Overview

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad, formerly known as AsiaLearn, offers semester and year abroad programs with Musashi University. Musashi University is a small private institution located in the quiet residential area of Tokyo’s Nerima ward. Musashi enrolls approximately 4,000 students in the faculties of Economics, Humanities, and Sociology. The university was established in 1949 and is part of the Musashi Academy which was founded in 1922. Musashi University’s intimate campus environment affords students the opportunity to forge close relationships with classmates and faculty alike.

Quick Links

General Information about GlobaLinks Learning Abroad programs 

Location

Tokyo is, without a doubt, a city on the cutting edge… of well everything- architecture, technology, fashion, food, and pop culture. Studying abroad through the GlobaLinks Learning Abroad, Musashi University program and you will be able to discover all that Tokyo has to offer. Spending your semester in Tokyo will allow you to become immersed in the daily life of the locals. The university is located in the Nerima Ward about 20 minutes from popular areas such as Ikebukuro and the Shinjuku neighborhood.  The Nerima Ward features a small shopping district filled with stores and restaurants that serve the daily needs of the local residents and students. 

Don't leave Tokyo without:

• Visiting Roppongi Hills
• Getting up early to go to Tsukiji Central Fish Market
• Taking a traditional bath in an Osen
• See the grounds at the Imperial Palace

 For an in-depth look at Japan click here!

Academic Highlights

Musashi University developed the East Asian Studies Program specifically to address the needs of international students who wish to learn Japanese language while also perusing East Asian Studies courses instructed in English. The small class sizes, strong student supportive services, and a community-oriented university atmosphere make Musashi a place where students can connect with instructors, staff, Japanese students, and local culture. 

The East Asian Studies Program offers Japanese language courses each semester from beginner to advanced level. Typically, four or five English-instructed East Asian Studies courses are follered each semester in the follownig areas:

• Japanese Diplomacy
• Sino-Japanese Relations
• East Asian Economies
• Identities in Contemporary Japan
• Globalization in East Asia
• Japanese History
• International Political History of East Asia
• East Asian Business
• Anthropology of Japan and East Asia

Housing

All student housing accommodations at Musashi University are located off-campus. GlobaLinks Learning Abroad participants are invited to live in the Rikko Kaikan Residency within walking distance of Musashi University. Rikko Kaikan is an international student dormitory with over 100 residents. Students have their own room with shared bathroom on each floor. Communal showers and kitchen facilities are located on the first floor. Kitchen facilities (gas & electricity), laundry and showers are coin operated. Individual rooms are charged monthly for electricity and phone usage. Internet access is free.

Bridging Cultures Program

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad semester/year participants will participate in a multi-day Bridging Cultures Program in Asia, prior to arriving at their host university. For more details on the Bridging Cultures Program CLICK HERE.

Scholarships Available

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad strives to offer the most reasonable abroad fees to Asia.  To further enhance the affordability of the semester/year study abroad programs, we encourage you to apply for scholarships through all available scholarship sources.  Learn more about our scholarship opportunities.

Special Programs/Excursions

Tokyo is an amazing place to experience. From its quaint, “as-it-once-was” neighborhoods of the Shitamachi district to the trend setting centers of Omote Sando, Shibuya, and Harajuku to the soaring scapes of Marunouchi, Shiodome, and Shinagawa, Tokyo is as much the past as it will be the future.

The International Student Services department at Musashi organizes regular cultural activities and excursions for students at an additional cost. Here is an example of the excursions they have done in the past:

• Nagatacho-Imperial Palace-Yasukuni shrine
• The National Museum (Ueno Park)
• The Showa Museum
• Tsukiji -Hamarikyu gardens-Shiodome
• The National Diet and political party headquarters
• Hiking at Mt. Takao
• Hiking in Kamakura
• Asahi Brewery-Warp Station Edo
• Edo Museum to Asakusa temple walking tour
• Riding the Toden

We will also pair you with a local student so you have an instent friend in our 'Campus Mate' program. This is a peer-to-peer program with the purpose of assisting international students in adjusting to campus life. In addition, Musashi University's has various club activities in which you are encouraged to participate. Through these programs you will make friends and memories that will last a lifetime.

Get Involved Abroad

Community Involvement

While abroad, we recommend getting involved in your local community. It's an awesome way to meet locals, experience the true Japanese culture, and create long lasting memories. From volunteering to festival-going, we challenge you to make the most of your international experience... See a how to live like a local and become involved with community activities available in Japan or discover your own upon arrival!

You'll get a taste of how enriching community involvement can be during your first few days in Japan on GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Bridging Cultures Program. The program includes one day of pre-arranged volunteering with the local community. You'll interact directly with locals while giving back to and sharing your own culture with the community that first welcomes you to Japan.  Plus, you can continue your volunteer efforts throughout the semester making a profound impact on the local community.

Learning outside the Classroom

Tokyo is the academic hub of Japan; no other location can offer as many stimulating lectures or exposure to a wide range of perspectives on a weekly basis. Monthly field trips and study tours provide students with opportunities to learn about and engage in Japanese society, its culture, and traditions. The
East Asian Studies Program at Musashi University is dedicated to providing students with a comprehensive and worthwhile educational experience, both inside and outside the classroom.

Enhance your Experience

Global Citizens Development Modules

The new Global Citizen Development modules are online learning components designed to help you explore your study abroad destination and experience at a whole new level. These modules are not mandatory, however we strongly encourage your participation as they will introduce you to the opportunities and challenges you may encounter when participating in a study abroad program, as well as expose you to cultural insights and knowledge about your host country to help make your program abroad even more successful and fulfilling. Through the 3 modules, you will refine your skills in cross-cultural observation, adaptation, and communication. 

Learn the Local Language!

• LiveMocha - Prior to departure you will receive information and instruction for, LiveMocha, an online language learning program to help you learn your host language. Learn at varying levels and at your own speed. Get started now!
• Lonely Planet Guide & Phrase Book - For both language learning and culture/history/country specific inforamton you will receive a Lonely Planet Guide and Phase book before departure, which will allow you to start planning your adventures and learning how to communicate with locals.
• Additional Language Resources - To even further your language skill take a look at some of these optional language learning tools.
• Basic language practice during the GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Bridging Cultures Program (BCP) - for semester/year programs students will participate in the AsiaLearn BCP and have the opportunity to practice their language skills and learn a few new words through interaction with locals.

Course Catalog

To determine if the classes you need are available at this university, select ‘Courses/Subjects’ to view the specific course options.

Photo Slideshow

Watch a slideshow of photos highlighting the GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Japan Programs!

Fees

Fee Includes

Program Fees are in US dollars and include tuition for 12-16 credits, on-campus student fees, official transcript, overseas health coverage, airport pick up charges, introductory survival language training, in-country GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Bridging Cultures Program, pre-trip services such as: orientation materials, visa-processing service and fee, personal advising, subject selections, liaison with your home university, credit transfer assistance, financial aid services, and alumni support.

Fee Advice

Dates

Entry Requirements

Programs in Asia Coordinator

Name: David Grove Title: Manager, Programs in Asia Department: BIO: David is the Manager for Summer, Semester, and Year abroad programs in Asia. A former alumnus of AustraLearn, David studied abroad at Massey University in Palmerston North, New Zealand. He has traveled extensively in New Zealand, Australia, South Korea, Costa Rica, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic. David holds a B.S. in Psychology from Appalachian State University in North Carolina, and when not in the office is either biking, playing sports, or enjoying the mountains.