Five reasons
why liberal arts education
is essential for
today’s university students

Today's world is facing complex issues and changing rapidly. Specialized knowledge alone is no longer enough to approach globalization, environment issues, technological innovations or multiculturalism. A new global context is making liberal arts increasingly vital for coming students. How can liberal arts education be impactful today?

To engage with problems without ready-made solutions

Education has traditionally focused on seeking one "right" answer. However, many contemporary issues require complex answers grounded into multiple perspectives

Examples:

• Environmental issues

  How to balance economic growth and environmental sustainability?

• AI and the labor market

  As AI threatens to take over work, how will humans add value?

• Multiculturalism

  How can people of different religions and values coexist?

Such challenges call for open perspectives, the ability to understand others, as well as the skills to bring different views together. Liberal arts education trains students to think through complex issues.

To cultivate uniquely human strengths in the age of AI

As AI and automation evolve, the nature of work is undergoing a profound transformation. Specialized knowledge alone may not remain useful in the future. What is needed in this era are the uniquely human abilities that AI cannot replicate: the capacity for flexible thinking and innovation.

• Creativity

  The ability to generate new ideas

• Critical thinking

  The skills to analyze information and make sound judgments

• Communication skills

  The skill to engage in dialogue and build mutual understanding across differences

To adapt and grow in a rapidly changing society

In the past, it was common to work for one company until retirement. Today, however, the system of lifetime employment has collapsed, and changing jobs or careers is becoming a new norm. In the future, the ability to learn new skills and adapt to new fields as circumstances demand, rather than relying on a single area of expertise, will be essential. A liberal arts education will provide you with the following skills.

• Continuous learning ability

  Flexibility in acquiring new knowledge

• Broader perspectives

  Holistic application of multiple fields of study

• Adaptability

  Resilience in changing environments

To develop talents that are truly valued in society

Qualities and skills that companies seek are evolving. In the past, specialists with specific skills were highly valued, but today, there is a great and growing demand for those who can solve problems and connect different fields. For example, it is well known that one of Google’s hiring criteria is “Intellectual Curiosity.” There is a growing belief in the business world that those who show interest beyond their own specialty and continue to learn are the ones who create real value. Liberal arts education aligns well with new corporate needs.

To live truly free

The idea of "liberal arts" comes from the notion of learning for the sake of living freely. Today, many people live for the sake of others’ approval, losing self-confidence and sight of their true direction. However, through a liberal arts education, individuals can cultivate the following strengths.

• The power
  to think independently and determine their own future
• The power
  to go beyond stereotypes and pioneer new possibilities
• The wisdom
  and knowledge
  to live true
  to themselves