Student Life (Frequently Asked Questions)
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
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Q1-1: What kind of study abroad program is GSC's undergraduate program?
A1-1: Study abroad for half a year or more at a university in the Asian region through an inter-faculty exchange program* or an inter-university exchange program**.
* "Inter-Faculty Exchange Program" refers to studying abroad at universities (faculties) with which School of Global Studies and Collaboration has an agreement. As of July 2025, we have 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
**"Inter-University Partnership Study Abroad" refers to studying abroad at universities with which Aoyama Gakuin University has agreements. Students from all faculties, not just School of Global Studies and Collaboration, can apply. Selection involves document review and interviews. For details, please refer to the "Aoyama Gakuin University International Center website."**? -
Q1-2: Can all students who enroll go on undergraduate study abroad programs?
A1-2: In order to go on an undergraduate study abroad program, certain conditions (see below) must be met.
[Study Abroad Program at Inter-Faculty Partnerships]
Applicants must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher in the semester immediately preceding the application. (However, if your GPA falls below the GPA requirement specified by your host institution at the end of the first year, your study abroad program will be cancelled.)
A minimum IELTS (Overall Band Score) of 5.0 is required (by the time of application for inter-faculty exchange programs after enrollment).
To advance to the second year (Requirements for advancement include earning at least 20 credits in the first year, earning at least 6 credits in compulsory English, and taking the IELTS exam after enrollment and submitting a test report form).
To acquire the necessary credits for studying abroad.
[Study Abroad at Inter-University Partnership Programs]
Since this varies depending on the host university, please refer to the "International Center website of Aoyama Gakuin University "mentioned 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.
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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.
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Q1-5: Is undergraduate study abroad required to graduate?
A1-5: In principle, students are required to study abroad in order to graduate from Aoyama Gakuin University. However, if there are unavoidable circumstances, such as when safe study abroad is difficult due to one's physical or mental condition, and Aoyama Gakuin University approves, students may take a domestic course ("Understanding Asia (Elective Required)") in their third year. Passing this course will grant students the credits required for graduation in lieu of studying abroad.
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Q1-6: When will I be studying abroad as an undergraduate? Is it possible to change the date?
A1-6: The timing of study abroad programs at partner universities varies depending on the host university, but students will generally depart between August and October and return between December and February (as of July 2025. The timing may change due to changes in the host university's academic calendar, etc.). The study abroad period is designated by Aoyama Gakuin University and cannot be changed due to personal circumstances. Students will travel to and from the host university on flights designated by Aoyama Gakuin University.
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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
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Q2-1: What happens to the credits I earned while studying abroad?
A2-1: Credits earned abroad will be recognized as credits at Aoyama Gakuin University after completing the necessary procedures upon your return. If there are no equivalent credits at Aoyama Gakuin University, or if you have already taken equivalent courses, it may not be possible to have the credits recognized.
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Q2-2: Where will you be staying during your study abroad?
A2-2: You will stay in accommodation or student dormitories designated or recommended by your host university, and in facilities designated by this Aoyama Gakuin University. As a general rule, you will be sharing a room with two or more other students.
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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
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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).
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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).
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Q3-3: What safety measures are in place while studying abroad?
A3-3: For inter-faculty exchange programs with partner universities, the university, a crisis management company, and an insurance company work together to ensure the safety of students.
Please also refer to the guidelines for continuing, canceling, or returning home from inter-faculty exchange programs.
For information on studying abroad at partner universities, please refer to the "International Center website of Aoyama Gakuin University."
In all cases, it is essential to strictly follow the instructions of the university (Aoyama Gakuin University and the university you are studying at) and to take responsibility for your own safety.