JNTO
This is a prestigious professional qualification that requires knowledge of history, geography, culture, and language.
Licensees are legally allowed to commercially perform interpreter-guide services.
The language test ranks among the most challenging.
The test result is pass or fail, not a score.
I hope to take the test myself.
JNTO
demonstrate your language proficiency
toefl-ibt
Hokudai students take TOEFL-ITP (test of English as a foreign language -- institutional testing program).
Students planning to study in North America should prepare for the TOEFL-IBT (test of English as a foreign language -- internet-based test).
The test result is a score.
You can buy a book with a CD to practice taking tests on your computer.
Or, you can take practice tests online at the TOEFL-IBT practice website.
Students planning to study in North America should prepare for the TOEFL-IBT (test of English as a foreign language -- internet-based test).
The test result is a score.
You can buy a book with a CD to practice taking tests on your computer.
Or, you can take practice tests online at the TOEFL-IBT practice website.
toeic
Many corporations require or encourage their employees to take TOEIC (test of English for international communication).
The test result is a score.
You can take test sessions organized by Hokudai COOP, or apply directly to the ETS (educational testing service).
TOEIC
The test result is a score.
You can take test sessions organized by Hokudai COOP, or apply directly to the ETS (educational testing service).
TOEIC
eiken
Eiken is a popular test of English language proficiency.
Many schools and corporations in Japan recognize Eiken. Eiken is hardly known outside of Japan, however.
The test result is pass or fail, not a score.
EIKEN
Many schools and corporations in Japan recognize Eiken. Eiken is hardly known outside of Japan, however.
The test result is pass or fail, not a score.
EIKEN
goh's favorite sites
frontline
Frontline is investigative journalism at its best. Japan’s journalists should cry in shame.
news
These websites keep me informed about the (sometimes dark) world of ours:
Popular Science (I’m a geek, and proud of it)
Scientific American (I’m a scientist, and proud of it)
Newshour (formerly the “MacNeil Lehrer Newshour”)
Popular Science (I’m a geek, and proud of it)
Scientific American (I’m a scientist, and proud of it)
Newshour (formerly the “MacNeil Lehrer Newshour”)