Global Studies, Japan

Unique study opportunities

• Reflect on the history of Hiroshima during the mandatory field trip organized by MGU.
• Befriend an "MGU Buddy" and participate in a weekend homestay experience.
• Engage with global issues facing Japan and the US today.

Language

Language Study: Optional

Japanese language study is recommended for those with little or no Japanese language background. Courses are offered at beginning, intermediate, and advanced (third year) levels. Beginning and intermediate language courses are assigned lower-division UC credit. Advanced courses are assigned upper-division credit.  Both Intensive (90-minute course four times a week) and Practical Japanese language courses (90-minute course twice to once a week) are available to students. 

Courses and credit

Requirements While Abroad

To successfully complete this program:

• Take a full-time course of study: Minimum 21 quarter/14 semester UC units​​
• Most students take 24 to 27 UC quarter units; 5 to 7 courses is average depending on the units of each course.
• You can take one-third (33%) of your courses per term for pass/no pass credit.

Current Program Courses

Each semester approximately 10 to 17 courses are offered through the Faculty of International Studies and Global and Transcultural Studies Program where you will take most of your courses. 

Limited coursework taught in Japanese is available for those with advanced Japanese language ability. These courses are taught at the Shirokane campus, which is approximately a one-hour train ride from Yokohama.

Course registration occurs prior to the program start date, but you may make changes until the Add/Drop deadline during the first few weeks of the term at MGU. 

Catalogs and resources

• Meiji Gakuin -UC Exchange Program: Brief overview of the history of the program and extracurricular activities available to exchange students.
• Meiji Gakuin University Course List and Syllabi: This website is usually updated with new course information about a month before the program begins. See the previous terms to get an idea of what each semester offers.
• UCEAP Course Catalog: See a list of courses UC students have taken on this program.
• Campus Credit Abroad: Learn the types of credit (major, minor, general education, elective) students from your campus received at this location.

Academic culture

Japan's collectivist culture places a high value on punctuality, courtesy, and proper conduct. As an exchange student, it's crucial to be sensitive to and prepare for these societal norms and values. Learning a few basic Japanese greetings can foster more meaningful connections with the people you meet.

If you're unsure about appropriate behavior in Japan, research different facets of Japanese culture before arrival; observe how locals conduct their daily lives, and/or consult the Study Center. Japanese professors and acquaintances are unlikely to point out cultural missteps directly, but your actions will be noticed and can reflect on both you and the program. 

Compared to the UC system, Japanese universities have a different academic culture. Japanese and other international students tend to be less focused on grades, and courses are often less structured; professors may not provide a detailed syllabus or might alter the content mid-term. However, classroom expectations are more formal. Attendance is mandatory, with tardiness often counting toward an absence. The student-professor relationship is also more hierarchical, where professors are viewed as the ultimate authority and are seldom challenged. 

MGU students are generally self-motivated and actively engage in related readings, research projects, and other out-of-class endeavors to complement classroom activities. For a successful academic experience, be willing to adapt to Japanese educational traditions and methods of communicating with Japanese instructors.

Grades

You will earn direct UC credit and grades for all coursework. Fall grades are usually available in late February. Spring grades are usually available in early September. Requests for early grades cannot be accommodated. If you intend to put yourself on your campus degree list for graduation while on UCEAP, consult your campus advisors before departure about possible delays in the degree verification process. 

In Japanese universities, professors typically do not provide detailed rubrics; provide feedback on written work, or return final exams. The grade you receive is generally considered sufficient feedback. Language courses are known to be more demanding than at UC and focus more on reading and writing, often with rigorous grading. 

Poor grades are often caused by tardiness, excessive absences, missed assignments, and a lack of communication with instructors. Attendance at all classes, field trips, and academic events is required and is often factored into your final grade, unless you are formally excused for a valid reason.