International relationships cannot be one-way. We need to have partners that have the same level of interest, commitment and flexibility to create and conduct international academic activities. Partner universities should have as one of the priorities internationalization as part of the education program. Universities should be flexible enough to agree on basic common grounds from where to build joint programs. The activities with partner universities should include joint research, exchange of long-term students, sharing of laboratory facilities, mutual visits of Professors and development of joint online courses. 

It is impossible to think about internationalization without taking into consideration the financial aspect. Public universities are constrained more and more by the limitation of government funding and thus the professors have to turn into ‘lobbyist’ for financial support from different sources with the university being just a fraction of it. I, particularly prefer the 'shotgun approach', where funds are obtain from multiple sources. This fraction can be big or small depending on the 'vision' of the university towards internationalization. In countries like Japan there is an advantage because the government offers funds for internationalization to individual professor's plans (Sakura Science program, JASSO, etc). Students that are involved in international activities must also be aware that all the funding that professors can obtain will not cover 100% of the expenses needed. Therefore, they must be ready to cover the difference by themselves. Thus in our particular case, at Yamagata University, we have developed a 3-financial-source-system: University-Government- Students-self-financing.

It is impossible to even think that we can become international if the policy of the university does not promote it. We cannot create programs that will foster internationalization without creating an environment where students and professors will be able or willing to participate in these programs. The cornerstone of internationalization relies on the readiness of the university to offer courses in English and prepare administrative procedures in English that will create a welcoming environment for international students. Local students should benefit equally from these programs. The university should promote networking among students and institutions, language ability improvement, joint academic and social activities and promotion of  students' participation in overseas programs.

Once the relation with the suitable partners is established, the funds are ensured and we are prepared to start international relationships then we can develop a solid system that will lead to the internationalization of the university. Since internationalization is a process that grows step by step, it can start as a short-term students' exchange program and lead to a Double Degree Program as it was in our case. In this latter case we can say that sustainability was achieved. This program is now the base for future academic programs with other universities in Europe or any other region of the world.