Q1 I can't decide on my purpose for studying abroad.

A1 People have different reasons for studying abroad. However, simple reasons such as "I want to experience living abroad" or "I just want to go" will waste your valuable study abroad experience. Also, studying abroad at an affiliated or accredited school is mainly about "studying specialized subjects in English or a second foreign language and earning credits," so it is not just about studying abroad for language study. Please clarify what you want to gain from studying abroad and your own purpose for studying abroad to make your study abroad experience meaningful.

Q2 I can't decide where to study abroad

A2 When deciding where to study abroad, you should of course consider the application requirements and whether the courses you want to study are offered, but you should also consider the size of the university, the number of students, the number of international students, the climate and cultural environment, the location, and the living environment. In addition, the International Center has reports from students who have studied abroad and returned home. You may also want to refer to such materials.

Q3 What can I learn at my study abroad destination?

A3 There are various curricula set by the host university. Exchange students are basically classified as "Non-Degree Students" or "Visiting Students" who are not aiming to obtain a degree, and are often not affiliated with a specific faculty. They can take courses other than those related to their faculty at our university. However, flexibility is required because priority is given to current students who are aiming to obtain a degree, and there are some courses that exchange students cannot take. In order to clarify what you want to study at which university and to avoid a study abroad experience that is "not what you expected," it is important to do thorough research and choose a university that suits you, not just one that is well-known.

Q4 How much money do I need to pay for studying abroad? By when should I prepare it?

A4 Although it depends on the destination and individual lifestyle, the amount of money needed for a one-year stay will be around 2.5 million yen for an exchange program (in an English-speaking country) (if tuition fee is waived). This includes accommodation, food, and textbooks at the destination, insurance (specified by the destination and our university), round-trip airfare, etc. However, this amount may increase or decrease depending on the region you study in, how you stay at the destination (dormitory, apartment), how you spend your long vacations, etc., so please use this as a guideline.
Regarding financial preparation, if you are studying in the United States, you will most likely be required to submit a bank statement in English verifying the above expenses at the time of application to the study abroad destination after passing the university's internal selection process, so it is necessary to have the necessary preparations in place once you pass the internal selection process.

Q5 What kind of tests are TOEFL iBT and IELTS?

A5 It is a test for non-native English speakers to prove their English proficiency, mainly for the purpose of studying or moving abroad. TOEFL iBT and IELTS each have their own characteristics in the style of the test. If you are taking the test for the first time, please consider carefully which one suits you best.
Some of our UK partner universities require IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration (IELTS for UKVI) administered by the British Council, and as test centers are only located in Tokyo and Osaka, early application is required. In addition, for all IELTS exams, please take the "Academic" exam for studying abroad, out of the two options, Academic and General.

＜IELTS for UKVI＞

Q6 Can I apply with TOEIC or TOEFL ITP scores?

A6 TOEIC or TOEFL ITP scores cannot be used to apply to study abroad at our partner or accredited universities.

Q7 If the application requirements include TOEFL iBT and IELTS scores, do I need both?

A7 Either one is fine. However, if you are planning to study in the UK, you will need an IELTS score, so we recommend that anyone who is even slightly considering studying in the UK take the IELTS or IELTS for UKVI test.

Q8 By when should I take the TOEFL iBT/IELTS required for application?

A8 The application date and score confirmation date vary depending on the test provider. For details, please check the following URL.

TOEFL iBT: TOEFL Test Japan Office
IELTS: There are multiple test providers.
Japan English Proficiency Test Association (paper test): https://www.eiken.or.jp/ielts/
British Council (computer-delivered): https://www.britishcouncil.jp/exam/ielts/which-test/computer-delivered-ielts
British Council (UKVI): https://www.britishcouncil.jp/exam/ielts-uk-visa-immigration/register
JSAF (Both computer-based and paper-based exams are available): https://jsaf-ieltsjapan.com/
Berkeley House (computer type): https://berkeleyhouse.co.jp/jp034/

Q9 I have not received my official TOEFL iBT/IELTS score report by the application deadline. What should I do?

