For questions regarding this program or your application, please email sisabroad@american.edu.
COURSEWORK
Graduate students can choose to follow one of two programs offered in the GSIR, depending on their language ability. In either track, students spend their first year as full-time students in SIS studying in virtually any of the SIS major fields, and then spend their second year studying as full-time students at RU. Up to fifteen (15) of the course credits taken at RU in this second year can be applied toward the SIS degree. Research requirements for each degree must be completed separately as these credits are not transferable to fulfill the respective institution's research degree requirements. The available fields of study, according to language, are as follows:
In Japanese: These programs allow students to take courses alongside the regular, Japanese-speaking graduate student population at the GSIR. They are designed to foster strong analytic skills based on international sensibility, knowledge of contemporary international society, and foreign language skills. There are three options for study:
Global Governance
International Cooperation Development
Multicultural Understanding
In English: Students can enroll in courses offered through the GSIR’s Global Cooperation Program (GCP) with students from all over the world. The GCP curriculum, taught completely in English, focuses on interdisciplinary perspectives for international cooperation in the following areas:
Macro-Economics
Micro-Economics
Development Economics
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT
In Japanese: Students taking coursework in Japanese are required to pass Level 1 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) in order to be considered for admission by RU. Students should have also already worked and/or studied in Japan for a significant amount of time to make a strong application.
In English: Students pursuing the DMDP in English do not need to demonstrate proficiency in Japanese but are encouraged to have at least some background in the language.
ACADEMIC CALENDAR
Spring Semester: April – July
Fall Semester: September - January
REGISTRATION
During the first year at SIS, students register with the advice of their academic advisor to ensure that they will be able to complete all SIS core requirements prior to leaving for RU. In the second year, the following process will be followed:
Students are registered through the SIS Office of International Programs for nine (9) AU-Ritsumeikan exchange credits (SIS-694) in the fall semester and six (6) AU-RU exchange credits in the spring. These exchange credits cover courses at RU only; research and/or internship credit is registered under normal AU guidelines.
Students are required to meet with their AU advisor before registering for courses at Ritsumeikan. This ensures that credits earned at RU can be applied toward the student’s AU degree.
Students register for RU courses once they arrive on-site at RU prior to the start of the semester.
Credit articulation: Grades and credits earned at RU are articulated at AU upon receipt of an official transcript from RU. For conversion purposes, students should expect 1 RU credit to equal 1 AU credit.
TUITION AND FEES
While at AU, students will be billed according to the tuition and fee schedule published by the University.
While at RU, students pay regular tuition, emergency international health insurance, and technology fees to AU. Students do not pay the student activity fee, sports center fee, or SIS fee.
Students are responsible for any incidental costs, such as library fines and lab fees, incurred during the program. Students are responsible for all personal expenses including housing and transportation. Students will pay Ritsumeikan for the Academic Association of International Relations fee and the Autonomous Association of the Graduate Students fee.
HOUSING
There is no graduate student housing at Ritsumeikan. Students must find their own accommodations in Kyoto. The International Relations Office can offer some guidance and support for students seeking assistance with the housing search.
VISA AND IMMIGRATION
Once admitted to the program, students are issued a Certificate of Eligibility by RU. Students then need to take this document, with a passport and visa application, to the closest Japanese Embassy to apply for a student visa.
Students are responsible for researching the most up-to-date immigration requirements and arranging all immigration documents.
STUDENT ORIENTATION
During the semester prior to the start of the program, the SIS Office of International Programs conducts a mandatory pre-departure meeting. Topics covered include administrative, logistical, security, health, and cross-cultural issues. RU also holds an orientation for students at the beginning of the semester.
HOW TO APPLY
Complete and submit the RU application to the SIS Office of International Programs (OIP) by the specified deadline for the semester in which you intend to study abroad. Applicants are required to submit a non-refundable $50 application fee. Payment details are included in the online application. Students may not apply directly to Ritsumeikan University.
After all applications are received and reviewed, students will then be notified by e-mail from OIP with a decision regarding their nomination for study abroad.
Once nominated, you will be instructed to complete the RU application which requires the following information:
Completed paper application
Research proposal
Personal statement
Pledge
Letter of recommendation from an SIS faculty member
Original transcripts
Health certificate
Copy of passport photo page
Three passport quality photos
OIP will collect all paper applications and supplemental materials and mail them directly to RU.
RU makes the final admissions decision and corresponds directly with Program participants regarding all admissions and enrollment matters.
The Program is competitive, and applying does not guarantee admission.