FAQ

Questions Concerning the Curriculum

Questions Concerning Study Abroad

Questions Concerning English Language Proficiency

Questions Concerning International Students

Questions Concerning Student Lifestyle Support

Other

Questions Concerning the Curriculum

The School of Global Japanese Studies actively promotes English language studies, but what subjects other than English are offered?
In addition to English and other foreign language courses, the School also offers General Studies, International Studies, and Japanese Studies programs. Of these, the General Studies course mainly comprises introductory subjects aimed at helping students develop an international perspective and a sense of ethics, strengthen their Japanese language ability and presentation skills, and acquire information processing skills. The International Studies course offers international education subjects aimed at helping students develop the ability to interpret other cultures as well as their own. The Japanese Studies program comprises the Japanese Culture Course and the Japanese Social System Course.It examines contemporary Japanese culture, which is currently attracting worldwide attention, and the underlying traditional Japanese culture from various angles. All courses can be taken over four years.
Are there classes that are conducted in English?
In Japanese Studies, International Studies, or General Studies Students must take a minimum of twelve credits in classes conducted in English (or have English language textbooks/materials). For this reason, the School of Global Japanese Studies offers many classes conducted in English.
What is the ratio of Japan-related studies to other studies?
The School of Global Japanese Studies curriculum comprises subjects in four categories: Foreign Language Studies, General Studies, International Studies, and Japanese Studies. The minimum proportions of study required in each category for graduation are as follows: Foreign Language Studies approximately. 18%; General Studies approximately. 13%, International Studies approximately. 18%, and Japanese Studies approximately. 23%. Students may take the remaining 28% of studies in each of the four categories according to their academic interests and future career paths.
What specific aspects of Japanese culture are studied?
The Japanese Studies program has a diverse faculty in the performing arts, culture, and business. In the Japanese Culture Course, students study aspects of contemporary culture such as modern art, film, animation, manga, literature, and performing arts. In addition,there are courses in traditional performing arts, art, and martial arts as these are important themes for communicating Japanese culture. Furthermore, in the Japanese Social System Course, leaders in fields, such as Japanese business, manufacturing, the contents industry, the mass media, and economic organizations, share their expertise.（see Curriculum）。
In concrete terms, how small are classes with small-group instruction?
First Year English (16 units in total required for first and second semesters combined) and 2nd Year English (6 units required for the first semester) courses have classes of approximately 20 students. These provide intensive English language education and help prepare students’to study abroad. In other courses such as seminars (2nd to 4th Year) and practical international subjects (conducting forums with international exchange themes (1st to 4th Year), speech competitions in multiple languages (1st to 4th Year), surveys of Japanology in other countries (1st and 2nd Year), and international joint research in Japanology (3rd and 4th Year), etc.), small classes enable students to improve their presentation and communication skills.
Are there seminar classes?
Subjects entitled Seminar (Practice) are offered from the 2nd Year. To begin with, in the 2nd Year introductory activities are undertaken. Then in the 3rd and 4th Year there are more specialized studies. Furthermore, as a rule 3rd and 4th Year seminars are taken consecutively.
How long does a regular university danlant?
Class periods at Meiji University are 90 minutes long. Two periods in the morning are followed by a 50-minute break. After this, there are another five periods in the afternoon, with the final class ending at 21:10. However most courses are organized so that the final class is the 5th period (ending at 17:50). At the beginning of the academic year, students register for the subjects they wish to take and attend classes based on this. Consequently, each student has a different timetable.
Do I study for four years at the Izumi Campus?
The Izumi Campus is the main campus for the School of Global Japanese Studies. The School intends to accept a large number of international students so that the campus evolves into a multicultural campus (the Izumi Global Village) that brings together students of different nationalities and cultural backgrounds from the 1st to 4th Year. However, classes for the School of Global Japanese Studies courses are held not only on the Izumi Campus but also in the Liberty Tower on the Surugadai Campus and in the museum.
Izumi Campus（Suginami Ward, Tokyo）:　5 minutes walk from Meidaimae Station on the Keio Railway Line.

