I know, I know… Why would you want to read about courses and academics, of all things? You’d prefer to binge-watch the next season of your favourite Netflix show released last Wednesday or spend the following 3-minute reading time rotting in bed. Trust me, I’ve been there. I, in fact, am there writing this, so I get it.
But honestly, it’s important for me to share why I chose Keio specifically as an exchange option out of the variety of Japanese universities available via the 360 exchange program.
As a business student, the answer was simple: courses.
Trying to find courses that transfer properly into your degree is hellish. A nightmare. With the university trying to ensure you get an education that matches its standards, it can be complicated and confusing. Email, emails, and emails. I am probably infamous from the sheer level of emails I have sent in my university career.
Enter Keio, my lifeline when it comes to business courses in Japan.
Currently, I am studying courses from the Faculty of Economics and the Faculty of Business and Commerce (FBC). It is the latter that I wish to commend and talk about.
Currently, I am enrolled in many English-speaking classes at the FBC, which make up part of the Global Passport Program (GPP). This honours program, which has been going strong for 10 years as of 2024, brings together Japanese students and those from overseas (International, exchange, and double degree). Bringing together these student groups culminates in diverse experiences, opinions and viewpoints, enriching the learning environment.
Does it sound like I’ve been paid to write this? I truly wish that were the case, but I’m being for real. GPP offers a lot to the students participating in the programme, from prominent academics in the field teaching classes to a chance to socialise with local students. From the programme conducted in English, I have had an opportunity to make real lifelong friends, which can be challenging in a foreign country, and I have GPP to thank for this.
Currently, I am enrolled in 4 GPP Courses, with the final being a workshop:
Marketing Data Analysis – Professor: Miyuri Shirai
Consumer Psychology in Global Markets – Professor: Naoko Moriyoshi
Economic Growth – Professor: Keisuke Otsu
Macro Environment and Marketing – Professor: Caroline Tan
GPP workshops allow for the practical use of what we have learned at university. Applying theory to real-world problems, cases, and presentations from global origins enables us to practise what has been preached. GPP offers my first authentic experience of interactive, global discussions with other students and academics. Classes are small, usually less than 80 students, with discussion paramount to the class’s success. This differs significantly from what we’re used to, with lectures typically conducted to hundreds of students. We are encouraged to present our ideas; participation makes up much of the course grade.
For teaching staff as well, GPP offers a change of pace. Professor Moriyoshi, a prominent, experienced academic (as well as my Consumer Psych Professor), has been a driving force behind the GPP program. Speaking to Professor Moriyoshi, I asked the following questions:
-In one sentence, what does the GPP offer?
“The GPP provides students with educational opportunities both on and off campus to develop skills to adapt to a rapidly changing world while still in Japan.”
-As an educator, how do you think the GPP program differs from those courses usually offered at other universities?
“The program is versatile and encompasses a variety of activities to facilitate interactions among members, including courses, workshops, guest talks, hosting overseas visitors, off-campus visits, and overseas field trips.”
-For students, what do you think is the greatest benefit of the programme?
“GPP students can gain a global mindset by engaging in coursework and activities with like-minded international students.”
GPP offers a diverse learning experience, from classroom discussions and varied assignments on global topics to special events such as multinational corporation factory visits, foreign university meetings and guest lectures. This is the type of experience only available at Keio. To UoA students (especially those enrolled in a BCom or BGlobalSt), I recommend you give it a go.
For the programme brochure: https://www.students.keio.ac.jp/mt/files/2024/2/6/GPP_0204_WEB.pdf
Tip: Get in Quick – these courses are some of the first to fill up 🙂