International educational cooperation is a relatively new field of research in Japan. CICE has conducted research to open this frontier, in cooperation with researchers and research institutes both inside and outside Japan, and with a practical and developmental perspective so as to shed light on the actual operation of educational assistance projects as well as to enrich discussions on policies and methods of international educational cooperation. The research results are published in CICE-issued Journal of International Cooperation of Education, reports, working papers and other academic and professional journals in and out of Japan. Principal areas of research are:

(1) Development of international cooperation models in education
(2) Evaluation systems and methods for cooperation in education
(3) Policies and plans for educational development and cooperation in developing countries

Policy debate for international educational cooperation in Japan is promoted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), research organizations and NGOs participate in the debate from the perspectives of policy implementers and service providers. Similar debate at the international level takes place in the various forums organized by UNESCO, UNICEF, World Bank, OECD, donor agencies, international NGOs, developing country governments and others. CICE intends to contribute to these debates at both national and international levels, especially through the following activities:

(1) Cooperation in the formulation of policies for international educational cooperation
(2) Convening of an annual policy forum on educational cooperation
(3) Participation in international conferences and consultations on educational cooperation

Exchanges of views and sharing of experiences among international cooperation partners are essential for improving the quality of educational assistance. As a national focal point for educational cooperation, CICE has organized many symposiums, seminars and workshops to promote such exchanges, taking full advantage of our partnership with government aid agencies, universities, research institutes and NGOs in and out of Japan. Efforts are also made for wide dissemination of the knowledge and insights gained through website, e-mail forum and publications.

(1) Compilation and provision of information and materials
(2) Organization of symposiums, seminars and workshops
(3) Dissemination of information through publication and electronic media

In response to changes in educational issues, in recent years international cooperation in education has continued to change in terms of both contents and methods. In order to conduct effective educational cooperation, CICE has developed various mechanisms to make the best use of knowledge and insights from Japan and abroad to be applied in practical actions and supported the formulation and implementation of innovative model projects in conjunction with CICE’s research and development work and its strategy and policy proposals. CICE is also promoting such activities as accepting researchers from developing countries, training young experts and enhancing public awareness in this field as follows:

(1) Support of implementation, evaluation and analysis of educational cooperation projects
(2) Building and management of human resource network for international educational cooperation
(3) Sponsoring of internship