Discovery Programfor Global Learners

PROGRAM GUIDE 2025

Why
GDP?
Discovery Program for Global Learners (aka GDP)GDP is a bachelor's degree program where students from abroad(international students, returnee students, etc.) and students who
graduated from high schools in Japan study together with English
as a common language.

The key

POINT

1

POINT

3

Personalized
Interdisciplinary
Curriculum
Enables students to create
their own curriculum by combining courses
from different academic disciplines.

Collaborative
Environment
POINT

2

Collaboration and interactive learning
nurtures multicultural awareness andthe ability to approach issues frommultiple perspectives to develop
problem-solving skills.

English-Based Program
Allows students to study in selectacademic disciplines in English.
Students with advanced Japanese proficiency
can take some courses in Japanese as well.

2

Discovery Program for Global Learners

C ONTENTS

word is "Diversity"!
POINT

5

POINT

4

Practical
Experience
Students become active and competentglobal talents through practical learning
such as projects, internships, laboratory
work, fieldwork, and volunteering.

Student Support
Multiple faculty members and staff
are available to support each student
and their unique learning needs.

2-3 Why GDP?
4-5 Where are you from?
6-7 Learning at GDP
8-9 Curriculum Plan
10-11 Discovery Track（DT）
Student Voices
12
Alumni Voices
13
14-15 Matching Track（MT）
Alumni Voices
16
Meet the GDP Faculty17
18-19	Student Life
Language Education
20
Course List
21
Senior Project22
Study Abroad
23
Career Support・
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31

Employment・Graduate Schools
Introduction to Student Activities
Why Okayama? /Why Okayama University?
CAMPUS MAP
Arrival Support /International Student Shared House
Tuition / Scholarships / New System forHigher Education Study Support
Admissions・Information Sessions and Open Campus
FAQ

Discovery Program for Global Learners

3

Main Nationalities of Previous GDP Students

RussiaOctober 2022 Entrant

Ekaterina Ivanko

RussiaLithuania

Korea

Kazakhstan
PolandUzbekistan

Direct flights are available
from Okayama!

Nepal
China
Seoul★
Shanghai

Bangladesh

Mauritania
India

SenegalNigeria

★

Laos

★

Japan

Okayama★TaipeiTokyo

Okayama-Tokyo
1.5 hours by airplane

Hong Kong

South
Sudan

TaiwanMyanmarKenya

ThePhilippines
Liberia

Ghana

Thailand

Tanzania
Malawi

Sri Lanka

Cambodia
Malaysia

South
AfricaOctober 2022 Entrant

Joan Silole Mpaayei

Discovery Program for Global Learners

VietnamMadagascar

Kenya

4

Indonesia

Malaysia
April 2023 Entrant

Jun Heng Yong

Students come from all over the world, including Africa, Asia, Europe, North andSouth America, and Oceania.

You can make friends
from various countries
and regions!

CanadaAmericaTokyo is connected toabout 110 cities in Japanand abroad.

America

April 2022 Entrant

Karen Ambrose

MyanmarNicaragua

October 2021 Entrant

LIN THU KHA HTAIKIndonesia
October 2022 Entrant

Aisyah Shobrina

Nationality

Socialist Republic of Vietnam
People's Republic of China
Republic of the Union of Myanmar
Republic of Indonesia
Republic of Korea
Kingdom of Thailand
Republic of the Philippines
People's Republic of Bangladesh
United States of America
Republic of Poland
Taiwan
Malaysia
Lao People's Democratic Republic
Republic of Nicaragua
Russian Federation
Republic of Uzbekistan
Republic of Ghana
Federal Republic of Nigeria
Republic of South Sudan
Republic of Liberia
Republic of Senegal
Republic of Kenya
Kingdom of Cambodia

Number ofInternational
Students Currently
Enrolled

13
11
10
7
5
4
3
3
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
(As of October 2023)

Discovery Program for Global Learners

5

Learning at
Students acquire the skills needed
to succeed in the rapidly changing worldGDP
Students learn the basics oftheir desired field of specialization until they are assigned
to a seminar or lab.

"I narrowed down the field ofstudy I wish to pursue.""I wasn't confident in my language
skills at first, but I felt reassured
and comfortable with the support
I received!"

1

P!

PU

STE

st Year

P
STE

2

UP!

nd YearChoose a field of interest
Create one’s curriculum

POINT!

Students can take courses across schools
and tracks if they meet the requirements!

Enrollment

Pre-Sessional Program

Conduct Senior Project in English
with a GDP faculty member

Enhancing language skills
according to individual
proficiency level and enriching
the foundation that leads tointernationalization
Select a track at the end of
the first year

Choose from three interdisciplinary
clusters

See 10for more details

Conduct Senior Project in Japanesewith a faculty from one of the 8 schools/1 faculty.

Matching Track
Select from the 8 schools/1 faculty ofOkayama University
See 14for more details

SUPPORT

Academic Advisor (AA)Academic Advisors (AAs) will advise students on course selections, exchange programs, and career paths.
Mentors
Mentors support and guide students intheir daily lives. They coordinate with AAs,
course instructors, faculty members, andstaff in other schools/faculty as needed.

