Introduction
Welcome to Campus Stories, where we look at some of the people, events, and opportunities offered by Nagoya University. Our focus today is on the G30 International Program. This unique collection of courses offers an opportunity for non-Japanese school graduates to earn an English undergraduate degree. Every year, Nagoya University welcomes 40 to 50 new undergraduate students from all over the world into this program.
Overview of the G30 program
Nagoya University's G30 International Program is aimed at international students, and Japanese students who studied abroad or attended international schools in Japan. The courses include Automotive Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Economics, Law, and Japan-in-Asia Cultural Studies (JACS).
What differentiates this program from regular degree programs at Nagoya University is its language of instruction. All courses are conducted in English. This means that a person can earn a degree in any of the fields listed above, all in English, while experiencing life in Japan. This distinctive feature makes the G30 program an excellent choice for high school graduates who wish to study in English in Japan.
Language learning opportunity
Students in the G30 program use English, but living in Japan also lets them learn Japanese. In addition to the language that a person can learn in daily life, Nagoya University offers language courses for beginners and advanced learners. In the first year, all students study Japanese at the same time as their subjects in their area of study. This combination of living in Japan and learning Japanese in the classroom provides an immersive experience. Students gain valuable experience in understanding and appreciating Japanese culture and society, which can impress future employers.
How Nagoya University welcomes new G30 students
Every year, Nagoya University spends about two weeks in the last half of September welcoming new G30 students for admission in October. Some people find it challenging to leave home and adjust to life in Japan at the same time as they must adjust to university life. Nagoya University staff supports the G30 international students through this challenging period. Using September 2023 as an example, we will briefly explain the immediate post-arrival schedule.
In 2023, most of the students arrived in Japan on September 19th. On the same day as they landed in Nagoya, they moved into the dormitory known as Ishida Memorial International Residence Myoken. It is a short walk from Yagoto Nisseki Station on the Meijo subway line and a 10- to 15-minute walk to the Higashiyama campus of Nagoya University. The rent for a room is 32,000 yen per month (about $214 USD as of October 2023) and includes a kitchenette, bathroom and toilet, bed, wardrobe closet, desk, chair, desk lamp, air conditioner and wifi connection.
On September 21st, two days after arriving, the International Admissions Office staff assisted students with enrolling in the national health insurance and registering their residency at the local ward office. The next day, September 22nd, all students took a Japanese language placement test to determine whether they would enter the beginner, intermediate or advanced Japanese class. On the same afternoon, the staff conducted an "information environment setup session" to help students with their Nagoya University email accounts so they could access the online learning system. They also received a university-wide course orientation.
Over the weekend, the new G30 students got some well-deserved rest, but on Monday September 25th, the orientation continued with a bank guidance to set up their accounts in Japan. On the morning of September 26th, the students received a campus tour from current G30 students and then paid for their disaster and accident insurance at the campus post office. This was followed by the G30 enrollment orientation and guidance for students who received a scholarship. On September 27th, students received guidance for their Japanese language classes.
The welcome party for new students was held at lunch on September 28th. New students attended, along with several faculty and staff members. The welcome lunch serves as an ideal platform for students to interact with their seniors and peers. It also provides an opportunity for the Nagoya University community to extend a warm welcome to its newest members.
But after the party, it was back to focusing on academics. On September 29th, students in the Science and Engineering programs completed a mathematics assessment test. The day ended with the annual Information Exchange Session, where current students give advice to incoming students based on their program. Finally, on October 1st, students joined the formal entrance ceremony held at the Toyoda Auditorium.
As you can see, there is a lot of work involved in enrolling in a Japanese university. But the International Admissions Office and Nagoya University staff are always available to assist new students.
Who Should Consider the G30 Program
If you are a high school student interested in studying abroad and majoring in one of the subjects offered in the G30 program at Nagoya University, then it may be an excellent choice for you.
Every student has a different reason for entering the program. For example, one of our students from the United States began learning Japanese as a hobby. She was drawn to Nagoya University because of its small class sizes and seminars for upper-year students. Another student from Vietnam was less interested in Japan but wanted to study chemistry. Her interest in the G30 program sparked when she took part in seminars on chemical engineering in Vietnam, hosted by Nagoya University faculty members. Meanwhile, a Brazilian student who has lived in Japan for eight years joined the G30 program because they wanted to find an English language program. As you can see, the types of students who enter the program really do differ.
How to apply to the G30 program
The G30 application process can be done completely online. First, the candidates must ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria. Second, they need to gather all required documents, such as transcripts, recommendation letters, and proof of English proficiency. The International Admissions Office helps prospective students through the process. The application period for the 2024 admission opens on November 10th, 2023 and closes on December 12th. For more details, visit the G30 International Programs website.
Conclusion
The G30 International Program at Nagoya University is a unique opportunity for students to study several different subjects in Japan. It offers a diverse range of English courses and the opportunity to immerse yourself in a fascinating country. If you have always dreamed about studying in Japan but language barriers have been a concern, this might be the program for you. We encourage students seeking a unique experience to apply to this program for an unforgettable educational experience.
Written by Matthew Linley
Photos by Edmund Rhind-Tutt and International Admissions Office
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International Communications Office, Nagoya University