An Introduction to Meiji Gakuin University’s Department of Global and Transcultural Studies

日本語版はこちら

Nestled into Meiji Gakuin University’s modern “eco campus” Yokohama campus in Totsuka, the Department of Global and Transcultural Studies (GTS) brings together students from Japan and around the world in an English-rich, internationally focused learning environment.

GTS is part of Meiji Gakuin’s Faculty of International Studies, which was the first of its kind in Japan when it was founded in 1986. The aim of GTS is to prepare students to navigate the cultural, economic, political, and social impacts of globalization on the domestic and international scales.

An International Environment

GTS is located on the beautiful Yokohama campus in Totsuka and connected by rail to Tokyo, Kamakura, and the greater Kanto region. The campus itself is compact and walkable, with facilities designed to support both study and student life.

GTS offers classes in English, allowing students to earn a Bachelor’s degree entirely in the language. Students also have the option of enrolling in a range of courses taught in Japanese offered by the Department of International Studies, also part of the Faculty of International Studies.

For many students, the immersive, English environment is what makes GTS stand out.

In GTS, students learn alongside peers from across Japan and around the world. Half come from Japan—37% from the domestic system and 13% with experience abroad or at international schools—while the other half is split evenly between international and exchange students.

GTS prides itself on its high teacher-student ratio and active, discussion-based learning approach. The average lecture class size is 23 students, and the average seminar class size is 6 students. This allows students to receive more focused attention from instructors and creates an environment where all students are engaged in discussing ideas and sharing their opinions.

Curriculum Overview

The GTS program is both broad in scope and tailored to each student’s academic interests. This is achieved by taking an interdisciplinary approach to studying issues in globalization which begins from a broader perspective and narrows as students specialize in an area of interest.

Students can expect lessons taught by experts in four core fields: Cultural Studies, Sociology and Anthropology, Economics and Business, and Political Science.

In their first three semesters after admission, students take a combined “Introduction to Global and Transcultural Studies” seminar, taught by four faculty members from different academic disciplines.

From their fourth semester, students can begin to narrow the scope of their learning. From their third year, a “Life and Career Development” course helps students prepare for life after graduation.

In their third year, students also take research methods classes which lead to their fourth year Graduation Project. This project consists of either a longer research paper, or a shorter paper accompanied by a media presentation.

Students completing their Graduation Project will also present their research findings in Poster Presentations, promoting the sharing of information between students and faculty and putting academic English skills acquired through the program into practice.

The department’s Academic English Program is designed to support academic English language skills from the beginning of the program. It is accompanied either by classes in Japanese as a second language, or, for students already proficient in Japanese, in one of a number of other languages.

GTS Language Programs Academic English | Japanese Language

In addition to a number of study abroad programs offered by Meiji Gakuin’s International Center, GTS students have access to a unique Double Degree Program with San Francisco State University, in which it is possible to obtain degrees from both institutions in an average of five years. GTS students can also take part in a Japanese Language Teaching Assistantship in Australia, as well as Business internships at Japanese companies in Hong Kong.

Along with access to internship, practicum, and both short and longer term study abroad opportunities in the four years in GTS, students will also take part in academically relevant field trips and a Field Study Seminar.

Past field trip locations include the Tokyo Stock Exchange, where students learned about financial instruments and economic concepts, and Enoshima, where third year students conducted a cultural survey of the island.

The Field Study Seminar brings learning off campus or abroad on a one or two week trip to connect learning themes to a location through intercultural exchange, visits to relevant sites and museums, and participation in activities and events.

Alumni Voice

Students and alumni credit their time at GTS for both personal growth and preparation for their careers. Just as students come to the Yokohama Campus with different histories, they are empowered by the immersive learning environment, unique experiences, and breadth of educational opportunities at GTS.

For more about the student experience at GTS in their own words, visit the Student Voice page on the GTS website.

Open Campus

Meiji Gakuin holds open campus events at the Yokohama and Shirokane campuses during the summer season. While the Yokohama event took place on August 1-2, GTS will also attend the Shirokane event on August 21-22. Planned events include the following mock lessons:

Blue Ocean Strategy
Have you wondered why companies like Nintendo or parking services like Times became a huge success? The answer is in their business strategy. Join the class to learn more.

What Is Transcultural Studies?
In the study of cross-border culture, culture is viewed as something that is constantly changing and adapting to new contexts. Using Disney animated films as an example, we will explore the possibilities of global culture while considering the changes and challenges that arise when culture crosses national borders.

Keep an eye out for the official event schedule and registration details on their open campus event page.

Admissions

In addition to an entrance exam, GTS offers two options for comprehensive (AO) admissions. More information for how to apply is available through the admissions page, or at an open campus event.

Admission Information: Japanese | English

The GTS program aims to prepare students to find their place in a shifting global environment and to expand their view of the world and Japan through a transdisciplinary education.

Find out more on the official website.