6

Discovery Track

Discovery Program for Global Learners

How did you
chooseyour track?

Our graduates are working
and studying in a wide rangeof global arenas!
The Senior Project presentation will be given in English.

"Apply what I’ve learned so far to
my Senior Project!"

3

P
STE

UP!

SeniorProject

4th YearWork on Senior Project, the pinnacle of four
years of studies, with an eye on post-graduation career pathsrd YearJoin a research seminar and gain adeeper understanding of the field ofspecialization

Sociology, Anthropology,
Political Science
Economics, Management,
Philanthropic Studies
Environmental Chemistry, Physical
Chemistry, Solid State Physics

Senior ProjectGraduation

Degree Conferment Ceremony
Practicum Courses (Experiments)

Senior Project Presentation
School of Letters

School of
Education

Faculty of Law

School of
Economics

School of Science

School ofEngineering

School of
Agriculture

Faculty of Health Sciences,
Medical School

Department of Pharmaceutical
Technology,School of
Pharmaceutical Sciences

See 22 for more details※ Stages of a student’s studies at GDP will differ depending on their field of interest, timing and duration of study abroad, etc.

Discovery Track
The ability to explore different
fields of study first, and thennarrow down to a focus, wasvery appealing
to me.

April 2022 Entrant

Karen Ambrosefrom Ohio Virtual Academy(USA)

Discovery Track
The variety of courses helped
me to fulfill my interests andcareer goals such as politics
and sociology.

October 2022 Entrant

Aisyah Shobrina

from the Republic of Indonesia

Matching Track,
Faculty of Law
I wanted to study international law in depth and become a
global leader who could workin international institutions.

Matching Track,
School of Agriculture
Gain a wide range of knowledge and experience frommy studies at GDP and the
School of Agriculture.

April 2021 Entrant

April 2023 Entrant

from Ehime University
Senior High Schoolfrom Okayama Prefectural
Kasaoka High School

Kokoro Nuno

Kaito Hirose

Discovery Program for Global Learners

7

October enrollment?
April enrollment?

October Enrollment, April Enrollment

Can we study
together?

Curriculum Plan
学びのスケジュール
4 th term

1st term

st
Year

2

2 nd term

3 rd term

4 th termnd
Year

2 nd term

1

3 rd term

1st term

2

2 nd term

3 rd term

4 th term

Discovery Seminar❷❶

October Enrollment

2 nd term

Discovery Guidance(English)❶

1st term

Discussions with October
students require a high levelof English conversation.
I was nervous at first, but
gradually improved my skills!

4 th termstYearDiscovery Seminar

Discovery Guidance(Japanese)

April Enrollment

April 2023 Entrant

Kaito Hirose

from Okayama Prefectural
Kasaoka High School

st
Year

1

Discovery Seminar ❷ will
be taken with students
entering in April of thefollowing year
Language skills are honed
through active interaction
between October and April
students!

October 2022 Entrant

Aisyah Shobrina

from the Republic of Indonesia

Discovery Program for Global Learners

3

2 nd term

3 rd term

4 th termrdYear

When choosing your courses each term, consider your interests and prerequisite
requirements for advanced courses. As soon as you finish the required lower-level courses,
you can enroll in the more advanced courses regardless of your year or time of admission.

1st term

8

1st term

3 rd term

4 th term

1st termndYear

1st term

2 nd term

2

3 rd term

3

2 nd term 3 rd term

4 th termrdYear

1st term

nd
Year

❷

Discovery Guidance(English)

1

3 rd term

Discovery Seminar

2 nd term

Discovery Seminar

October Enrollment
in the previous year

1st term

Discovery Seminar
Students join this collaborativeclass that facilitates learning
through discussion and group
work. Each class is a mix of April
and October entrants for a totalof approximately 20 students.
Students take this class threetimes during their degree program.

FYI
What about
graduation?

October admission is mainly for overseas
students and returnee students, andApril admission is mainly for high school
students studying in Japan.

Q&A

Senior Project

Senior Project

Discovery Seminar

October 2022 Entrant

Ekaterina Ivanko

from the Russian Federation

I worked very hard on
my Japanese studies!

I wish to enroll in October. Is Japanese❸Proficiency in Japanese at the time of admission is not

Senior Project

4 th term

Q proficiency necessary?

mandatory, but if you have scores from the Japanese
Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) or other tests, they

Senior Project

Discovery SeminarA

will be considered. In any case, it is recommended toApril 2023 Entrant

Jun Heng Yongfrom Malaysia

take Japanese language courses to enhance proficiency.
Especially for those wishing to pursue a science-related
field, it is necessary to take lectures offered in Japanese in
the relevant department to deepen specialized knowledge.
Therefore, students should aim to achieve the N2 to N1
level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test before❸

attending lectures in other faculties. N5/ N4 is recommended
for daily life.

