Study Abroad in Japan
Global Studies, Meiji Gakuin University
Overview
This social science, English-language program focuses on Japanese perspectives on global studies, international relations, economic development, international security and conflict resolution, and politics and society in Asia. The program is jointly taught by UC and Meiji Gakuin International Studies faculty. It features course-related study trips led by faculty members, including multi-day trips to Hiroshima and/or Kyoto, and an integrative seminar that involves independent research. Japanese language instruction is offered to facilitate your integration into the local culture.
Meiji Gakuin's small, inviting campus is located on a hilltop in an excellent residential area of Yokohama, part of the Tokyo metropolitan area.
Students attend classes with other UC students, international students, and a few Japanese students.Course Opportunities
This program features global studies, international relations, Asian studies, international security and conflict resolution, economic development in Asia, and other social science topics. Graduate students take the same course work as undergraduates.
Program course offerings vary each year but typically include:
- Seminar in Global Studies
- Economic Development in East Asia
- Theories of Peace and Conflict
- Politics and Society in Japan
- Japanese Economy
- Information Society
- Gender and Society
- Pacific Island Studies
- The International Court and Conflict
- Japanese Language
- Special course offered by a UC Visiting Professor
Use the following resources to learn about courses on EAP:
- EAP Program Search provides information on general areas of study.
- Host institution online catalogs or course listings:
- MyEAP Course Catalog lists courses previously taken by UC students. Additional courses may be available and not all courses may still be offered. Since courses in new programs have not yet been taken for credit, they may not appear in the MyEAP Course Catalog.
With permission of the UC Visiting Professor, you may take a course at the Shirokane campus in Tokyo in addition to the required 21 units of program courses.
Units
You are required to take a full-time course of study while abroad.
Requirements for all students:
- A minimum of 21 UC quarter units in the Global Studies curriculum; the number of required courses depends on the unit value of each course (courses are 3 or 6 units each)
- The integrative seminar (AS ST/ECON/POL S 101, Seminar in Global Security and Development), which is worth 3 quarter units
- Additional courses (minimum 18 quarter units) are chosen from those offered in the particular semester
- Courses taken at the Shirokane campus are in addition to the required minimum of 21 units in the Global Studies curriculum
Language of Instruction
English
Language Study
None
Internships, Research, and Independent Study
It may be possible to do an in-depth independent study for academic credit, called a Special Study Project, in an area of special interest to you. For projects that include fieldwork, you will need some Japanese language skills. Prior to departure, discuss this opportunity with your department advisors and submit a one-page proposal to the Universitywide Office of EAP. You will discuss the project with the UC Visiting Professor when you arrive; the professor will approve the project based on the feasibility of the topic and the availability of a Meiji Gakuin faculty member to supervise the project. Special Study Projects are normally assigned two or three UC quarter units and may count as one of your elective program courses.
Duration
Go to the Participants section to see current or past calendars.
Fall: early September to late December
Spring: early April to late July
Housing
Students live in single-occupancy dormitories with other UC students within walking distance of campus. A few students have the opportunity to be placed in homestays with Japanese families.
On-site Support
EAP students are supported by UC's network of EAP offices at every UC campus and partnerships with EAP host universities throughout the world. UC faculty and local staff abroad help students integrate into the culture of Japan and provide assistance with academics, housing, safety, and other issues.
See the EAP Program Guide (PDF) for program-specific details about host institutions, program structure, and courses; academic culture and conduct; internships, research, & independent study; units, exams, and grades; orientation; housing; and information about the intensive language program (if applicable).




