The Washington College in Japan program is a Tuition Only Exchange Program. Meiji Gakuin University (MGU), founded in 1877, is one of the oldest private institutions in Japan and has a long history of international cooperation in education. Over the past century, MGU has grown significantly and today includes two campuses, Shirokane and Yokohama. Both campuses provide international students with numerous opportunities for participation in the academic and social life of the university.
Some proficiency in the Japanese language is preferred, but no longer required.
The MGU program for International students from exchange institutions provides an opportunity for English-speaking students to pursue undergraduate studies for a semester or academic year. This program follows the Japanese academic calendar and consists of two semesters: April-July and late September-January. Students may enter the program in either April or September. The aim of this program is to provide a creative environment for serious study and discussion of the many issues facing Asia and the Pacific Rim.
Washington College students will study on the Yokohama campus, where, in addition to Japanese language study four days per week, students enroll in a number of elective courses and seminars offered by various faculties that are taught in English. Some courses require prerequisite knowledge and permission of the instructor.
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MGU includes two campuses, in the heart of Tokyo (Shirokane) and the other in the more spacious suburban setting of Yokohama. Students will live in a quiet residential district in central Tokyo (Okusawa), with easy access to both the Shirokane (approximately 30 minutes door to door) and Yokohama (approximately 60 minutes door to door) campuses.
MGU maintains an off-campus co-ed dormitory located in Okusawa, Tokyo for its ISP participants. The dormitory (MG Okusawa House) offers an environment fit for academic pursuit. All students must stay in the dormitory for admittance to the International Program.
MG Okusawa House offers single occupancy rooms with shared kitchen, shower, bathroom, laundry facilities and lounge area. Rooms come equipped with a desk, chair, closet, bed, linen and internet access.
Grades & Credits
JGU Grades |
WAC Grades |
WAC GPA |
S 90-100 |
A |
4.0 |
A 80-90 |
A- |
3.7 |
B 70-79 |
B |
3.0 |
C 60-69 |
C |
2.0 |
R 50-59 |
D |
1.0 |
F below 50 |
F |
0 |
A full course load at Meiji Gakuin University is 16 credits per semester and 32 credits for the academic year. If you take a full course load at MGU, you will receive a full course load at Washington College (16 credits/semester; 32 credits/academic year). If you take less than the full course load you will NOT receive a full course load at Washington College.
JGU Credits |
WAC Credits |
4 credits |
4 credits |
2 credits |
2 credits |
1 credit |
1 credit |