Global Liberal Studies

Global Liberal Studies (GLS) is an interdisciplinary major that helps students acquire the broad skills and knowledge of the social sciences and humanities needed to become independent thinkers, lifelong learners, and responsible global citizens in a rapidly changing world. The major is fully English-medium instruction (EMI), in which all classes are content-based and taught by professors from various academic fields within the humanities and social sciences. Thus students must already have English as their first or second language as a foundation for successful study in the program. Students also go through a rigorous Japanese language program, so the desire to achieve a high level of Japanese proficiency is vital.

Our Voices

Julian Mondano,

3rd year student from the Philippines

“Find your core value : you can achieve anything you put your mind to.”

"I particularly enjoy classes where I feel free to express myself on different contemporary social issues. This happens not only in English-medium classes, but also in advance Japanese language classes, which I find particularly challenging. Classes are content-based and professors engage us in discussion, giving us the opportunity to learn Japanese vocabulary on different current topics.
This is beneficial for my future goals as my objective is to work in a global humanitarian organization or in a government representative institution. It will not be an easy goal as I will have to complete a master degree first but I strongly believe that the key is to find your core value: you can achieve anything you put your mind to. Work hard and trust yourself!"

Interviewed in June 2023

Cherry Junaedy,

3rd year student from Indonesia

“Classes are focused on discussions on current topics I'm passionate about.”

"The GLS major is part of the brand-new School of Global Studies, and I am very proud to be one of the first students to graduate from it. I enjoy classes at the university as they are focused on discussions and presentations. This feels refreshing compared to high school classes where students are mainly asked to open a book and study.
Especially, Professor Esposito's seminar is a perfect match for me as the topics addressed are all current issues I am particularly passionate about: environment and animal protection, waste reduction, and marine pollution. I am open to different paths for my future but I would love to be involved in the promotion and protection of the biodiversity, teaching future generations to love and respect our precious environment."

Interviewed in June 2023

Rong Gu,

1st year student from China

“Nagoya is the best city to study in, and the campus feels like a smaller version of the world.”

"I came to Japan to broaden my horizons and acquire multifaceted thinking and communication skills. Chukyo University's campus is like a smaller version of the world, with exchange students and degree seeking students from all over the world. It is stimulating to see the differences in the way of thinking and to experience cross-cultural communication.
I believe Nagoya is the best city to study in if you want to avoid hectic metropolises such as Tokyo and Osaka. I am planning to apply for graduate school at Nagoya University. In the future, I would like to work for an international organization such as the United Nations and contribute in resolving poverty and support the international development of Africa.
By the time of graduation, I hope my English and my Japanese will be at the same level as my mother tongue."

Interviewed in June 2023

More Voices

Message from Faculty

James D'AngeloProfessor

Preparing Leaders for The 21st Century

Chukyo University has opened the School of Global Studies to nurture human resources who will be active on a global stage. The Global Liberal Studies major has been created as part of this program. Here is an opportunity for international students and returnees to meet and learn together. The educational goal of the GLS major is to foster human resources who can find practical solutions to issues shared around the world. This requires language skills for negotiation and deliberations, as well as an understanding of various cultures, analytical skills, and ethics, from a global perspective. Through the wideranging studies in the GLS major, we hope to refine the students’ abilities so they can show leadership that will create a better world. Japan’s role in Asia and in the world will become more important. This is why it is significant to study in Japan. I hope to apply the connections I have created at international conferences and my experience as a professor to support the growth of each student. Tell us your dreams, and take your first step toward that dream at GLS.