To TOP

Questions Concerning Study Abroad

Please explain the School of Global Japanese Studies’ study abroad program?
Under the School of Global Japanese Studies’ original study abroad program, students with a certain level of English proficiency can study abroad in the 2nd semester of their 2nd Year in the Semester Study Abroad Program. Students wishing to study abroad, regardless of their English proficiency, can also study abroad during the summer vacation of their 2nd Year in the Short-term Language Program. Moreover, Meiji University has student exchange agreements with approximately 50 universities worldwide, providing opportunities to study full-time academic programs and short-term language courses. For further information about universities with which Meiji University has exchange agreements and language study programs, see the Center for International Programs (CIP) website. 別カテゴリーへ移動します
What is the School of Global Japanese Studies’ Semester Study Abroad Program?
This is a program under which students who acquire the level of English language proficiency required for studying abroad can study for six months at a university in an English-speaking country during the 2nd semester of their 2nd Year. Students may study at one of four universities in the United States: the University of Oregon, the State University of New York at New Paltz, the University of Alabama, and Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis. There is also an academic training (internship) program through which students intern at Disney World under an agreement between Florida State University and Disney World. Credits acquired during study abroad are recognized by the School of Global Japanese Studies if certain conditions are met.This enables students to study abroad and graduate in four years.
How much does it cost to participate in the School of Global Japanese Studies’ Semester Study Abroad program?
Fees differ between host universities, but in general between approximately 1.5 and 2 million yen (fluctuates depending on the exchange rate) is required for tuition fees and living expenses combined. In the case of the academic training (internship) program at Disney World, expenses are approximately 400,000 yen since interns are paid. Round-trip airfare is also required. Furthermore, in order to lighten the financial burden on students who study abroad in this program, Meiji University　subsidizes students the equivalent of their 2nd semester tuition fees (approximately 450,000 yen).
What is the Short-term Language Program?
This is a program under which students, regardless of their level of English language proficiency, can study English at an overseas university for approximately four weeks during the summer vacation of their 2nd Year (quota system). Students not only learn English but also attend lectures comparing local and Japanese cultures. Exchange activities with local students and fields trips are also planned. Students study in the United States at the University of Oregon, Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis, and the College of Staten Island, City University of New York as well as in the United Kingdom at Hartford College, Oxford University. Costs are between 500,000 and 700,000 yen, including transportation fees. Students achieving a certain level of results in this program are granted two credits for the Study-Abroad Program subject in the School of Global Japanese Studies.
I heard that the School of Global Japanese Studies offers more opportunities for study abroad than other schools. However, I have never studied overseas before, so I’m anxious about how I will be welcomed by the local people.
The School of Global Japanese Studies offers a course entitled Overseas Study and International Education Exchange. The aim of this course is to provide students with a basic knowledge for studying abroad and foster skills, such as the ability to adapt to different cultures. Taking this course and talking with your instructor should resolve your anxiety. In addition, a number of English instructors (native English speakers) in the School of Global Japanese Studies have office hours. While the aim of office hours is to improve students’ speaking skills, it is also possible to ask questions and get advice about culture and how to interact with people in English-speaking countries. This can help you resolve your anxiety.

To TOP

Questions Concerning English Language Proficiency

Is it difficult for people with limited English skills to gain admission? Also, what level of English proficiency is required by the time of enrollment?
High school graduate-level English proficiency is sufficient. Intensive English language classes after enrollment aim to expand students’ English skills, However new students do not need outstanding English language proficiency.However, new students what they do need is the motivation to improve their English skills. If you are motivated to improve your English skills, you are welcome to the School of Global Japanese Studies.
I studied mathematics/science at high school. Is it possible for me to enroll in the School of Global Japanese Studies?
Of course it is possible. If you are not confident about your English language ability, concentrate or studying English.Research has shown that anyone can become proficient in English with sufficient time and effort. If you study, your scores in tests and the entrance examination will certainly improve.
What level of English language proficiency is it possible to achieve by graduation?
Students should be aiming for a TOEIC(R) score of 800 or more or a TOEFL(R) iBT (an English language proficiency test required for admission to a university in the United States or Canada) score of 80 or more. This level of English language proficiency will enable graduates to contribute fully in any field internationally.
Is it possible to acquire a license for teaching English?
The School of Global Japanese Studies enables students to acquire the Junior High School Teacher’s License Category 1 (English) and the High School Teacher’s License Category 1 (English). Moreover, students regularly take the TOEIC(R) and TOEFL(R) tests, so very high TOEIC(R) and TOEFL(R) scores can be expected by the time students seek employment.
What is the difference between the English education in other universities and schools and that provided by the School of Global Japanese Studies?
Despite not being an English language department in a foreign languages faculty, the School of Global Japanese Studies provides English language education superior to that provided by other English language departments or schools. We are confident that the English language curriculum compares favourably with that offered by other schools or universities. The four characteristics of the English education provided by the School of Global Japanese are as follows:
  1. Students are required to take 8 periods (12 hours) of English per week in their 1st Year. They then take 6 periods (9 hours) of English per week in the 1st semester of the 2nd Year.
  2. Students are offered a selection of more than 15 English elective subjects.
  3. Students have the opportunity to study abroad in an English-speaking country for 6 months during the 2nd semester of the 2nd Year, or study English overseas for one month during the summer holidays.
  4. The School has more than 10 specialist English language instructors who are native English speakers.

