Nagoya Institute of Technology is known as NITech, but is also called Meikodai – the University of Master Crafters – by Japanese speakers. The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in many fields of science and engineering, along with degrees in architecture and industrial management. NITech was founded in 1949 from the merger of the Aichi Prefectural College of Technology and Nagoya College of Technology. It was the first technical higher education institution in central Japan, and was intended to help the region develop as an industrial power. Its mission is to carry on that tradition today by developing revolutionary science and technologies, fostering rich human resources and creating new industries which promote social welfare. Many of Japan’s top automotive, aviation and industrial companies are based in Nagoya, and are constantly in need of new engineers, scientists and designers. This helps NITech maintain a remarkably high rate of graduate employment. International students are partnered with a tutor who helps them settle in to Japan, accompanying them on tasks like opening a bank account and registering for clubs. There are also language courses available for students wishing to learn Japanese. The university has several support mechanisms for students interested in getting a job in Japan after graduating, including specialist a business Japanese language course. Nagoya is the third-largest city in Japan. NITech’s main campus is bordered by the scenic Tsuruma Park, a perfect site to watch the cherry blossoms bloom in the spring. The city is an important historic centre and is home to one of Japan’s oldest remaining castles.