3 rd term

Senior Project

Senior Project

Discovery Seminar

3

rd
Year

4 th term❸

2 nd term

Q

If I wish to enroll in April, why is proficiency
equivalent to the Japanese Language
Proficiency Test (JLPT) N1 required?

A

If you enroll in April, all orientations will be conductedin Japanese. Therefore, proficiency equivalent to theJapanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N1 is required.

Q proficiency required?

I would like to enroll in April. Is English

Off-campus workshops
are fun and memorable ♪

The common language at GDP is English. It is necessary
to have a certain level of English proficiency at the timeAof admission. For those who have not received education
in English as the official language of instruction in the last
five years, submission of scores from English proficiency
tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, or Eiken is required during
the application. English proficiency will be comprehensively
assessed based on interviews, high school grades, andApril 2022 Entrant

Yuka Yamashita

from Okayama Prefectural
Yakage High School

other factors. For reference, most GDP courses are taught
at the intermediate level or higher.
Discovery Program for Global Learners

9Study in English at GDP

Discover y Track
In the first year, students explore GDP's
interdisciplinary coursework and gradually
narrow down their focus and main interests.
By the end of the second year, students finda specific discipline to pursue for their
Senior Project completed under theguidance of a GDP faculty member.

Why studyin the Discovery Track?

10

Discovery Program for Global Learners

The most appealing aspect of the Discovery Track is that students
can study in the various fields of arts and sciences, such as sociology, political science, economics, and environmental chemistry, with peers coming from diverse backgrounds across theworld. For example, in a class where students discuss "colonialism," they can hear directly from their classmates whose countries
have been colonized in the past and learn about the history andfeelings of people from those countries. Stories from some distantworld known only in textbooks are realized and students are madeaware of new perspectives that vary immensely depending on the
country and environment in which they grew up. At GDP you canexperience this multifaceted kind of learning - gaining knowledge
and sharing your opinions with others from multiple viewpoints,
deepening your learning and, ultimately, finding the subject you
truly wish to explore.

Three Interdisciplinary Clusters
Sociology·Anthropology·Political Science

Cultural Diversity andCommunities

Introduction to Political Science

There are diverse customs and ways of thinking within
what is considered one culture. Sociology, anthropology,
and political science value such awareness and cultivate
multifaceted perspectives by questioning what we havetaken for granted.

Economics·Management·Philanthropic Studies

Social Innovationand EntrepreneurshipStudents learn knowledge, skills, and how to manageorganizations to solve various social problems such as
poverty, unemployment, and environmental degradation
through economics, management, international
development, and philanthropic studies.

Nonprofit Management andSocial Entrepreneurship Practicum

Environmental Chemistry·Physical
Chemistry·Solid State Physics

Transdisciplinary
Sciences
Integrating and developing knowledge and technologies
from various fields such as environmental chemistry,
physical chemistry, solid state physics, and agriculture isessential to pioneer a sustainable future for our earth.
Quantum Physics and Atomic Structure

Q&A
Q
A

If I choose the "Social Innovation and
Entrepreneurship" cluster, can I take classes
in "Transdisciplinary Sciences"?

Q

Yes. The term "cluster" only refers to agroup of courses, so you can take courses
from any cluster.

A

If I choose the Discovery Track, can I stilltake classes in other departments?

Yes. It is possible to take courses offered inJapanese in other departments if you meetthe requirements.

Discovery Program for Global Learners

11

S t u d e n t Vo i c e s

y
r
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v
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c
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October 2022 Entrant

Ekaterina Ivanko

from the Russian Federation
Cultural Diversity and Communities / Discovery Track
Anthropology isn’t much present in Russian Universities
as a major. Before coming to the GDP, I’d never thoughtthat the thing I was the most interested in my entire life wasactually a field of study called Anthropology! The format of
GDP courses turned out to be to my liking as well: small
discussion-based classes, where interaction between
students and teachers are close and highly encouraged.
I would say that the GDP has provided me with enoughopportunities and attention for my academic interests todevelop, which has given me a clearer understanding offurther directions in life!

October 2021 Entrant

LIN THU KHA HTAIK
from the Republic of the Union of Myanmar
Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship / Discovery Track
I have immersed myself in the social innovation and entrepreneurship cluster at
GDP, focusing on economics, management, and non-profit organizations. Notably,
the diverse coursework, including politics, sociology, and even agriculture, has
improved my thinking and provided practical insights. One standout experience
involved exploring the potential of producing beer from honey, which is both apossible business idea and a unique project that encapsulates my interdisciplinary
approach. In addition to academic pursuits, my involvement in extracurricular clubs
such as boxing, innovation, and Model United Nations, and participation in eventsand school trips which I greatly enjoy have enriched my journey. As I embark on
my career at Ryobi Holdings post-graduation, I reflect on a truly enjoyable andtransformative experience at GDP. I genuinely hope that incoming and prospective
students will have a wonderful time at GDP, finding joy, growth, and fulfillment.

