FAQ ​ ​Frequently Asked Questions (for students enrolled in 2026 or later)

*This content is based on information current as of July 2025. It may be subject to change in the future.

1. About studying abroad in general

  • Q1-1: What kind of study abroad program is GSC's undergraduate program?

    A1-1: This is a study abroad program of at least semester at a university in an Asian region through a faculty-level exchange program* or university-level exchange program**.

    *"Inter-faculty exchange program" refers to studying abroad at a university (faculty) with which School of Global Studies and Collaboration has an agreement. As of July 2025, the School has agreements with nine universities in the following three countries.

    * Thailand (5 universities): Chulalongkorn University, Thammasat University, Kasetsart University, Mahidol University, Srinakharinwirot University

    * Malaysia (3 universities): University of Malaya, Universiti Kuala Lumpur, UTAR (Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman)

    * Indonesia (1 university): Gadjah Mada University

    ** "University exchange program" refers to studying abroad at a university with which Aoyama Gakuin University has an agreement. Students from all faculties, not just those from School of Global Studies and Collaboration can apply. Selection is based on document screening and interviews. For more information, please refer to the "International Center website."

  • Q1-2: Can all students who enroll go on undergraduate study abroad programs?

    A1-2: In order to study abroad at an undergraduate level, you must meet certain conditions (see below).

    [Study Abroad at Faculty-affiliated Universities]
    Your GPA for the semester immediately preceding your application must be 1.5 or higher (however, if your GPA falls below the host institution's designated standard at the end of the first year, your study abroad will be cancelled).
    IELTS (Overall Band Score) of 5.0 or higher (after enrollment, by the time of application for study abroad at an undergraduate partner university)
    To advance to the second year (requirements for advancement are to earn 20 or more credits in the first year, earn 6 or more credits in compulsory English, take the IELTS exam after enrollment and submit a test report form)
    To acquire credits for subjects required for studying abroad

    [Study Abroad at University Partnerships]
    This varies depending on the host university, so please refer to the "International Center website" above.

  • Q1-3: How are study abroad destinations decided for undergraduate exchange programs?

    A1-3: The destination of the undergraduate exchange program is decided by the faculty based on the application documents, IELTS score, and GPA submitted by the student. The IELTS score and GPA required by each university differ depending on the university.

  • Q1-4: What happens if I cannot meet the requirements for undergraduate study abroad?

    A1-4: You will be able to study abroad once you meet certain requirements. Specifically, you will be able to study abroad from the second semester of your third year onwards.

  • Q1-5: Is undergraduate study abroad required to graduate?

    A1-5: In principle, to graduate from this school, you must study abroad as an undergraduate student. However, if there are unavoidable circumstances, such as when a student's physical or mental condition makes it difficult to study abroad safely, and this is approved by the school, students may take a domestic course ("Understanding Asia (required elective)") in their third year. By passing this course, students will earn the credits required for graduation in place of studying abroad as an undergraduate student.

  • Q1-6: When will I be studying abroad as an undergraduate? Is it possible to change the date?

    A1-6: The study abroad period for undergraduate partner universities varies depending on the host university, but students will depart between August and October and return between December and February (as of July 2025. The study abroad period may change due to changes in the host university's academic calendar, etc.). The study abroad period is designated by our faculty and cannot be changed for personal reasons. Students will travel to and return from our faculty on flights designated by our faculty.

  • Q1-7: Can I study abroad in areas outside of Asia?

    A1-7: The only study abroad programs approved by the faculty are those for undergraduate partner universities in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, and those for university partner universities in Asia for more than half a year. However, if you apply for and are accepted to study abroad at a university partner university (more than half a year) in a region other than Asia, and complete the study abroad period, you can take and pass a domestic course ("Understanding Asia (optional compulsory)") in your third year, which can be used as a substitute for undergraduate study abroad. Please consult us after enrollment.

2. About your studies and life during your stay

  • Q2-1: What happens to the credits I earned while studying abroad?

    A2-1: Credits earned at the host university will be recognized as credits at our university after you return home and go through the necessary procedures. If there are no equivalent credits at our university, or if you have already completed equivalent credits, it may not be possible to have the credits recognized.

  • Q2-2: Where will you be staying during your study abroad?

    A2-2: You will stay in a dormitory or accommodation designated or recommended by the host university, and in a facility designated by our faculty. In principle, you will share a room with two or more people.

  • Q2-3: Can I return to Japan temporarily during my undergraduate study abroad?

    A2-3: As a general rule, temporary return to Japan during the study abroad period at an inter-faculty partner institution is not permitted, except in emergency situations such as emergency evacuation for the purpose of crisis management.

3. Costs and safety measures for studying abroad at undergraduate partner universities

  • Q3-1: What expenses do I need to pay to study abroad?

    A3-1: If you are studying abroad at a university with an inter-faculty agreement, you will need to pay for travel expenses, overseas travel insurance, visa application fees, living expenses, etc. In principle, part of the local dormitory fees (in principle, two or more people sharing a room. Room fees only) will be subsidized by the faculty (dormitory fees are not subsidized for students studying abroad at an inter-university agreement).

  • Q3-2: How much does it cost to study abroad?

    A3-2: Living expenses vary depending on the country of study and the individual, so this is just a rough estimate, but you will need approximately 700,000 to 900,000 yen in total (for 5 months), including travel expenses (this amount may change depending on the exchange rate and price fluctuations).

  • Q3-3: What safety measures are in place while studying abroad?

    A3-3: Regarding studying abroad at a faculty-level partner institution, there is a system in place to ensure the safety of students through cooperation between the university, risk management companies, and insurance companies.
    Please also refer to the Guidelines for Continuing, Cancelling, and Returning to Japan during a Study Abroad Program at an Inter-Faculty Partner University.
    For information on studying abroad at partner universities, please refer to the website of our International Center.

    In either case, it is essential that you strictly follow the instructions of your university (both your home university and the host university) and take care to manage your own safety.

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