A9 For internal applications, we can accept online scores even if you do not have an official score report. However, all documents required for internal applications (Overseas Study Application Form, Letter of Pledge, TOEFL iBT/IELTS score or proof of language proficiency required by the university you are applying to) must be submitted within the application processing time on the deadline. Please note that submissions after this time will not be accepted for any reason.

Q10 I am currently a first year student. How will my GPA be handled when applying to study abroad at a partner or accredited school?

A10 When applying to partner or accredited universities for second semester departures, it is desirable for first-year students to have a GPA of 2.4 or higher up until the first semester, and the selection process will take into account the GPA up until the first semester. Please note that if you are selected as a candidate after the selection process and do not meet the application qualifications of the partner university at the end of your first year, your candidacy will be cancelled.

Q11 Can I extend or shorten my study abroad period?

A11 The period of study abroad cannot be extended or shortened once it has been applied for. Please make sure to thoroughly plan your study abroad period before applying.

Q12 I am taking a teacher training course, but can I do it while studying abroad? Also, when should I do my teaching practice and nursing experience?

A12 If you aim to obtain a teaching license in the shortest possible time, it is considered difficult to balance your teacher training course and studying abroad, taking into account course enrollment and other issues. Whether this is possible or not depends on various conditions, such as the type of study abroad, the time of study abroad, the duration of your study abroad, and your place of practice, so if you are aiming to balance your teacher training course and studying abroad, please consult with Teacher Certification Division (Aoyama) or Academic Affairs Division Teacher Training Division (Sagamihara) at an early stage. The timing of teaching practice, nursing care experience, and the various procedures associated with them also differ depending on each person's conditions, so you will need to plan your course enrollment and various procedures.

Q13 Is it possible to study abroad without repeating a year?

A13 If you study abroad at an affiliated or accredited school in your second or third year, it may be possible depending on the number of credits you have earned. However, if you take a leave of absence to study abroad, you will be held back a year and will not be able to graduate in four years. If you take a leave of absence to study abroad from the second semester of your third year to the first semester of the following year, you will be held back a year. For information on procedures for taking a leave of absence, please contact Academic Affairs Division (Aoyama) or Academic Affairs Division (Sagamihara).

Q14 I heard that I will be studying abroad and graduating in September, but under what circumstances will that happen?

A14 If you leave in the second semester of your fourth year and return in the first semester of the following year, you can graduate in September if the credits you earned abroad are recognized and you meet the graduation requirements. However, if you wish to graduate in September, you must express your intention to do so in advance. Please follow the instructions of the International Center for the procedure.

Q15: Will studying abroad be beneficial for job hunting? Also, please tell me about job hunting after returning home.

A15 Studying abroad does not give you an advantage in job hunting. However, companies want students who have a broad perspective and vitality. If you research the industry and companies you are interested in before you go abroad, you will be able to see the trends in the world and Japan from a business perspective while you are abroad. Recruitment activities are diversifying at your study abroad destination, such as job fairs for Japanese-English bilinguals and companies that conduct online interviews, so there are things you can only do while you are abroad. Even overseas, you can watch video streams and materials such as guidance and courses on Web Ash (a career and employment support system exclusively for Aogaku). If you have any questions, please consult the Career and Employment Center.

Q16: How should I ensure safety while studying abroad?

A16 With the progress of globalization, the number of opportunities for students to travel abroad has increased dramatically. As symbolized by the frequent occurrence of natural disasters and terrorist attacks in recent years, it can be said that there is no longer any safe place in the world. In light of this global situation, when it comes to safety management overseas, please keep in mind the motto "protect yourself" and take the necessary steps before and after traveling. In addition, those traveling overseas for study abroad programs handled by the International Center (study abroad at partner universities, study abroad at accredited universities, overseas language and cultural training, Tobitate! Study Abroad JAPAN Japan Representative Program, internships, etc.) must subscribe to overseas study insurance designated by the International Center and support services from affiliated risk management companies. If you do not subscribe, you will not be allowed to travel. The International Center will provide you with details before you depart, so please follow their instructions.