Sagami Women's University Obtains Official Certification for International Baccalaureate (IB) Teacher Training Program

Sagami Women's University (Location: Minami-ku, Sagamihara City, Kanagawa; President: Masahide Tabata) signed a formal agreement with the International Baccalaureate (IB) Organization on May 2, 2026. Through this partnership, the university has received official certification to provide a teacher training program for the IB Diploma Programme (DP).

This certification marks the 9th such instance in Japan and makes Sagami Women's University the first women's university in the country to achieve this status. As of May 2026, it is also the only university in Kanagawa Prefecture to hold this certification, joining a global community of elite higher education institutions.

The program is integrated into the Department of International Communication, newly established in April 2026 within the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. Students can work toward obtaining the following qualifications simultaneously: - Bachelor of Arts (International Communication) - First-class Teaching Certificate for Junior and Senior High Schools (English) - IB Teacher Certificate: 'IB Certificate in Teaching and Learning, DP (IBCTL-DP)'

### About the International Baccalaureate (IB) The IB is a non-profit foundation based in Geneva, Switzerland, offering international education programs. Its curriculum emphasizes 'inquiry-based learning,' critical thinking, and intercultural understanding. As of March 2026, there are approximately 6,000 IB World Schools across 162 countries and territories. In Japan, the number of accredited and candidate schools reached 265 as of March 31, 2026, with 79 schools specifically accredited for the Diploma Programme (DP), reflecting a growing national interest in international education.

### Program Details at Sagami Women's University The newly certified program focuses on training teachers for the Diploma Programme (DP) targeted at high school students. Through this curriculum, students will master inquiry-based teaching methodologies, critical thinking instruction, and international educational philosophies to become educators equipped for modern global standards.

### Qualifications and Degrees Available Students completing this program aim to acquire: - Bachelor's Degree in International Communication - Junior High School First-class Teacher's License (English) - Senior High School First-class Teacher's License (English) - IB Certificate in Teaching and Learning, DP (IBCTL-DP)

By leveraging the linguistic skills and practical experience gained in this department, graduates are expected to excel as IB educators in both domestic and international settings.