To TOP

Questions Concerning International Students

How many international students are there at Meiji University? What countries do they come from?
As of May 2008, there are currently 712 international students studying at Meiji University, of which 538 are undergraduate students and 174 are graduate university students. International students come from approximately 30 countries, including Taiwan and Malaysia, A large proportion of foreign students come from China and Korea.
I have heard that some universities separate Japanese students from international students for lectures. What about the School of Global Japanese Studies?
In the School of Global Japanese Studies, apart from a few classes such as Japanese language, international and Japanese students study together; they are not separated. As a resmet, the university is promoting exchange and mutual understanding on an everyday level, leading also to improved Japanese language skills.
Lectures in Japanese would be difficult for international students to follow. Are they provided with any support?
At Meiji University, regardless of whether or not they are international students, a system of support for all students has been established. Learning Support Offices have been set up all over the university and graduate school students act as TAs (teaching assistants) to provide students with support. Therefore if there is anything you don’t understand,use this service.
The School of Global Japanese Studies has a study abroad program for the 2nd semester of 2nd Year; can International students also participate in this program?
This system was devised on the basis that Japanese students would take part. For international students, the School of Global Japanese Studies offers a course in the 2nd semester of 2nd Year entitled Japanese Studies in Practice in which students participate in fieldwork within Japan and are able to learn first-hand about Japanese culture and society. However, it is also possible for international students to participate in short-term language programs offered by Meiji University, an addition certain conditions are met, international students may also study abroad at universities with which Meiji University has an exchange agreement. Moreover, in the Practical International Course, 3rd and 4th Year students have the opportunity to conduct joint research with students at overseas universities.
I understand that the School of Global Japanese Studies puts a lot of energy into international exchange. Are there opportunities for international students and Japanese students to be together?
To promote exchange between international students and Japanese students, the School of Global Japanese Studies holds an International Exchange Lunch during lunchtime once a week. These lunches are arranged independently by students.
Can I receive a scholarship from my 1st year?
If a scholarship has been reserved for you under the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) study grant reservation system, you can receive a scholarship from your 1st year. If not, since you have no record of academic performance at university, it would be very difficult for you to receive a scholarship from your 1st year. For details about scholarships for international students and information about scholarship funds that are currently available, please see the International Exchange Group website.Click here for details
Is there a tuition fee subsidy (reduction or exemption) system?
Yes, there is. Privately funded international students whose residence status is "student" may receive a tuition fee subsidy on application to the university. The subsidy rate may change.
Is there a student dormitory?
There is a dormitory for exchange students, but unfortunately, there is no dormitory for privately funded international students. However, the Center for International Programs introduces students to international student dormitories operated by the Association of International Education, Japan (AIEJ). This is an organization affiliated with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. Click here for details
What kinds of questions are on the Entrance Examination for Foreign Students for the School of Global Japanese Studies? Are any past papers available?
For items on the FY 2009 entrance examination held in Japan (Category I), please refer to Objectives of Examination Questions. Papers from last year’s examinations can be viewed at the Center for International Programs.
Can I apply to other schools at the same time?
You may apply to different schools at the same time if the days on which the entrance examinations for each school do not conflict. Prepare the required application documents for each school you wish to apply to, include the return envelope provided, and send the application so that it can be received before the application deadline.
Please tell me about my options after graduation.
After graduation, you have a choice of what to do: continue to graduate school, seek employment, or return to your home country. With regard to seeking employment, your options are the same as those for Japanese students. The Vocational Guidance Office provides support for international students’ job-seeking activities (School of Global Japanese Studies Career-related Information).

