The Organization for International Collaboration is working to strengthen collaboration with overseas partner institutions and to enhance study-abroad support systems in order to expand global learning opportunities for students.
In anticipation of the scheduled 2027 revision of our university’s Study Abroad Encouragement Subsidy for Top Universities and the increase of the Study Abroad Encouragement Subsidy , promoted by President UENO Masao (head of the Organization for International Collaboration), we visited leading U.S. universities and major exchange partner institutions to conduct on-site inspections and hold discussions aimed at strengthening relationships.
1. Destinations and main achievements: Deepening collaboration with world-class universities
Columbia University (New York State)
At Columbia University, a prestigious Ivy League school, we exchanged information on both universities’ internationalization strategies, study-abroad systems, scholarship programs, and student support structures. We also discussed the current state of higher education policy in the U.S.
During a campus tour and lunch session after the meeting, two Meiji University students currently studying abroad using the Study Abroad Encouragement Subsidy for Top Universities joined us. Studying on a campus that blends cutting-edge educational facilities with historic buildings in central New York, the two students shared their experiences: “I am inspired daily by learning alongside students from around the world,” and “I was able to think deeply about my future career.”
University of Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania)
At the University of Pennsylvania, a prestigious Ivy League school located in Philadelphia, a major East Coast city after New York, we discussed the latest trends in studying in the U.S., the introduction of the new English test (the Duolingo English Test), and measures to expand study-abroad opportunities.
In 2024, representatives from the university visited Japan and held a study-abroad information session at Meiji University. Since opportunities for students to receive direct explanations from overseas partner institutions greatly contribute to boosting their motivation to study abroad, the two universities reaffirmed their cooperative relationship to ensure similar initiatives can be held in the future.
University of California, Berkeley (California)
We visited the University of California, Berkeley, a leading public university in the U.S., and held discussions on student exchanges with the Vice Provost for Academic Planning , the Dean of UC Berkeley Extension , and study-abroad representatives. Leveraging its proximity to Silicon Valley, the university is highly regarded for practical business programs such as collaborative projects with cutting-edge IT companies, and approximately 20 students from our university study there annually.
During this visit, in addition to the educational facilities, we toured the International House, a global residence housing approximately 650 students from 81 countries. We confirmed its rich learning and living environment, enabling diverse students from across borders to interact.
San Francisco State University (California)
We visited San Francisco State University, an important partner institution for us, and actively exchanged views to further develop reciprocal exchanges. Generally, exchange study slots are about one or two students per partner institution annually. However, the two universities mutually send approximately ten students annually, maintaining very active exchanges.
San Francisco State University is highly popular owing to its excellent educational environment, location, comprehensive support system, and appropriate study-abroad requirements. Since many students there are interested in Japanese culture, the number of students wishing to study at our university has increased.
During this visit, we also held an exchange meeting between students planning to study at our university and students from our university who are currently studying abroad. Participants expressed comments such as “I am glad to have made friends at Meiji University before going to Japan” and “I am looking forward to meeting them again at Meiji University.” This fostered a living international exchange network where students in the U.S. and Japan mutually support each other’s study-abroad experiences.
2. Outlook for the internationalization strategy: Further expansion of financial support
Based on the insights and the strong partnerships gained from this visit, our university will further develop an environment where students can challenge themselves globally without financial anxiety.
During this visit to the U.S., many students currently studying abroad voiced that “living expenses are high and difficult to manage.” Amid increasing difficulties in the environment surrounding studying abroad, such as rising prices and a weak yen, our university will revise the Study Abroad Encouragement Subsidy Program to create an environment that enables students to challenge themselves globally.
Revision of the Study Abroad Encouragement Subsidy Program (From Academic Year 2027)
To meet diverse needs of students and enable more students to study abroad, we will significantly expand financial support for study-abroad expenses. All subsidies are non-repayable.
・Establishment of a new subsidy category:
A new Subsidy B category will be established within the Study Abroad Encouragement Subsidy for Top Universities. This will add universities in Asia, Europe, and Oceania as options for this subsidy, thereby broadening students’ choices and providing more students with opportunities to challenge themselves with a world-class education.
・Increase in subsidy amounts:
The amount of the Study Abroad Encouragement Subsidy will be increased. Leveraging this enhanced financial support from the university, we will further advance the provision of diverse learning opportunities abroad.
Meiji University will continue to work on expanding global educational opportunities, supporting students who challenge themselves globally to move forward.
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