John EspositoProfessor

Learning and experiences that connect the world

In the GLS major curriculum, I am in charge of Environmental Issues, World Civilization, and Media. I hope that through their studies, students will learn that the world is connected. I want them to understand that the issues each country faces are actually connected, and cannot be solved just on their own. Students from various countries will gather at the GLS major. It is a truly international place. You will realize that there are many ways of thinking through exchanges with your classmates, Japanese students in other majors and faculties, and with people of the community. You will have the chance to learn about Japan during your studies here. You will also have opportunities to travel throughout Japan, and learn about local cultures and differences in values. You will have many valuable experiences during your studies in Japan, just as I have had. Come to GLS to gain an international education and sense. We welcome you here at GLS.

What You Can Do Here

Curriculum

Syllabus Search

Electives

GLS students can take a variety of English-medium classes from other majors in the School of Global Studies. These classes include but are not limited to the following:

Intercultural Communication	Global History	International Politics	International Development	English Language
Introduction to Theory of Culture	Introduction to Global History	Introduction to International Politics	Introduction to Development Studies	Changes in English
Glocal Studies in Japan	History of Modern Japan	Lecture on Foreign Policy	International Development Policy	Special Topics in English Linguistics
Workshop in Intercultural Communication Research	Special Topics in Global History	Special Topics in International Politics	Special Topics in International Development Studies	English Language

English Literature	Philosophical Anthropology	International Economics	International Business	Linguistics
Understanding Film and Popular Culture	Introduction to Philosophy and Humanities	Introduction to International Economics	Introduction to International Business	Introduction to Linguistics
Understanding Fiction, Drama, and Poetry	Comparative Thought (East and West)	Lecture on Economic Policy	Lecture on Cross-cultural Management	Current Topics in Linguistics
Media Literacy Professional English	Special Topics in Philosophical Anthropology	Special Topics in International Economics	Special Topics in International Business Studies	Special Topics in Linguistics

Language Education

Along with core and elective courses the School of Global Studies offers a World Language Program whereby GLS students earn 30 or more credits of Japanese language education. GLS can accommodate students from those who have never learned Japanese before to advance learners. Chukyo will help you find your place on the learning continuum, if necessary starting you on the path to building your fundamentals, step by step. With always a purpose of attaining an advanced understanding of Japanese linguistic structure.

Capstone

Finally, senior students work with one faculty member on a capstone project which allows them to integrate what they have learned of a particular culture or discipline into a broader global framework. The final project may take the form of a traditional thesis, or an alternative project format, mutually agreed upon with the faculty advisor.

Extracurricular

Campus Life - Extracurricular

GLS students can also take part in Chukyo University's renowned sports programs which has produced a number of Japanese Olympians. From Soccer and Baseball to American Football and Hockey.

Ice Hockey Club
American Football Club
Ultimate Team (Men's)
Ultimate Team (Women)
Weightlifting Club
Kyudo Club
Kendo Club
Hardball Club
Baseball Club
Golf Club
Soccer Club (Men)
Soccer Club (Women)

Cycling Club
Automobile Club
Judo Club
Semi-Hardball Baseball Club
Rhythmic Gymnastics Club
Swimming Club
Ski Club
Skating Club
Soft Tennis Club (Men)
Soft Tennis Club (Women)
Softball Club (Men)
Softball Club (Women)

Gymnastics Club
Table Tennis Club (Men)
Table Tennis Club (Women)
Dance Club
Cheerleading Club
Basketball club (men)
Basketball Club (Women)
Badminton Club
Volleyball Club (Men)
Volleyball Club (Women)
Handball Club (Men)
Handball Club (Women)

Fencing Club
Lacrosse Club (Men)
Lacrosse Club (Women)
Rugby Club
Athletics Club
Track & Field Hockey Club (Men)
Track & Field Hockey Club (Women)
Recreation Club
Aikido Club
Karate Club
Shorinji Kempo Club

There is also Chukyo's various clubs and societies to consider. A great way to interact with other students on campus, improve your communication skills, and learn about Japanese culture and society.