To TOP

Questions Concerning Student Lifestyle Support

Please explain the scholarship programs.
Meiji University offers a variety of scholarship programs, including special scholarships, which need not be repaid, and university enrollment loan grants under which students are lent funds to partially cover educational expenses. These interest free grants need to be paid upon enrolment. Special scholarships are awarded to students who achieved outstanding results in either the General Entrance Examination, Entrance Examinations Utilizing the National Center Test for University Admissions, or the Standard Entrance Examination (all Schools). Applications for the university enrollment loan grants are accepted at the time entrance examination applications are submitted. In addition to these two scholarship programs, there are also scholarships which can be applied for after university enrolment. As of January 2008, approximately 10,000 students are utilizing this system. Click here for details
Approximately how many student clubs are there at Meiji University?
As of January 2008, Meiji University has approximately 340 officially recognized cultural and sporting clubs. These include organizations belonging to the Federation of Volunteer Organizations, the Federation of Sporting Clubs, and various other clubs. By maintaining a balance with your studies, you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling student life through participation in extracurricular activities. Click here for details
I can’t travel from home, so I’d like the university to help me find an apartment.
The university helps students find relatively low-cost apartments. Procedures and introductions are performed by companies commissioned by or affiliated with the university. With regard to properties for which students make direct contract with landlords registered with the university, there is no brokerage fee, and the security deposit/key money is also reduced. Furthermore, brokerage fees for properties introduced by affiliated companies are discounted and various other benefits are provided. Student Support Offices in various areas also assist in finding apartments and dealing with problems. Click here for details
Once I’ve enrolled at university I want to find part-time work; can the university help me find work?
As one method of financial support as well as providing social experience, Student Support Offices on each campus provide students with introductions to part-time employment. However, to give new first year students time to adjust to university life, part-time work introductions are not provided during April. Accordingly, students should make financial plans so that they do not need to work part-time when they enroll. Click here for details

To TOP

Other

I’ve heard that Meiji University is a university that strengthens students’ individuality; specifically, what does the university do?
although a large university, Meiji University puts effort into small-group instruction.In small-group instruction, students and instructor work closely together and this provides opportunities for students to strengthen their individuality. Particular effort is put into seminar classes from the first and second years in all schools (School of Global Japanese Studies seminar classes begin in the second year). Seminar classes enable students to study their specialist field in depth, while carrying out discussions amongst themselves. This also helps them to improve their communication skills. In addition, taking advantage of the benefits of a large university, students are able to take classes in other schools. Through these classes, students acquire a range of academic skills, thereby strengthening their individuality.
Since the School of Global Japanese Studies is a newly established school, there are no OBs or OGs who have graduated from the school, which makes me anxious.
Since the School of Global Japanese Studies is a newly established school, certainly there are no OBs or OGs. However, Meiji University has more than 300 clubs and other student organizations in which students from every school participate. By joining these groups, you will be able to interact with many sempai (students who are one or more years above you in your university studies). In addition, Meiji University also offers general classes common to all schools. Since students are able to take classes offered in other schools, this also provides opportunities to get to know many sempai. Moreover, the advantage of a newly established school is that instructors and students can work together to create their own school.Students in the School of Global Japanese Studies have strong relationship with each other and everyone is working hard to do their best.
I want to obtain a student identification certificate. What should I do?
Students who are currently enrolled can obtain a student identification certificate from an automatic identification certificate issuing machine. You need your student identification card to do this.

To TOP

駿河台キャンパス 〒101-8301 東京都千代田区神田駿河台1-1（代）03-3296-4545
和泉キャンパス 〒168-8555 東京都杉並区永福1-9-1（代）03-5300-1121
生田キャンパス 〒214-8571 神奈川県川崎市多摩区東三田1-1-1（代）TEL 044-934-7171 		更新ページ一覧｜プライバシーポリシー｜このサイトについて
© Meiji University, all rights reserved.
  © Meiji University,All rights reserved.