Japan: Meiji Gakuin University
The Washington College in Japan program is a Tuition Only Exchange Program. Meiji Gakuin University (MGU), founded in 1877, is one of the oldest private institutions in Japan and has a long history of international cooperation in education. As a liberal arts university, MGU offers undergraduate studies in the following eleven departments: Art Studies, English Literature, French Literature, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Economics, Business Administration, Law, Political Science, and International Studies. Over the past century, MGU has grown significantly and today includes two campuses, in the heart of Tokyo (Shirokane) and the other in the more spacious suburban setting of Yokohama. Both campuses provide international students with numerous opportunities for participation in the academic and social life of the university. For more information visit Meiji Gakuin’s website at: www.meijigakuin.ac.jp Or: www.meijigakuin.ac.jp/english/inform.htm
Academic Program
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-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.
Courses are available in the following disciplines:
- Economics
- Japanese
- History
- Political Science
In addition to Japanese language study four days per week, students enroll in a number of elective courses and seminars offered by various faculties that are taught in English. Some courses require prerequisite knowledge and permission of the instructor.
Requirements
Students should meet the following requirements:
- Completed one-year of Japanese
- Strong academic record, evidence of good character, maturity, and motivation
- Ability and willingness to adapt to a foreign environment
International Community
The Center for International Cooperation in Education (CICE) maintains offices and is responsible for coordinating the university’s various exchange programs. Academic and non-academic staff provides orientation and guidance to international students and liaison with other university offices.
Housing
MGU maintains an off-campus co-ed dormitory located in Okusawa, Tokyo for its ISP participants. Located in a quiet residential district in central Tokyo, with easy access to both the Shirokane (approximately 30 minutes door to door) and Yokohama (approximately 60 minutes door to door) campuses, the dormitory (MG Okusawa House) offers an environment fit for academic pursuit. All students must stay in the dormitory for admittance to the International Program.
MG Okusawa House offers single occupancy rooms with shared kitchen, shower, bathroom, laundry facilities and lounge area. Rooms come equipped with a desk, chair, closet, bed, linen and internet access.
Approximate Semester Dates
- Semester 1: April to July
- Semester 2: September to mid-January
- or 1 academic year
2012 Spring Semester
Designated Arrival Date: April 2
Orientations: April 3-4
Pre-Semester J Language Course: April 5 (TBC)
Start of Classes: April 9
End Of Classes: July 20
Exams: July 21-August 1
Dorm Check-out Deadline: August 3
Summer break: August 3 to Sept. 21
2012 Fall Semester
Designated Arrival Date: September 3
Orientations: September 4 and 5
Pre-Semester J Language Course: September 6 (TBC)
Start of Classes: September 24
Winter Break: December 27, 2012 - January 3, 2013
End Of Classes: January 17, 2013
Exams: January 21 - 30 2013
Dorm Check-out Deadline: February 1, 2013
Spring break: January 31-April 5, 2013 (TBC)