Drama Club "Ikazuchi" Theatre Company
Light Music Club New Sounds Jazz Orchestra
Mixed Chorus
Tea Ceremony Club
Broadcasting Club

Natural Science Research Group
Calligraphy Club
Brass Band
Chukyo Cinema Club
Philharmonic Orchestra

Electronic Computing Organization Study Group
Astronomy Club Ursa Minor
Art Club
Folk Song Club
Manga Kenkyukai
Historical and Cultural Studies Group

Japanese Music Club
Comic Art Club Unicorn
Sound Communication
Child Welfare Activity Club
Chukyo University Harujimai
Broadcasting Club TMP

International Students Events

Campus Life - International Students Support

Chukyo also holds a variety of intercultural events throughout the year to strengthen the bonds between international students and the native Japanese students here at Chukyo. There is something for everyone.

Tuition and Fees

At Chukyo we categorize tuition and fees into our student visa holding international students and the non-student visa holding students. Consider which category best describes your situation when reviewing the information in this section.

Student Visa Holder

To allow international students to focus on their studies without worrying about their financial situation, Chukyo University offers all international students with a student visa the Chukyo University Tuition Support Scholarship for International Students. This provides for 30% of a student’s tuition fees. Students are automatically enrolled in their first year at Chukyo but must meet minimum credit requirements for subsequent years studying at Chukyo. The minimum completed credit requirement for the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th academic years are 28, 65, and 102 credits respectively.

Note: The above is current as of 2023. Specific details may change over time.

The figures below reflect 1 year of tuition and fees at Chukyo University:

Enrollment fee: ¥200,000; $1,490; €1,380
Tuition fee: ¥624,750; $4,670; €4,317
Facilities fee: ¥367,500; $2,747; €2,540
Misc. expenses: ¥50,000; $370; €340
Total: ¥1,242,250; $9,287; €8,584

Note: Payment of the Enrollment Fee is required only at the time of enrollment. All fees and tuitions at Chukyo are paid in Japanese yen. None Japanese Yen currency figures are estimates based on an exchange rate of - 133.76 and - 144.71 (which are averages over 2023), rounded to the nearest tenth. We recommend you refer to current exchange rates when estimating tuition and fees.

Non-Student Visa Holder

Enrollment fee: ¥200,000; $1,490; €1,380
Tuition fee: ¥892,500; $6,672; €6,167
Facilities fee: ¥367,500; $2,747; €2,540
Misc. expenses: ¥50,000; $370; €340
Total: ¥1,510,000; $11,288; €10,434

Note: Payment of the Enrollment Fee is required only at the time of enrollment. All fees and tuitions at Chukyo are paid in Japanese yen. None Japanese Yen currency figures are estimates based on an exchange rate of - 133.76 and - 144.71 (which are averages over 2023), rounded to the nearest tenth. We recommend you refer to current exchange rates when estimating tuition and fees.

Scholarships

1. Chukyo University Scholarship for International Student

Available from your second year, Chukyo offers the "Chukyo University Scholarship for International Students" which provides financial assistance to international students with outstanding academic performance.

Subject	Privately funded international students who have excellent academic performance but which for financial reasons are having difficulty continuing their studies.
Number of Applicants	Up to 7 undergraduate students
Recruitment Period	Spring Semester: April Fall Semester: October
Monthly Payment	45,000 yen
Payment Period	Spring Semester: April - September (6months) Fall Semester: October - March (6months)

Note: The above is current as of 2023. Specific details may change over time.

2. Chukyo University Tuition Support Scholarship for International Students

Please see the Student Visa Holder paragraph under the "Tuition and Fees" section above.

3. US Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)

Chukyo also accepts the US Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33). Chukyo University is a US Department of Veterans Affairs-approved institution.

Please refer to the VA's website for how to receive the benefit.

4. Additional Scholarship Opportunities

Additionally, eligible students may be able to apply for scholarships from the Japanese Government's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO), local government, local international associations, and various private foundations. After enrollment, Chukyo University provides information as to which scholarships are available and that you might be eligible for.