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Plan your study abroad

Preparation and planning for studying abroad

The most important thing when considering studying abroad is to clarify your motivation and purpose. By clarifying your motivation and purpose, you can consider a study abroad program that is suitable for you and have a fulfilling life abroad.
Study abroad programs are becoming more diverse along with the purpose of studying abroad, such as wanting to master a foreign language, deepening knowledge in a specialized field, widening one's international perspective, etc. Please carefully consider the destination (region/country), time and period of study abroad, the subject you want to study, and your career path after graduation, and then think carefully about what kind of study abroad program will be most effective for you.

From enrollment to 1.5 years before departure

Clarifying the purpose of studying abroad

What is your purpose for studying abroad? I want to improve my language skills! I want to broaden my horizons! There are many reasons for studying abroad. Think concretely about your motivation and purpose for studying abroad, as well as your future plans after completing your study abroad.

Purpose of studying abroad and skills you will acquire

Deciding on a study abroad program

Considerations for deciding on a study abroad program
●Which country would you like to go to?
● When and for how long will you study abroad?
●What subjects will you be taking while studying abroad?
● What is your budget? etc.

Specific preparations

Preparation required to meet the eligibility requirements for study abroad programs
● Academic performance (GPA)
● Language ability (TOEFL iBT, IELTS, language proficiency test, etc.)
● Preparation of funds for studying abroad
● Information gathering, etc.

1 year before departure

Information gathering

● Study Abroad/International Exchange Orientation
● Pre-application orientation
● Various study abroad consultation sessions, study abroad seminars and events
● Visit the International Center website
● Consult with the International Center, etc.

Internal selection

● Submit your study abroad application
*You must meet the application requirements, such as language proficiency tests (TOEFL iBT, IELTS, etc.) and GPA, by this point.
● Internal selection by document review and interview

After deciding to study abroad - just before departure

Travel preparation

● Application orientation
● Obtaining a Visa
● Accommodation arrangements (dormitories, apartments)
● Cross-cultural understanding orientation
● Crisis Management Orientation
● Pre-departure orientation
● Airline ticket arrangements
● Arrangements for various insurances, etc.

Preparation for studying abroad

Studying abroad is not all fun and games. When you encounter difficulties, you need to be fully prepared and have the mental strength, language skills, and financial resources to get through them on your own.

Studying Abroad

Please be mindful of your health and safety and enjoy a fulfilling time abroad. Also, please start preparing for your schedule after returning home, job hunting, and going on to graduate school while you are studying abroad.

● Submit a study abroad report

After returning to Japan

Report on returning home

● Returning Home Orientation
● Submit a return report
● Cooperation in events hosted by the International Center
● Advice for those planning to study abroad, etc.

Credit Accreditation

Students can apply the credits they earn at the host university as part of their graduation requirements.

Study Abroad Q&A

[Purpose and Preparation]

  • 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. Different universities offer varying curricula. Exchange students are generally classified as "Non-Degree Students" or "Visiting Students," meaning they are not aiming to obtain a degree. They often do not belong to a specific faculty and can take courses outside of their faculty at Aoyama Gakuin University. However, priority for course registration is often given to students aiming for a degree, and there are some courses that exchange students cannot take, so flexibility is necessary. To avoid a disappointing study abroad experience, it is important to clearly define what you want to study at which university and to do thorough research to choose a university that suits you, rather than just relying on its reputation.

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

    A4. The amount of money needed for a one-year stay varies depending on the study destination and individual lifestyle, but for exchange programs (in English-speaking countries), it is approximately 2.5 million yen or more (if tuition fees are waived). This includes accommodation, food, and textbooks at the study destination, as well as insurance (as specified by the study destination and Aoyama Gakuin University), and round-trip airfare. However, this amount will increase or decrease depending on the study region, accommodation method (dormitory, apartment), and how you spend your long holidays, so please consider this as a guideline.
    Furthermore, regarding financial preparation, in the case of studying in the United States, you will almost always be required to submit an English bank statement proving the above expenses when applying to your host institution after passing the internal selection process. Therefore, it is necessary to have the funds ready after passing the internal selection process.

[Internal Application]

  • Q5 What kind of tests are TOEFL iBT and IELTS?

    A5 These tests are primarily for non-native English speakers who wish to study or immigrate abroad and need to prove their English proficiency. TOEFL iBT and IELTS each have distinct test styles. If you are taking the test for the first time, please carefully consider which one suits you best before taking it.
    Please note that some of our partner universities in Aoyama Gakuin University require the IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration (IELTS for UKVI), administered by the British Council. Since test centers are only located in Tokyo and Osaka, early application is necessary. Also, for any IELTS test, please take the "Academic" version, which is intended for studying abroad.

  • Q6 Can I apply with TOEIC or TOEFL ITP scores?

    A6. TOEIC and TOEFL ITP scores cannot be used when applying for study abroad at Aoyama Gakuin University partner universities or accredited institutions.

  • 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:
    IELTS: There are multiple test providers.
    Japan English Proficiency Test Association (paper test):
    British Council (computer-delivered):
    British Council (UKVI):
    JSAF (Both computer-based and paper-based exams are available):
    Berkeley House (computer type):

  • 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.

System

  • 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.

【辞迟丑别谤蝉】

  • 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 advancement of globalization, opportunities for Aoyama Gakuin University students to travel abroad have increased dramatically. However, as symbolized by the frequent natural disasters and terrorist incidents in recent years, it can be said that there is no longer a safe place in the world. In light of this global situation, when it comes to safety management abroad, please keep in mind the principle of "protecting yourself" and take appropriate measures before and after your trip. In addition, students traveling abroad through study abroad programs handled by the International Center (such as partner university study abroad, accredited university study abroad, overseas language and cultural training, Tobitate! Study Abroad JAPAN Japan Representative Program, internships, etc.) are required to enroll in overseas study abroad insurance designated by the International Center or support services from affiliated crisis management companies. If you are not enrolled, you will not be permitted to travel. Details will be provided by the International Center before your departure, so please follow the instructions.