Tottori University

Japan’s Tottori University specialises in regional sciences, medicine, agriculture and engineering.

More than 20 research facilities belong to the university, including its teaching hospital, affiliated schools, and an arid land research facility.

The university has a philosophy of developing human potential for the sake of humankind. One of the ways it puts this into practice is through its training programme in Mexico, in which participants have to solve local agricultural and engineering problems in the field. The scheme has been running successfully for over 20 years.

Tottori University developed out of what were originally 19th century teacher training colleges. The area gained an agricultural college and two medical colleges in the first half of the 20th century. These institutions united, and in 1965 added the Faculty of Engineering.

The university’s Centre for International Affairs facilitates assists international students. The Centre handles queries and applications, and also gives students support on settling into life in Japan.

Tottori is the most sparsely populated part of Japan, making it a good choice for anyone wanting to get away from the bustle of cities like Tokyo. It is also home to eight national parks, which make up around 14 per cent of its land mass.

One of Japan’s most bizarre features, the Tottori sand dunes, are a short drive from the university.

The dunes, which are completely unique in Japan, look like something from the Sahara desert. The imported camels which roam them add to the surreal feeling that one has stepped through a portal into the Middle East.