Nagasaki University, in partnership with universities in Portugal, Italy, Turkey, and Romania, was selected under the European Union’s Erasmus+ Program, which supports student and staff exchanges.

As part of this initiative, the university welcomed Professor Proenca from the University of Porto, Portugal, to the Faculty of Economics. The 8th International Staff Week was held from Monday, July 14 to Friday, July 18, 2025.

During the visit, Professor Proenca delivered a lecture at the Faculty of Economics titled “Presentation: Navigating the Service Management: Understanding Trends, Characteristics, and Strategies.” He also gave a research presentation to faculty members titled “Strengthening the Service Profit Chain: Employer Branding as a Driver of Internal Service Quality, Employee Retention, and Customer Satisfaction in Organizational Frontlines.” The presentation was followed by a lively exchange of ideas, resulting in an engaging and productive discussion.

With support from the Office for Global Relations and the Internationalization Planning Division, Professor Proenca was given an overview of Nagasaki University’s support systems for international students. The visit included extensive information sharing and discussions on international exchange initiatives at both universities.

Lecture at the Faculty of Economics (Katafuchi Campus)

Introduction of the Faculty of Economics by Associate Professor Masazumi Maruyama, Chair of the International Exchange Committee (Katafuchi Campus)

Research Presentation Session (katafuchi Campus)

Exchange of ideas on the universities’ profiles and international exchange initiatives (Bunkyo Campus)

During the Katafuchi Campus tour, Professor Proenca showed great interest in several sites, including registered tangible cultural properties such as the Komanekibashi, the Keirinkaikan, and the first edition of The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith, housed in the Economics Library.

Tour of the Komanekibashi at the Katafuchi Campus, constructed in 1903 and designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan in 2007

Tour of the Archive Room at the Economics Branch Library, Nagasaki University Library (Katafuchi Campus)

This visit provided valuable learning opportunities in both research and education. Next year, Associate Professor Makiko Narita from the Faculty of Economics will also participate in the program (teaching staff mobility) at the University of Porto. Further academic exchange between the universities is anticipated.

Certificate of Completion presented by Associate Dean Kana Miwa (Katafuchi Campus)

From left: Associate Dean Kana Miwa, Professor Joao Proenca, and Associate Professor Makiko Narita