Integrated education and research in social sciences, engineering, biology, and humanities are designed to educate specialists who can contribute to international development and cooperation.

The Importance of research on a)the influence of development on the ecosystem and global environment, b)promotion of education in Asian countries, and c)cultures and intercultural communication, is emphasized.

Under the 21st century COE(Center of Excellent) program in the field of Interdisciplinary, Combined Fields, New Disciplines,"COE for Social Capacity Development for Environmental Management and International Cooperation", the SEMS(Social Environmental Management System) special educational program is provided.

Common course lectures pertaining to the cultures and histories as well as economic, social and educational concerns of individual Asian countries are offered, and planned intellectual and human exchange are carried out to advance education and research on the basis of mutual understanding.

IDEC offers three special educational programs which are designed to improve the qualifications and skills of students who plan to contribute in the field of developmental cooperation in future. The main features of this program are as follows:

1. The Special Educational Program jointly offered by the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)

(1) Participants will visit the country of Zambia as members of the JOCV and will engage in international cooperation activities in the field of education.

(2) In parallel with JOCV activities conducted at the local sites, participants will receive academic instruction from the IDEC teaching staff. On their return to Japan, it will be advised to synthesize the master's thesis based on those activities under this special program.

(3) On the standard scale, the master's degree program can be completed in 3 years and 6 months under this program, including the period of JOCV participation (2 years and 3 months).

2. Social Environmental Management System (SEMS) Special Educational Program

(1) The program aims at training professionals who have both fundamental analytical ability in interdisciplinary research and practical expertise in international environmental cooperation.

(2) The program requires students to join various research projects related to "The 21st Century Center of Excellence (COE) Program - Social Capacity Development for Environmental Management and International Cooperation." Through participation in these series of activities, students are to complete their master or doctoral theses.

(3) The program offers practical training or internships at international organizations and international environmental cooperation sites in developing countries in Asia. The duration of overseas practical training or internships is at least one month.

3. Explorers of International Cooperation Studies to Cross Borders (i-ECBO) Special Educational Program

(1) Trial of the fields-crossing educational program (Teaching system by several professors from different fields)

(2) Overseas internship with the aid of government agencies and private enterprises (The 6 months internship at international cooperation institutes / private enterprises in developing countries)

(3) Development of the teaching materials and the "PBL"(*) education system by using communication technique (PBL classes for small groups and debate training)

(*) "PBL": Problem-Based Learning. The educational method which actually sets the specific problem for the students from different fields who are to seek the solution by sharing the work in the group.

Other Field Studies

(1) International Curriculum Development : Field-based Practicum

This is an annual course-work to be carried on in a developing country within Asia as one part of the Master's program. The program serves as an opportunity for students to develop and demonstrate their original lesson plans (in English) for the better understanding of Japanese culture and society by foreigners, as well as to obtain a first-hand understanding of the educational conditions within developing countries.

(2) Field Studies in Cultural Dynamics

This practical class aims to provide students the necessary knowledge to conduct field surveys and to analyze the data thus collected in the fields of intercultural communication, rural economics, and regional and cultural studies, and eventually, help them to grasp the dynamism of culture in Asia, including Japan. The recent field study includes "Development and Culture Change in a local society of Chittagong HillTracts in Bangladesh"

The length of study to acquire degrees may be shortened - a Master's degree in one year and Doctoral degree in two years for students with outstanding academic achievements.

Education in English is emphasized, and a degree program in English is available.

A person, approximately 60 years or older is encouraged under "special selection for senior citizens".