Stude
nt's
Voice

April 2022 Entrant

Yuka Yamashita

from Okayama Prefectural Yakage High School
Cultural Diversity and Communities / Discovery Track

I am studying cultural anthropology and sociology. Bothof them require self-reflection and questioning about
what is considered to be normal. I used to be so locked
into Japanese social norms and expectations that I neverthought to question them or think for myself about what "I"
really wanted to do. When I entered GDP, for the first time I
felt capable of listening to my own heart. I also experienced
lots of learning beyond the classroom and textbook. For
example, I joined the Okayama 1/10 marathon, and went tomovies and an opera show. I have gained many valuable
experiences in Okayama with my friends and professors
who come from diverse backgrounds.

12

Discovery Program for Global Learners

A l u m n i Vo i c e s
MAY MYAT SU KYIfrom the Republic of the Union of Myanmar
March 2024 Graduate
Discovery Track/ Transdisciplinary Sciences

y
r
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v
o
c
s
i
D
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c
a
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Place of Employment

Mitsubishi Electric Company

I found GDP quite appealing because of the flexibility to take various
classes from interdisciplinary topics such as sociology, political science,
economics, and environmental chemistry. When I was applying touniversities, I was not sure what field or what area of focus I wanted todo. But in GDP, I was able to explore different areas of courses and I
was able to choose what fits me the most. After graduating, my plan is
to work at Mitsubishi Electric Company, where I aim to be involved indeveloping products that are used globally and contribute to creating
innovations that have a worldwide impact.

Sonava Tadao

from Kingdom of Cambodia
September 2023 Graduates
Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Discovery Track
Graduate School Name

University of Toronto

I am currently pursuing a postgraduate degree in counseling psychology
at the University of Toronto, Canada. This decision was, to a large
extent, motivated by what I learned and took away from courses like
Sociology and Philanthropic Studies at GDP. I have found that thesecourses not only nurtured my intellectual skills as a student but also
cultivated my cultural and emotional sensitivity, shaping the way I
see and connect with the world as a reflexive individual as well as acompassionate member of society.

Airi Yamamoto

Gradu
ate
inter
view

from Sekolah Pelita Harapan, the Republic of Indonesia
March 2024 Graduate
Discovery Track/ Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Place of Employment

NTT DATA Global Solutions Corporation

My academic journey at GDP significantly shaped my career, mainly
due to its multidisciplinary nature. The management course broadened
my perspective on human resource management and encouraged theintegration of knowledge across different disciplines, catering to myvaried interests. Moreover, conducting the course in English with active
discussions helped me develop my discussion and critical thinking
skills, essential competencies in any professional setting. Despite thechallenges posed by online learning during the pandemic, GDP helped
me develop necessary skills like resilience and adaptability, which are
crucial for my career advancement. The combination of this diverse
educational experience and the competencies I developed at GDP waspivotal in securing a job that aligns with my interests and leverages mystrengths.

Discovery Program for Global Learners

13Studying in Departments outside GDP

Matching Track
Study your field of interest in Japanese under the guidance of
faculty advisors from 8 schools/ 1 faculty of Okayama University.
April 2021 Entrant

April 2020 Entrant

Schools of Kwansei Gakuin

from the Federal Republic of Nigeria

School of
Kei Fukushima
Letters
from Senri & Osaka International
I took German classes for three years in high school, and I
wished further to pursue the language as my specialization, so I
chose the Matching Track to study German at the School of Letters. Through my studies, learning a third language will positively
impact my first and second languages, Japanese and English. I
am interested in sports journalism and hope to work in this areain the future using the language skills I have developed in GDP
and the School of Letters.

April 2021 Entrant

Kokoro Nuno
from Ehime University
Senior High School

Faculty ofLaw

To become a future global leader, I decided to enter GDP, where
I could study with students who have international backgrounds.
I took classes in English in a wide range of academic fields, including sociology, political science, and economics. I wanted to
study international law more deeply to realize my vision of the
future, I am currently on the matching track and a member of theInternational Law Seminar in the Faculty of Law. I am currently
researching international regimes to protect the conservation andsustainable use of marine biodiversity.

April 2023 Entrant

Jun Heng Yongfrom Malaysia

School of
Science

As I planned on taking the “Matching Track” to the physics department of the
School of Science, I have already taken some of their courses starting fromyear 1. Apart from the hard content, my first challenge was to understandwords written in academic Japanese. It is because most of the textbooks andreference books will be written in such a way that I was not familiar with andwill need more time to understand the context. Other than that, there are still
many difficulties that lie on my path. My way to tackle these obstacles is todo things step by step and have things planned before doing them. Although
the studies were hard, I got to learn the most knowledge.On the other hand,classes from GDP helped me a lot in various aspects. Most of the classes areprovided in English and intend to connect studies from high school to university. I also took some Japanese lessons from GDP, which was quite helpful, andI managed to get my N1 proficiency (JLPT). Overall, they may not have many
advanced classes, but you can explore your interests by taking these classes.

