Kogakuin University's Original "Hybrid Study Abroad Program" No English Proficiency Required & No Additional Tuition Fees Overseas

Hybrid Study Abroad® is a pioneering initiative—the first of its kind in Japan—developed by Kogakuin University to empower students to take their first step onto the global stage. By lowering the barriers to entry, the program encourages students to "cross the ocean" to build international experience, engage with diverse cultures, and foster a truly global perspective through mutual understanding.

Moving away from the traditional "language study first" model, this program is designed to reduce the hurdles of studying abroad. By gaining extensive and diverse experience directly in international "field" settings, students naturally acquire English skills and a global mindset while building the vital international experience required for a professional Architect.

Key Features of the Hybrid Study Abroad Program

Core University Courses Conducted Entirely Abroad During the Semester

This unique program creates a "hybrid" environment: specialized courses are taught in Japanese by Kogakuin faculty traveling with the students, while daily life is conducted entirely in English.

No English Proficiency Required & No Additional Tuition Fees Overseas

Since Kogakuin faculty provide in-person or remote lectures directly at the host location, no specific English test scores are required for participation. Furthermore, there are no additional tuition fees for the host institution. Students can naturally improve their English through dedicated language support from partner schools and daily immersion.

Improve English Skills through Homestay Living

In the Department of Architecture’s program, students stay with host families in the UK. Living with local residents allows students to absorb international customs and culture through daily life. Additionally, through English classes and campus life, students experience authentic English and the essence of global diversity.

How is it Different from Standard Study Abroad?

Traditional university study abroad programs often require students to enroll in a partner university and take specialized courses in the local language to ensure they earn enough credits to graduate on time. Because of this, students typically had to achieve high scores on English proficiency tests (such as TOEFL or IELTS) as a prerequisite, and were often burdened with additional tuition fees. These factors made studying abroad feel out of reach for many.

The Hybrid Study Abroad program removes the two major barriers—language proficiency and cost—prioritizing the goal of "getting students across the ocean" first. Its most distinctive feature is the hybrid environment: essential courses are taught in Japanese by dispatched Kogakuin faculty to prevent academic delays, while all other English lessons and daily activities are conducted in English. Rather than waiting for English skills to reach a certain level, we provide students who aspire to be global architects, engineers, and scientists with the opportunity to live and learn abroad immediately. In this immersive environment, they naturally acquire global thinking and linguistic skills.

By sending students abroad to gain "numerous" and "diverse" experiences in "real-world" settings, we cultivate their ability to think flexibly, act decisively, and find solutions independently in any situation.

Study Abroad Destination for the Department of Architecture

The destination for the Department of Architecture’s Hybrid Study Abroad is Concorde International in Canterbury, UK. Located in the county of Kent, it is just one hour from London via the high-speed rail link.

The city is a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring Canterbury Cathedral and other historic landmarks. For architects and designers, the city itself is a living landscape of beautifully preserved architecture. It has also been recognized as one of the safest student cities in the UK.

※For more details, please visit the university's Hybrid Study Abroad page.

Voices from Participants

"I was hesitant until the very end, but if you're on the fence, you should definitely go. When you see the architecture here, you’ll find yourself burning the images into your memory rather than just taking photos."

"There are experiences here that you simply can't have anywhere else. Even if you know about a building through photos or books, you won't truly understand it until you feel it with your own senses."

"Thinking about entering the workforce, I believe the ability to communicate with people from different countries is vital. University is a preparation period for society, and through this program, I felt like I was simultaneously preparing myself to go global."

"Study some English beforehand! But the most important thing is just to go. Nothing starts if you don't take that first step. I became much more proactive after participating. I love the atmosphere here where people strike up conversations so easily."

* "Hybrid Study Abroad" and "HYBRID 留学" are registered trademarks of Kogakuin University. * Programs may be subject to change or cancellation due to international affairs or circumstances at partner institutions.