Preparing for Study AbroadSTUDY ABROAD
Below you will find the outline of study abroad in GLAP and its purposes, together with the schedule of activities leading to study abroad.
This information may vary depending on your year of enrollment. Please check the details at the study abroad guidance session after enrolling in GLAP.
This information may vary depending on your year of enrollment. Please check the details at the study abroad guidance session after enrolling in GLAP.
Purposes of Study Abroad
- To experience the breadth and depth of learning in liberal arts and expand your worldview at one of our international exchange partner institutions, all of which are internationally renowned for their dedication to liberal arts education.
- To discover new potential within yourself, leading to self-realization.
- To grow within diverse cultures and customs into a global leader of the future.
- To improve your communication skills in English, and build broad-ranging interpersonal networks across national borders.
Outline of Study Abroad
| Duration | Approximately one year: from fall semester of the second year to spring semester of the third year |
|---|---|
| Credits | 24 credits:12 credits each for Study Abroad 1 and 2 *The credits earned are counted toward the credits required to graduate. |
| Enrollment status | Enrolled *When studying abroad in GLAP you register “Study Abroad 1 and 2"as the subjects, so you cannot take leave of absence. |
| Costs | Tuition at the host university will be waived (you are required to pay Rikkyo University its tuition) Travel, accommodation and living costs are separately required (about 1,500,000 yen-2,500,000 yen : The cost of studying abroad is subject to change due to the circumstances of our partner institutions or exchange rate fluctuations.) |
Study Abroad Schedule
Preparation for study abroad begins soon after you enroll. It is a busy time, but this preparation must be undertaken in addition to regular pre- and post-class study. It is important to leave plenty of time for preparation to ensure that you make your study abroad successful and productive.
Students must achieve the TOEFL iBT® Test or IELTS™ score set by the respective exchange partner institution by the time of the internal selection. The selection places priority on the student’s academic record and attitude toward learning. If the external English language test scores and GPA（Grade Point Average） do not meet the standards set by the partner institution or GLAP, there may be cases where the student is unable to participate in the study abroad program.
Before Enrollment
- Improve your score on the TOEFL iBT® or IELTS™
- You need a higher score than is required to apply for admission to GLAP
- Submit the original score report to Rikkyo University in late September of your first year
You will need a TOEFL iBT® or IELTS™ score for the internal study abroad selection process, and later when applying directly to an exchange partner institution. Minimum scores for application differ depending on the partner institution.
Almost all partner institutions require a score higher than the one required to apply for admission to GLAP
(TOEFL iBT：72／IELTS：5.5), so you should work to improve the score you had before enrolling in order to expand your study abroad options. (Note: Eiken scores cannot be used in study abroad applications.)
You need to obtain and submit your original score report by the deadline of the internal selection process (late September of your first year).
*The scores are valid for two years.
Almost all partner institutions require a score higher than the one required to apply for admission to GLAP
(TOEFL iBT：72／IELTS：5.5), so you should work to improve the score you had before enrolling in order to expand your study abroad options. (Note: Eiken scores cannot be used in study abroad applications.)
You need to obtain and submit your original score report by the deadline of the internal selection process (late September of your first year).
*The scores are valid for two years.
Spend wisely and productively your time after being admitted to GLAP:
You are encouraged to work on improving your English score!
You are encouraged to work on improving your English score!
Spring Semester of First Year
Scene from a joint class conducted by faculty from an exchange partner institution (held in the 2017 academic year)
- Gather and share information
- Interact with students from exchange partner institutions
- Attend study abroad information sessions
- Improve your score in TOEFL iBT® or IELTS™
In the spring semester of first year, at the same time as exploring suitable host universities,
it is important to work hard in your classes and boost your English score!
September-October of First Year
- Submit application documents: Due by late September of first year
(submit original copy* of English proficiency test scores) *Valid for two years - Interview
The internal selection process will start six months after enrollment. Application documents may include the statement of purpose, academic transcript, and original score report from an external test of English language proficiency. Test types and required scores vary depending on the host university. All scores are valid for two years, so you will need a score issued on or after December 1, that is two years prior to the year of your enrollment. (For example, if you enrolled in the 2021 academic year, your score must have been issued on or after December 1, 2019.)
In the study abroad selection process, emphasis is placed on academic grades and attitude to studies. You may be unable to study abroad if your GPA (Grade Point Average) is lower than the standard specified by the host university or GLAP.
In the study abroad selection process, emphasis is placed on academic grades and attitude to studies. You may be unable to study abroad if your GPA (Grade Point Average) is lower than the standard specified by the host university or GLAP.
For the internal selection, the interview, statement of purpose, GPA, and
external English proficiency test score are reviewed!
external English proficiency test score are reviewed!
From around January of first year – spring semester of second year
- Submit application documents to the host university
- Orientation
- Apply for financial aid, obtain visa, take out insurance and purchase air tickets
When your host university is decided, you are expected to make direct contact with the staff at the host university and begin your application. As a rule, only one GLAP student will be assigned to study at each university, so each student is expected to prepare autonomously. There are a number of important documents to submit, and considerable time is required as the preparations differ depending on the host university. There are also differences in the subjects available and application methods, so it is important to communicate with the staff at the host university and consult with your academic advisor.
For financial aid, you may apply for the Rikkyo University Global Scholarship, and other scholarships offered outside the university. At the same time as preparing for departure, you are expected to take classes to learn the foundations of liberal arts and make your study abroad more rewarding.
For financial aid, you may apply for the Rikkyo University Global Scholarship, and other scholarships offered outside the university. At the same time as preparing for departure, you are expected to take classes to learn the foundations of liberal arts and make your study abroad more rewarding.
Application begins in the first year spring vacation (around January)!
Communicate proactively with your host university, and leave plenty of time to prepare.
Communicate proactively with your host university, and leave plenty of time to prepare.
Around August / September of second year to May / June of third year
- Work on your classes and assignments with goals
- Submit Monthly Reports to your GLAP academic advisor
- Take the initiative to participate in extracurricular activities and dormitory life
In addition to classes and assignments at the host university, you need to submit Monthly Reports to your GLAP academic advisor. You are enrolled in the GLAP subjects, “Study Abroad 1 and 2” during your study abroad, so your final grade at Rikkyo will be determined based on your Monthly Reports besides your grade at the host institution.
During your study abroad, you are likely to reside in a dormitory. You are expected to adjust yourself to the local lifestyle and lead a fulfilling life, while trying to achieve your study abroad goals. In addition to your curricular studies, you are expected to participate in club activities, internships, which may help you build a diverse range of experience that connects with your learning after your return to Japan.
You may get advice from your academic advisor even while on study abroad.
During your study abroad, you are likely to reside in a dormitory. You are expected to adjust yourself to the local lifestyle and lead a fulfilling life, while trying to achieve your study abroad goals. In addition to your curricular studies, you are expected to participate in club activities, internships, which may help you build a diverse range of experience that connects with your learning after your return to Japan.
You may get advice from your academic advisor even while on study abroad.
Make the most of your study abroad experience,
and keep in mind your choice of specialization and career after returning to Japan.
and keep in mind your choice of specialization and career after returning to Japan.
Through the liberal arts education and cultural exchange opportunities on study abroad,
grow yourself as a global leader with a broad outlook of practical experience!
grow yourself as a global leader with a broad outlook of practical experience!