14

Discovery Program for Global Learners

Chigaemezu Olaedo School of
Education
Ibegwam
I am primarily taking courses offered in Japanese in the School of Education
under the Matching Track. During the corona pandemic, I had difficulties
adjusting to taking classes online and on-demand, but the professors andthe Academic Advisor were very kind to help me overcome this difficulty. I
also take classes in English at GDP; GDP provides an environment wherestudents can acquire the skills and knowledge required in a global society.
Overall, GDP provides a fulfilling learning environment with many opportunities for development. In the future, I would like to apply my knowledge andexperience to provide a fair learning environment for children with intellectual
disabilities.

April 2020 Entrant

Mizuki Ishiga
from Tottori Prefectural
Kurayoshi High School

School of
Economics

I am studying social innovation at the School of Economics. The
seminar I participated in at the School of Economics provided
an environment in which I could thoroughly pursue my field ofinterest under the generous guidance of my professors, and I
was able to spend a fulfilling student life with abundant learning
opportunities. I apply the proactive learning attitude I cultivatedthrough GDP in activities such as homeless support initiatives
and joint lectures with Thai students, which encouraged me tofurther deepen my learning. After graduation, I plan to work forthe local prefectural government. I will make the most of mystudies at GDP and the Faculty of Economics to contribute to thedevelopment of my hometown as a glocal human resource.

October 2017 Entrant

Seonghwan Cho
from the Republic of Korea

School ofEngineering

I am currently taking classes from the faculty of engineering, andit would be a lie if I said I had no difficulties in learning. Asidefrom the fact that I’m learning an unfamiliar language, the contents of the lectures were also quite challenging. With the help
from teachers in GDP and the faculty of engineering, I managed
to continue my journey in engineering and will start on my seniorresearch next quarter.

■ Classes in the School of Agriculture
Agricultural Science

School of
Agriculture(English- Japanese Hybrid Program)

October 2019 Entrant

Made Dayita Priya

Chemistry of Mineral Elementsfrom the Republic of Indonesia

I am studying Resource Management in the Schoolof Agriculture under the Matching Track. It wasn't
easy initially because I was the only international
student in my Agriculture class. But after a while, I
took it as my opportunity to practice my Japanese
language abilities. I am also taking business management and economics courses. Such learning
opportunities were something I could only have hadwith GDP. Studying at the university has helped me
to become more independent and responsible formyself. I am planning to pursue my master’s degreein ecosystem services.

Science of Fruits
Peaches grown at Okayama
University’s agricultural farm
were given to students duringclass.

Before Choosing the Matching Track

In the School of Agriculture under
the Matching Track, international
students can take basic scienceand agriculture courses in English
while studying Japanese lan guages during their first two yearsof university. From their second
year, students will star t taking
classes offered in Japanese at the
School of Agriculture while taking“Academic Japanese to improvetheir language skills.” They willtake courses with the School of
Agriculture students starting fromthe 3rd year. Considering this, it isrecommended that students beginlearning Japanese on their own
before enrolling in the program.

About Senior Project

Matching Advisor (MA)for consultation!

The Senior Project Advisor (SPA)of each school/faculty willsupervise students who haveadvanced to the Matching Trackfor their Senior Projects.

Students who wish to pursue a Matching Track can consult
the Matching Advisor (MA). MA liaises and coordinates withfaculty members of other departments and provides support
and guidance to GDP students who wish to study and conduct
their Senior Projects in Japanese.

Q&A
Q

I am interested in the Matching Track. Can I
be sure that I will be able to enter my desired
department?

A

No. Placement in the department of your choice
i s n o t g u a r a n t e e d . To e n t e r y o u r p r e f e r r e ddepartment students must meet the requirementsof that department. Sometimes the department
does not have openings to accept GDP students.
Your Academic Advisor will help you navigate the
Matching Track process.

Q

What level of Japanese language proficiency isrequired if I wish to apply for the Matching Track?

A

Most courses offered in other departments aretaught with academic Japanese. If you would like totake these courses, you should pursue a high levelof academic Japanese. For non-native Japanese
speakers we recommend the equivalent of the JLPTN1 level.

Q

If I choose the Matching Track in the Facultyof Economics, can I still take Discovery Trackcourses?

A

Yes. It is possible to take Discovery Track classes.

Q

If I choose the Matching track, does that mean
I have graduated from the department of my
choice?

A

No. You will graduate from GDP with a Bachelor ofArts and Sciences degree.

Q

If I choose the Matching Track, can I obtain alicense for a professional career like a nurse,
elementary school teacher, or pharmacist?

A

No. It is not possible to obtain a license to work as anurse, elementary school teacher, or pharmacist.
Discovery Program for Global Learners

15

A l u m n i Vo i c e s
INGYIN PHOO

g
n
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h
c
t
a
M
k
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a
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T
from the Republic of the Union of Myanmar
March 2024 Graduate
School of Engineering / Matching Track
Place of Employment

NTT DOCOMO

I have been taking courses from the Mechanical and Systems
Engineering program of the School of Engineering under the Matching
Track since my first year. Due to the corona pandemic, my first faceto-face class was in my third year, but I passed all the courses thanks
to the professors and their efforts in making the courses enjoyablefor students. The most challenging part for me was that I did not havefriends at the beginning, but I joined a Weight Training club and wasable to form new friendships through it. I would like to work hard NTT
DOCOMO after graduation.

