Meiji Gakuin University, Japan
The Washington College in Japan program is a Tuition Only Exchange Program at Meiji Gakuin University (MGU) in Tokyo and Yokohama. Meiji Gakuin University, founded in 1877, is one of the oldest Christian institutions in Japan and has a long history of international cooperation in education. As a liberal arts university, Meiji Gakuin offers undergraduates studies in eleven departments.
MGU consists of two campuses, one in the heart of Tokyo (Shirokane) and the other in the more spacious suburban setting of Yokohama. The MGU program for international students from exchange institutions provides an opportunity for English-speaking students to pursue undergraduate studies for a semester or academic year. This program follows the Japanese academic calendar and consists of two semesters: April-July and late September to mid-January. Students may enter the program in either April or September. The aim of this program is to provide a creative environment for serious study and discussion of the many issues facing Asia and the Pacific Rim.
Curriculum
Students will be able to take courses in the following disciplines: Japanese Language, Culture and Religion, Sociology, Economics, Political Science and International Studies. In addition to Japanese language study four days per week, students enroll in a number of elective courses and seminars offered by various faculties and taught in English. Some courses require prerequisite knowledge and permission of the instructor. The courses taught in English vary slightly each year. The exchange student advising is done by the Center for International Cooperation in Education.
Requirements
All well-qualified second semester sophomores and juniors are eligible to apply for the exchange program with MGU. This program is open to students in all majors. Students should meet the following prerequisites:
- Completed one-year of Japanese
- Strong academic record, evidence of good character, maturity, and motivation
- Ability and willingness to adapt to a foreign environment
The cost of international travel between the United States and Japan, housing costs, meal costs, local transportation while in Japan, health insurance, book costs, student government fees, extracurricular activities, expenses while MGU is not in session, and personal expenses are the responsibility of the student applicant. Students should make an appointment to speak to Student Financial Aid to discuss the financial aspects of the program they plan to attend.
Housing
The university has arranged for housing near the Tokyo campus. Only 7 minutes walk from the nearest train station (Ontakesan) and there is a lovely shopping area near the station. It will take about 40 minutes to commute to Tokyo campus on foot and a train ride.
Approximate Semester Dates
- Semester 1: April to July
- Semester 2: September to mid-January
- or 1 academic year