Tokyo Women's Medical University

Nurturing internationally viable , global medical professionals

The international student exchange program at Tokyo Women's Medical University (TWMU) was initiated through a partnership agreement with Cardiff University (UK) in 1997. TWMU became the first among the private medical universities in Japan to encourage and accredit study abroad programs. Since then, TWMU School of Medicine has partnered with 12 universities in 9 countries around the world. As of 2022, a total of 381 TWMU undergraduates have participated in the programs. And TWMU has accepted a total of 391 foreign students from its partner universities abroad. Only 5th year medical students are eligible to apply for the program which approves the credits earned for clinical practicum in partner universities' teaching hospitals. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 25 percent of TWMU students had benefited from the study abroad program. This high proportion reflects the guiding principle and outstanding feature of education at TWMU that encourages the students to be skilled medical professionals with global perspectives.
The School of Nursing established its first partnership agreement with the University of Hawaii in 2001 followed by Alverno College (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) in 2006, Hawaii Pacific University (Honolulu, Hawaii)in 2009, and Ewha Womans University (Seoul, South Korea)in 2011. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, over 30 students of TWMU School of Nursing took part in the study abroad program and more than 20 students from partner schools were enrolled at TWMU annually. During the pandemic, TWMU faculty members have continued to remain active through online learning with partner schools. The study abroad programs introduce students to stimulating opportunities such as participating in classes conducted in other languages, gaining professional skills at teaching hospitals and local hospitals, and appreciating friendship with foreign friends pursuing the same aspiration. TWMU is committed to promoting cultural exchanges and global academic networks which are essential in assuring promising healthcare professional in the future.

■Partner universities and total number of students dispatched from TWMU

Voices from TWMU Students

■I was impressed by the serious commitment and obligations of medical students in Belgium.

I studied at the Université Libre de Bruxelles in Belgium. I was impressed by the academic workload of the medical students and their serious commitment and obligations to train as medical healthcare professionals in the future. Many aspects of the Belgium medical system were new to me. For example, medical care was provided to all patients regardless of their citizenship. Also I found myself weighing the issue of euthanasia as being legally approved in Belgium. —a 5th year student, TWMU School of Medicine.

■The English-speaking environment and experience helped me to mature by realizing that acceptance of diversity leads to a compassionate society.

I participated in a program at Columbia University (New York, US) Spending two months in an English-speaking environment empowered me and enabled me to mature through diverse experiences. I was able to strengthen my conviction of my true passion. And I learned to voice my opinions. Every morning I was greeted by a banner placed at the entrance of the Medical Center on which were written:“Amazing things are happening here.” —a 5th year student, TWMU School of Medicine.

■The exchange program allowed me to expand and deepen my views.

I was able to add more dimensions to my views on nursing and medical care through the exchange program at Hawaii Pacific University. Also, the experience made me reflect and nurture my future dream of becoming a medical professional. I interacted with mother-students in the midst of raising their own children but pursuing nursing as a second career. I was amazed by their vitality and courage. —a 1st year student, TWMU School of Nursing.

■Women medical professionals should take initiative as leaders in society.

Through the student exchange program at Ewha Womans University in South Korea, I learnt not only the history and culture of the South Korea people, but also their ways of thinking and values. I was impressed by the active class participation of the students at Ewha Womans University. As a university committed to the education of women medical professionals, Ewha Womans University is similar to TWMU. Both universities strive to nurture the active leadership of women medical professionals. During the hospital tour, I was able to see the activity of Patient Advocacy Group. I felt that such support group provides a much desired opportunity for patients to assert their rights to integrity as patients reflect on “oneself”with the help of their peers. —a 3rd year student, TWMU School of Nursing.

Contact Us

Tel: +81-3-3353-8112 　ext. 31118
Fax: +81-3-5269-6653
E-mail：interoff.hq@twmu.ac.jp