Miwako Ohara

from Okayama Prefectural Okayama Daianji Senior High School
March 2024 Graduate
School of Economics / Matching Track
Place of Employment

JAPAN PATENT OFFICE

The program allowed me to study across faculties to follow my curiosity
and inquisitiveness and I could find my interests and direction. The
experiences of fieldwork sparked my interest in learning about social
innovation and deepened my studies in sociology and management.
Aside from that, all my experiences in France, where I made the decision
to study abroad to gain an international perspective of business as well
as exposure to other cultures and values through life, have given me
confidence. After graduation, I would like to play a part in supporting
Japanese economic development and contribute to society by continuing
to expand my professional knowledge.

Akiko Oda

Gradu
ate
inter
view

from Bina Tunas Bangsa School, Indonesia
September 2023 Graduate
School of Agriculture / Matching Track
Graduate School Name

Molecular Biology,
Humboldt University of Berlin

My experiences in GDP were profoundly meaningful. Within GDP, I
encountered challenges and joys in developing new ideas across diverse
academic domains. The deep friendships and collaborative enjoyment
fostered during teamwork were the most remarkable aspects. Postgraduation, GDP's emphasis on flexible thinking and problem-solving
has proven invaluable in my professional journey, here in Germany.
Moreover, the specialized knowledge gained in GDP significantly
contributes to building my career in my chosen field. The skills andexperiences cultivated through this program have become invaluable,
propelling me toward growth and success.

16

Discovery Program for Global Learners

Meet the GDP Faculty
Cultural Diversity and Communities
Haeng-ja Chung

Haruna Miyagawa

Cultural Anthropology,
The Intersectionality of Ethnicity
and Gender, Japanese Studies

Global Sociology, Migration,
GenderKimiko Osawa

Tak Uesugi

Gender and Politics

Medical Anthropology &Environmental Anthropology

Ph.D. (Sociocultural
Anthropology), UCLA

Ph.D. (Political Science),
University of
Wisconsin-Madison

Ph.D. (Sociology),
Arizona State University

Ph.D. (Management),
The Chinese University ofHong Kong
Leadership, International Management, Human Resources Management

There are two full-time
faculty members

Ph.D. (Anthropology),
McGill University

Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Yuanyuan Gong

School of Agriculture

Academic English &Japanese

Yumiko Yamamoto
Ph.D. (Economics),
University of Utah

Gender and Development,
Care Economy

Aubra Bulin

Takayuki Yoshioka

Ed.D. (Educational Leadership),Dallas Baptist University

Ph.D.
(Philanthropic Studies),
Indiana University

TESOL (Teaching English to
Speakers of Other Languages),
Higher Education

NPO/NGO, Philanthropy,
Co-production

Transdisciplinary Sciences
Michinobu Mino

Ph.D. (Physics),
Okayama University
Solid State Physics,
Nonlinear Phenomena in Magnetic
Materials

Jian Tang

Ph.D. (Physical Chemistry),
Graduate University for Advanced Studies
Physical Chemistry,
Laser Spectroscopy,
Applied Analytical Chemistry

Yuka Hayashi

Doctor of Letters,
Kyoto University
Linguistics,
Japanese Linguistics,
Ryukyuan Languages

Md Azhar Uddin
Ph.D. (Chemistry),
Tokyo Institute ofTechnology
Catalysis; Adsorption;
Energy Conversion

Discovery Program for Global Learners

17Student LifeR e a l s t u de nt e x pe r i e nc e s . . .
What are your future dreams and goals?
Prior to entering college, I had various interests which led me to not know what or where I
wanted to focus on; but, I now concentrate on environmental studies, specificallyenvironmental anthropology. Throughout my university life, I have also developed a deeper
interest in marketing, communications, and creating visual and creative content; though
they first started as mere hobbies of mine, I have now been thinking about how I may beable to utilize these alongside the knowledge that I have gained as a GDP student. With
this, I do hope to be able to work in an environment that would allow me to engage withthese interests of mine as well as work towards safeguarding a safer future. The bigger
goal that I have had for multiple years now is to make a positive difference. I aim to beable to do impactful work and give back to society or help ensure that sustainability andinclusivity are included in development discourses or projects. If I am given the opportunity,
I want to be able to give back to my home, the Philippines, as well.

October 2020 Entrant

Kristen Michaela Dimacuha Guevara
from the Republic of the Philippines
Cultural Diversity and Communities,
Discovery Track

What surprised me when I came to Japan
After coming to Japan I was surprised by the efficiency of public transportation andhow bike-friendly the cities are. It is actually one aspect that I enjoy most about Japan!
Alongside this, I was also surprised by how much paper Japan still uses.

