Kyoto Gakuen University
Before you meet with an education abroad advisor be sure to complete the "Advising Form" linked at the top of this page.
Please note that you will not be able to apply for semester or yearlong education abroad program until you've met with an education abroad advisor. To make an appointment, please contact internationalprograms@noctrl.edu or call the Center for Global Education at 630-637-5132.
Program Overview
Spring Semester/Full-Year
Eligible students must be junior or senior standing with at least two years of college-level Japanese with a preferred GPA of 3.0.
Kyoto Gakuen University (KGU) is a private institution of 3,300 students, comprised of two campuses: one in the historical city of Kyoto and one in neighboring Kameoka.
Students who major in economics, business administration, history and cultural studies, nursing, speech and hearing sciences study in Kyoto, while students majoring in psychology, health and sports sciences and bioenvironmental science study in Kameoka.
Both campuses provide opportunities for North Central College students to join clubs and use athletic facilities, computer centers and student health services, as well as a campus bookstore, library and cafeteria.
Most students have individual or small-group Japanese language tutoring and, depending on their level of Japanese proficiency, may also take content courses taught in Japanese. In particular, international students may attend classes that explore distinct aspects of Kyoto’s heritage. The traditional culture class includes activities such as tea ceremony and Noh drama, and the fieldwork class gives students the opportunity to explore historical sites. Optional internships are available for students to work at Kyoto Gakuen Junior and Senior High School as assistant teachers.
Academics
Students are required to complete GLS 277 in the spring term prior to studying abroad.
Students usually earn between 9-12 credits depending on course load and length of stay. All grades earned abroad affect students North Central College GPA when transferred back. Students cannot take courses pass/fail.
Note: Students must have courses pre-approved by North Central College prior to taking them abroad. If students change their course schedules while abroad, they must get this change approved. Some departments only permit students to take a certain number of courses that count toward their major abroad; by getting all courses pre-approved, this ensures that these courses will count towards their degrees.
Housing and Meals
Students live in pre-arranged apartments.
Meals: meals are not included in the program cost. Students prepare their own meals in a shared kitchen with their roommates.
Estimated Costs
Students pay North Central College tuition and fees to North Central College. A $30 non-refundable application fee is due at the time of application submission. Students received a stipend/scholarship to cover housing and meals. Students are personally responsible for paying airfare, health insurance, departure tax, books, extra personal travel and spending money, as these items are not included in room and board fees. North Central College financial aid does apply.