Professor Yuichi KONDO received university education in both Japan and the U.S. His learning, thanks to his mentors, is not limited to mastering of theory and publishing research, but included dynamic interaction with his classmates from diverse cultural and social backgrounds. He also is active in the field of international education, working to help other educators develop international learning programs.
Education
B.S. (Behavioral Science, 1979), Grand Valley State University, Michigan, United States
B.A. (Communication, 1980), International Christian University, Tokyo, Japan
Ph.D. (Speech Communication, 1993), University of Minnesota, Minnesota, United States
Experience
Professor Kondo launched his teaching career in 1985 at Nanzan University in Nagoya, Japan. After joining Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University in 2006, he has taught courses in intercultural communiation and international education at higher education. He also cordinates multiple field study programs both inside Japan and overseas, overseeing more than 300 students program participants each year. He has served as the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, creating numerous international programs and partnerships. Currently he is the Dean of Admissions, supervising admissions for Japanese students and international (non-Japanese) students. Parallel to his teaching and univeristy administration career, he is active in the international organization field for its development. He has served as a Board Member for Japan Network for Internatioinal Education (JAFSA), and he currently serves for the Board of Directors of Asia-Pacific Association of International Education (APAIE).
Areas of Expertise
What have been the main lessons you have learned in your career and how do you implement them in your management?
We all learn that each individual is unique and different. However, the real difference is formidably larger and complex than the theory. What we need to bear in mind is that the communication between people is unfailingly dynamic and fluid. We need to be ready to be open and we also have to have kaleidoscopic perspectives. Simultaneously, we have to remember that some people have a difficult time being open and need to adhere to their paradigm. I have learned to use all the messages, both verbal and nonverbal, and use multiple channels even including back-channel to share my idea for the better multicultural teamwork.
Mentors
My undergraduate advisor Dr. John Condon introduced me to the field of intercultural communication, which eventually became my area of expertise. His class was open-ended, and he seldom rejected our ideas. The most significant thing I learned from him is to observe and infer or discover the hidden pattern or meaning that can explain cultural and social phenomena. The answers are mostly in front of us, but not necessarily in the book.
Another mentor is the late Dr. Joseph Mestenhause, who guided me through my postgraduate studies. He never failed to ask me for another perspective, another model, and another interpretation. I always had to think out of the box during our 7:00 AM breakfast meetings. He also required me to make a connection with the theory and practice; our discussions were mainly policy building based on the theory and implementation in real setting. Dr. Condon had prepared me to be a global citizen, and Dr. Mestenhause trained me to become a professional to educate young global citizens.
Quotes
Because we have put ourselves in our own zoo, we find it difficult to break out. -Edward T. Hall