Weekly Schedule

Daily Schedule

1st term (AY2022)

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

6：00

Getting up

7：30

Part-time job

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

Japanese
Agriculture andRural Society

Environmental
Issues and Recycling
Processes ofResources

Japan in the Ageof Globalization
2

Anthropology ofMemoryAnthropology ofMemoryEnvironmental
Issues and Recycling
Processes ofResources

Feminist Ethnic
Studies9

I work hard 1-3 mornings
a week!
12：00

Lunch

13：25

Lectures
Reviewing class withfriends

Topics in Japanand Beyond I

10

15：30

Study

17：00

Dance club activities

20：00

Coming back home

21：30

Study

24：00

Going to bed

4th term (AY2022)

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

1
2
3
4

Gender in Global
Context

5

Environmental
Anthropology

6
7
8
9
10

18

Gender in Global Communication
Context
in English 2

Research
SeminarAdvanced
English（IGS）
Advanced
English Skills for
Discovery
Students

Discovery Program for Global Learners

Film and
Literature

Study in preparation
for lectures!
Prepare for readings
2 to 3 days in advanceWhat are your future dreams and goals?
My future dream is to bridge the gap between youth and the elderly in my community in
Kenya, positively impacting both groups. I aim to achieve this by leveraging the knowledge,
experience, opportunities, and network I gain through my journey abroad. In pursuit of thisdream, my immediate goal is to attend graduate school and deepen my understanding andexpertise in the field of science.

What surprised me when I came to JapanI was introduced to dishes such as raw fish, like sashimi, which wascompletely new to me and surprising since raw fish is not commonly
eaten in Kenya. In addition, I encountered unsweetened teas, such as
green tea, unlike the sweetened tea I was accustomed to back home. I
vividly remember ordering black coffee in a cafe, assuming it would be sweetened, only torealize it was unsweetened, which was surprising at first. However, over time, I adapted tothese cultural differences, and now I feel comfortable drinking unsweetened tea or adding
sugar to my coffee.

October 2022 Entrant

Joan Silole Mpaayei

from the Republic of Kenya
School of Agriculture, Matching Track

Walk to school ♪
Weekly Schedule

Daily Schedule

4th term (AY2022)

1
2

MON

TUE

WED

THU

Japanese 1-2

Japanese 1-2

Japanese 1-2

Japanese 1-2

Agrochemical
Bioscience 1 Analytical
Chemistry

ChemicalBonding and
Molecular
Structure

Discovery
Guidance[Winter]Introduction
to Agricultural
Sciences345English Seminar

6

Introduction toAgricultural Sciences

7
8

FRI

7：00

Getting up

8：20

Going to school

9：00

Lectures start

12：30

Lunch

Delicious kebab fromthe food truck on campus

Japanese lunch in theschool cafeteria

Genetics andMolecular
Biology

1st term (AY2023)

MON
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

TUE

Japanese 2-1

AppliedMicrobiology 1

WED

THU

FRI

Japanese 2-1

Japanese 2-1

Japanese 2-1

Basic Kanji &Vocabulary 1

Agrochemical
Bioscience 2 Biological
Chemistry

Introduction to
Applied Plant
Science I

Discovery
Seminar II

Planning for your
Career: Basic Steps

Beginning
French I -1
(Conversation)

On weekends, I take walks and cyclearound Okayama City. I sometimes
eat out and have Indian food.

13：20

Afternoon Lectures

18：00

Club activity or Part-time job

21：00

Coming back home

23：00

Going to bed

ub!
po cl
i Kem
j
n
i
r
Sho

Video callswith family

Discovery Program for Global Learners

19Language Education
Academic / Career Japanese at GDP
International students in GDP who plan to takecourses offered in Japanese in other faculties/
departments or to find employment in Japanare welcome to take Academic Japanese andCareer Japanese courses offered by GDP.

Japanese language courses at
Okayama University
The Department of Japanese Language at Okayama University
offers a variety of Japanese courses to help students develop
their language skills. Courses range from level 1 (beginner) to level 7 (advanced). Students take a placement test during orientation
to determine the most appropriate level and then select Japaneseclasses that suit their goals (e.g., integrated classes, skill-basedclasses, topic-based classes). Academic Japanese courses arealso available to Discovery students who take coursework in Japanese.

Nihongo Cafe Sakura
Nihongo Cafe Sakura is a place where international and Japanese
students can meet and communicate using Japanese as a common language. The relaxed and welcoming environment provides
students with the chance to deepen their exchanges by discussing
various topics.

Academic English
English for Academic Purposes (EAP) is an advanced type ofEnglish curriculum that helps students build academic skills in
English. The goal of the EAP classes is to prepare students to be
successful in GDP content courses. EAP classes build English
skills that focus on improving reading and comprehension of advanced texts, improving writing to express advanced academic
opinions, improving speaking to participate in class discussions,and improving listening to understand important information in
lectures.

Discovery Writing Service
Students can bring their writing assignments to the Discovery
Writing Service and receive personalized feedback from a writing
tutor to improve their writing skills.

