ISEP, a unique program at Tokyo Gakugei University, caters to overseas students seeking an immersive experience in Japan. Participates engage in an Individual Study project, guided by a supervisory professor, exploring topics ranging from social and cultural issues to arts, education, sciences, and other subjects of student interest. Additionally, ISEP offers a diverse selection of English-language courses examining various aspects of Japan across academic fields such as pedagogy, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, arts, and sports. We also provide field study opportunities, including school visits, field trips, and hands-on activities in arts and sports, designed to enrich experiential learning. We warmly welcome students from our overseas partner universities to join ISEP and delve into Japanese culture through both on-campus and off-campus activities. The ISEP academic year consists of two semesters: Autumn Semester (October-February) and Spring Semester (April - August), with the option for enrolment in a half-year program.

*For the years 2024, 2025, and 2026, a select number of students participating in ISEP will have the opportunity to receive a monthly scholarship provided by JASSO (Japan Student Service Organization). Nomination for these scholarships will be conducted through the screening of candidates’ application forms.

1.Individual Study

Individual Study is a mandatory component of the ISEP curriculum. Throughout the academic year, students will undertake their own study projects under the guidance of academic advisors. At the end of the academic year, students are required to submit a paper of approximately English 4,000 words. Alternatively, students specializing in practical academic fields may opt to submit an equivalent form of work, such as a painting. For students enrolled for a single semester, the paper length is reduced to approximately 2,000 words. Upon completion of the projects, students will deliver final presentations to share their findings with their peers and academic staff.

2.ISEP Courses

ISEP Courses are open to both overseas and domestic students from any department or program. For a comprehensive list of available courses and their descriptions, please refer to the PDF files below:

• ISEP 2024 Spring Semester Courses
• ISEP 2023 Autumn Semester Courses

3.Japanese Language Courses

Japanese language courses for students at various proficiency levels are available. These courses are categorized into five levels, ranging from level 5 (elementary) to level 1 (advanced), with each student placed into a level based on a placement test.

• Japanese Language Course descriptions (levels 1-5):

4.Japanese Studies Courses and Multicultural Co-learning Courses

Japanese Studies Courses (nihon rikai kamoku) are conducted in Japanese for overseas students with advanced proficiency in Japanese. These courses cover a wide range of themes including pedagogy, humanities, social sciences, natural science, arts, and sports. Multicultural Co-learning Courses(tabunka kyōshū kamoku) delve into various aspects of Japan and beyond. In these co-learning courses, overseas and domestic students study together, fostering collaboration and mutual learning to enhance their educational experience.

• Japanese Studies/Multicultural Co-learning 2023 Spring Semester Courses
• Japanese Studies/Multicultural Co-learning 2022 Autumn Semester Courses

5.Other Courses

ISEP students are welcome to enroll in undergraduate courses offered by Tokyo Gakugei University. However, since these lectures are conducted in Japanese, enrolment is contingent upon the Japanese language proficiency of students. Students can access the course timetable and descriptions through Tokyo Gakugei University Syllabus Search System, available at: http://portal.u-gakugei.ac.jp/syllabus/

Starting from Autumn 2024, students participating in ISEP must fulfill the following credit requirements per semester:

Total 12 credits, allocated as follows:
1. ISEP Seminar = 2 credits
2. Individual Study = 1 credit
3. Other (e.g., ISEP Courses, Japanese language classes, Japanese Studies Courses, and Multicultural Co-learning Courses) = optional

*Credit calculation:

• ISEP Courses, including ISEP Seminar = 2 credits per course (some courses count as 1 credit).
• Japanese Language Courses = 1 credit per class
• Japanese Studies and Multicultural co-learning courses = 2 credits per course
• Other courses for the Tokyo Gakugei University undergraduate students = 1 or 2 credits per course