Thatcher A. Spero (M.Ed, Ph.D)

As the seemingly inexorable global and national pressures that face Japanese society and its higher education system continue to mount, Japanese universities have increasingly warmed up to the idea of internationalizing. However, with so many stakeholders and perspectives to consider at the macro, meso, and micro levels, realizing this ideal is a much more complex process than it initially appears to be. Ultimately, the extent to which any university is motivated and able to internationalize, as well as the form of internationalization that might take shape, is all highly dependent on context-specific local realities and the actions of social actors that operate within them.

​This event, which is entitled “The Challenges of Higher Education Internationalization in the Japanese Context”, will explore the aforementioned complexities with a focus on the unique local realities that can pose a barrier to such university efforts in Japan. Drawing on examples from my own twenty-plus years of professional experience while deeply involved in internationalization efforts at two different universities in Japan, I will offer insights through comparative analysis and encourage audience members to contemplate the implications for their own educational institutions. Attendees of this event can expect to gain more detailed knowledge of the intricacies of higher education internationalization in Japan and engage in lively discussion about potential solutions and opportunities for developing more sustainable forms moving forward.

Thatcher A. Spero (M.Ed., Ph.D.) is a researcher, teacher, and teacher trainer with expertise in the fields of education, global studies, the sociology of education, and English language education, particularly focusing on multiculturalism, multilingualism, and critical studies in education. Currently an associate professor in Tokyo, Japan, at Musashino University’s Faculty of Global Studies, he has previously held teaching, teacher training, and research roles at Waseda University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Spero’s work examines the intersections between identity, language, and globalization, often within the context of higher education internationalization. This includes a special focus on higher education internationalization in non-Anglophone settings, particularly Japan, and the challenges of teaching and learning in English-medium instruction education. He is actively involved in initiatives to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in educational settings, such as his role with the Society of Transnational Academic Researchers (STAR) network, where he serves as a Country Director for Japan. His recent projects also include workshops on using AI tools, like ChatGPT, to support students’ academic writing skills in responsible and pedagogically effective ways.

There is a short drink/snack/rest break midway through the event. Drinks are available from the vending machines located in the main lobby. Gunma JALT will bring snacks for the break time. There is a Seven-Eleven nearby.