Training the Next Generation of Public Diplomacy Practitioners

An Interview with Isabelle Moulin, CIR, Matsue-City, Shimane Prefecture, Japan.

As instructors, how can we better prepare the next generation of city, citizen, and public diplomacy practitioners? In particular, what skills are essential for those who wish to become Coordinators of International Relations (CIRs) in Japan?

An interview was conducted with Isabelle Moulin, Coordinator of International Relations (CIR) for Matsue-City, Japan, to understand what kind of skills students need to better succeed as CIRs and in other roles in public diplomacy.

The interviewer, Daniel Clausen, currently teaches at a university in Nagasaki and is responsible for study abroad classes in International Relations and International Cooperation. The interviewee, Isabelle Moulin, had previously taken study abroad classes in Nagasaki.

You may view a portion of the interview below:

Positions as CIRs throughout Japan are usually obtained through Japan’s JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) Programme. CIRs are assigned to city governments throughout Japan and undertake a variety of activities including assisting foreign residents, organizing cultural activities, community outreach, and tourism promotion. The program requires Japanese language abilities of JLPT (Japan Language Proficiency Test) Level 2 or above (Business Proficiency).  

How do you think study abroad classes can better develop skills in preparation to become a CIR?

In Nagasaki I remember having classes about Japanese language, history, culture, and society. When I went back to France, in my master’s degree, we had a lecture (that I personally think was the best of all) entitled “International Communication.” 

It was about Edward Hall’s iceberg model of culture and the concept of high and low context cultures. We learned the basics in a lecture and then we were confronted with case studies. We had to say what we would have done in such a situation. We also were invited to talk about our own experiences abroad. We had many exchange students, so that was an interesting way to reflect on our own culture and to develop empathy. Being able to relate to others is an essential skill when working in an international context.

What advice do you have for students who wish to become CIRs?

Practice your oral skills more than your writing skills. Be curious. About Japan, of course, but also about your own country. It may seem paradoxical, but usually we don’t really know much about our country. Though, the thing is that as CIRs we are considered ambassadors of our country. It’s one thing to present your country as you see it through your beliefs. It’s another thing to present it as a whole or as it is presented by the government. I learned so much about France while being in Japan.

In addition, learn how to use video editing software. The Office Suite used to be a must. Nowadays, design and photo/video editing software like Canva, Adobe, and DaVinci Resolve are as important as the Office Suite. In small companies/offices, nobody oversees design, so you will have to do it by yourself to promote your events.

How would you like to see diplomacy or even public diplomacy skills integrated into study abroad classrooms?

Diplomacy is all about managing international relations and dealing in a tactful way. As for me, it is a transversal skill that is useful even in everyday life because it’s about human relations. If you want to integrate it into study abroad classrooms, it could be through an “international communication class” or through current/historical diplomatic matters.

For example, it could be a case study: “in X year, Mr Y said something about Mr Z. It stopped the relations between the two countries. If you were Y, what would you have done? Do you understand the position of Z?” What is interesting in this kind of case study is to have the students talking with each other, knowing that there is no “right answer” in the field of diplomacy. For each answer, there are advantages and disadvantages.

Do you have any other advice for students who want to become CIRs?

Recently, I had the opportunity to speak about various themes such as environmental issues, women and work, and even France-Poland historical relations for associations and city-related organizations. While giving the point of view of France on these issues, I obviously had to remain objective, a quality you need as a CIR. Moreover, the requesters wanted to know France’s position on some issues that were outside of my major. However, I still had to give accurate information. I was grateful that I learned how to search for and efficiently gather the knowledge I needed. I honestly think that the research methodology classes I had at university were of help in preparing something relevant and accurate, in line with an official speech, in a short period of time.      

Daniel Clausen is a full-time lecturer at Nagasaki University of Foreign Studies. He is a graduate of Florida International University’s Ph.D. program in International Relations. His research has been published in Asian Politics & Policy, e-International Relations, The Diplomatic Courier and Global Policy, among other journals and magazines. 

Isabelle Moulin is a fifth-year Coordinator for International Relations at Matsue City Hall, Shimane Prefecture. She is a graduate of CY Cergy Paris University, in the Cultural Tourism & International Promotion of Territories Master’s Degree. She is currently working for the International Tourism Department and oversees tourism promotion targeting French people and enhancement of intercultural awareness mainly in primary schools and community centers.