Japanese Universities for International Students
There are many reasons why someone might want to study in Japan. Maybe you’re interested in experiencing Japanese culture, language, sites, etc. while you’re studying. Maybe you have a career goal specific to Japan.
Either way, it’s hard to know where to start when looking at degree programs. Here are a few suggestions from someone who has both studied and worked at Japanese universities.
Each of the options below are degree programs, not to be confused with other shorter intensive programs. Also, curriculum for each is taught wholly in English with the exception of any courses directed at Japanese language development. Each caters to a very different need. Which, if any, is best for you will depend on your personal aspirations.
English Medium Instruction (EMI) programs in Japan
There are lots of study programs in English for international students. You can come for a few weeks or a semester to do intensive studies in Japanese language and culture, or you can do a full bachelor’s, master’s and on up to Ph.D.
So, why am I focusing specifically on these three programs? After all, there are hundreds of other EMI programs for international students. The answer is simple. These are degree programs which I or close colleagues have personal experience with and I believe these are reputable, quality programs.
I do have experience with some others but I would not recommend them. Universities can be really good at putting on a show for prospective students. I’ve seen behind their curtains firsthand. What’s on display at open campus day can mask things like an isolated atmosphere for international students, poor career-support services, harassment or other issues.
You should attend a school that makes you sad to leave, not sad to be there, hence the reason for this post. Maybe one of the programs here will convince you to make the early-spring trip over. Yes, I said spring. The Japanese academic year starts in April although the programs outlined here are designed to accommodate international students.
#1 Ritsumeikan University – Community and Regional Policy Studies Major (CRPS)
Ritsumeikan University is usually somewhere among the top-ten ranked schools in Japan. It depends on which ranking system you go by. Nevertheless, Ritsumeikan is a well-known school in Japan.
The CRPS Major is a 4-year undergraduate program in Ritsumeikan University’s College of Policy Science. Upon graduation, students earn a Bachelor of Arts in Policy Science. The CRPS program is for students interested in Global studies.
The program structure involves a core curriculum for 1st and 2nd year students including classes in policy science and research methodology. From 3rd year, the program focus narrows and students begin working on a graduation thesis. Students choose a focus area from three options: Sustainable Urban Policy, Regional Economy and Development, and Multi-level Governance.
Class sizes average between 10-20 students, with a pretty diverse range of students from around the world. Students take intensive Japanese courses throughout the program with a target of achieving intermediate level upon graduation.
Although the Japanese school year begins in April, The CRPS program starts in Fall to better accommodate international student intake. The Application period is therefore from mid February to early March for entry in September of the same year. CRPS students attend Ritsumeikan’s Osaka campus (OIC) located in Ibaraki city.
OIC is a convenient location with the campus a short walk from JR Ibaraki station. From there, a 17-minute train ride south will take you to Osaka station (Umeda), the hub of Osaka. Downtown Kyoto is 30 minutes away going northbound on the same line. Hankyu Minami-Ibaraki station is only an 8 min walk should it better suit your weekend plans.
Ritsumeikan University Community and Regional Policy Studies Major
#2 Kwansei Gakuin Daigaku – International Management Course (IMC)
Kwansei Gakuin’s International Management Course (IMC) is a MBA course provided fully in English of the Business School, Institute of Business and Accounting (IBA). Students mainly take classes at the Nishinomiya Uegahara Campus and the Osaka Umeda Campus.
Out of five programs available at IMC, the Global Public Management Program (GPMP) is designed for students who want to develop skills necessary for a career in global public service institutions, such as the United Nations, diplomatic institutions, or international NGOs.
GPMP aims to provide sound theoretical bases and practical skills to students who aspire to professional careers in leadership roles at global public service institutions, such as the United Nations, diplomatic institutions, as well as international NGOs. Students are also allowed to take course from other IMC programs.
Students can enroll for Fall or Spring semester entry. Several types of scholarships are available. Students have the opportunity to gain practical experience through Internships at the United Nations, International organizations, NGOs and other diplomatic institutions. From what I’ve seen, Center in UN Foreign Affairs Studies (UNFA Center) faculty, which provides the majority of GPMP courses at KGU is highly distinguished, with experiences as UN officials or as former diplomats.
Uegahara, KGU’s main campus, is located in Nishinomiya (Kotoen) which is between Osaka and Kobe. It’s easy to get to either city while at the same time, the area is not too busy. The campus setting is one of the more pleasant you will find in Japan.
#3 Temple University (Japan Campus) – Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.)
A lot of people come to Japan to teach English and other languages. For those who are considering teaching at a university, a masters degree in TESOL, applied linguistics or a related field is essential.
The Graduate College of Education at Temple University’s Japan campus offers a Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) with a concentration in TESOL as well as a doctoral program in Applied Linguistics. The M.S.Ed. program is ideal for those who are already teaching English in Japan and want to become eligible to teach at the higher education level. Although the program can be completed through the Japan campus, you will earn your diploma through Temple University which is a fully accredited and internationally recognized school of education.
Completion times range from one to four years with an average between two to three years. The program is designed to be flexible. Four start dates are offered: in September (fall semester), January (spring semester), May (summer session I), and June (summer session II) and classes are offered in the metropolitan area of Tokyo and Osaka. You have the choice to take classes on weekday evenings or weekends (courses are limited) which is convenient for accommodating your work schedule.
Although the M.S.Ed. degree program is offered in Japan, Temple University also has the added benefit of being easily recognizable in the US should you eventually wish to pursue a career there.
A former colleague of mine graduated from Temple’s TESOL program and clearly got a lot out of it. He developed into a highly competent teacher who now holds a tenured position at a Japanese university. If you’re looking to teach long-term in Japan, the M.S.Ed. degree program is certainly a legitimate option.
Temple University Graduate College of Education
Should you study in Japan?
So, is studying abroad in Japan for you? Like any educational service, it depends on what you want to get out of it. Do you have a well-planned roadmap for your career and see a study abroad program in Japan as a step toward reaching your goal? Then a program like the ones above may benefit you. Ultimately, the decision is yours.
It’s worth stating that if you see yourself working in Japan as anything other than a foreign language teacher, Japanese language fluency is a must. In that case, your time in Japan should be well spent.
Do I think the programs discussed here are the only worthwhile ones in Japan? Absolutely not. However, as previously stated, I have familiarity with these schools, trust their integrity and feel comfortable recommending each for certain needs. I cannot say that for every school I have experience at.
Still, there are a lot of degree programs in Japan for international students to choose from. It’s up to you to research the university to find out if it gives you what you need for your professional future.