Student Tutors

October 2020 Entrant

YUMI Jnifar Gillur

from People's Republic of Bangladesh

20

Discovery Program for Global Learners

October 2020 Entrant

TRAN Mai Vien Thi

from Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Course List
COMMON COURSES

Cultural Diversity and Communities

Agricultural Sciences◆ Discovery Seminar I◆ Discovery Seminar II◆ Discovery Seminar III◆ Introduction to the use of English◆ Intermediate English at University◆ English Seminar◆ Applied Language Skills for Discovery
Students◆ Academic Japanese Training I◆ Academic Japanese Training II◆ Career Japanese(JLPT N2)◆ Ethnographic Fieldwork I◆ Ethnographic Fieldwork II◆ Ethnographic Fieldwork III◆ Internship◆ Study Abroad◆ Independent Study◆ Research Seminar◆ Special Research for Senior Project◆ Senior Project◆ Feminist Ethnic Studies◆ Korean Diaspora◆ Global Sociology◆ Culture and Illness◆ Anthropology of Disaster◆ Anthropology of Food
◆ Sociological Imagination◆ Introduction to Political Science◆ Introduction to Japanese Politics◆ Cultural Anthropology◆ Topics in Japan and Beyond I◆ Sociology of Migration I◆ Sociology of Migration II◆ Urban Sociology◆ Logic and Methods of Social Inquiry◆ Medical Anthropology◆ Environmental Anthropology◆ History of Social Thought◆ Comparative Politics◆ Japanese Politics◆ International Politics◆ Sex Work and Emotional Labor◆ Topics in Japan and Beyond II◆ Colonialism and War◆ Anthropology of the Self
◆ Globalization and Development◆ Gender in Global Context◆ Seminar in Medical Anthropology◆ Anthropology of Science◆ Anthropology of Memory◆ Ethnographies in Medical Anthropology◆ Topics in Political Science I◆ Topics in Political Science II◆ Topics in Political Science III◆ Topics in Political Science IV◆ Introduction to Agricultural Sciences◆ Introduction to Agrochemical
Bioscience◆ Introduction to Environmental Ecology◆ Introduction to Applied Plant Science I◆ Introduction to Applied Plant Science II◆ Introduction to Animal Science◆ Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry◆ Laboratory in Biology◆ Basic Field Practice◆ Agrochemical Bioscience 1- Analytical Chemistry◆ Agrochemical Bioscience 2- Biological Chemistry◆ Agrochemical Bioscience 3- Organic Chemistry◆ Introduction to Forest Ecosystem
Science◆ Ecological Approach to Sustainable
Agriculture◆ Economics, Management and Technology
Progress in Japanese Agriculture◆ Crop Science and Production◆ Plant Disease and Control◆ Vegetable and Flower Science◆ Crop Genetics and Breeding◆ Fruit Science◆ Animal Life Science◆ Animal Production Science◆ Food and Nutrition Science◆ Laboratory in Agrochemical Bioscience 1◆ Laboratory in Agrochemical Bioscience 2◆ Laboratory in Agrochemical Bioscience 3◆ Laboratory in Environmental Ecology 1-1◆ Laboratory in Environmental Ecology 1-2◆ Laboratory in Environmental Ecology 2-1◆ Laboratory in Environmental Ecology 2-2◆ Laboratory in Environmental Ecology 3-1◆ Laboratory in Environmental Ecology 3-2◆ Laboratory in Environmental Ecology 4-1◆ Laboratory in Environmental Ecology 4-2◆ Laboratory in Applied Plant Science 1◆ Laboratory in Applied Plant Science 2◆ Laboratory in Applied Plant Science 3◆ Laboratory in Animal Science 1◆ Laboratory in Animal Science 2◆ Laboratory in Animal Science 3

Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship◆ Introduction to Microeconomics◆ Introduction to Macroeconomics◆ Topics in Management I◆ Topics in Management II◆ Topics in Management III◆ Topics in Management IV◆ Philanthropy
and Nonprofit Organizations◆ Global Philanthropy
and Comparative Nonprofit Sectors◆ Introduction to Data Analysis◆ Microeconomics◆ Macroeconomics◆ Development Economics◆ International Economics◆ Japanese Economy◆ Japanese Economy and Gender◆ Topics in Management V◆ Topics in Management VI◆ Topics in Management VII◆ Topics in Management VIII
◆ Nonprofit Management andSocial Entrepreneurship◆ Qualitative Research Methods◆ Elementary Statistics◆ Introduction to Feminist Economics◆ Trade Policy and Development◆ Poverty◆ Inequality◆ Topics in Management IX◆ Topics in Management X◆ Nonprofit Management andSocial Entrepreneurship Practicum I◆ Nonprofit Management andSocial Entrepreneurship Practicum II◆ Nonprofit Management andSocial Entrepreneurship Practicum III◆ Intermediate Statistics

Transdisciplinary Sciences forEnvironmental Sustainability◆ Mathematics for Physical Chemistry◆ Modern Physics◆ Chemistry for Chemical Engineering◆ Fundamentals of Mathematics◆ Fundamentals of Physics I◆ Fundamentals of Physics II◆ Quantum Physics and Atomic Structure◆ Chemical Bonding and Molecular
Structure◆ Fundamentals of Chemistry◆ Instrumental Analysis◆ Introduction to Catalytic Chemistry◆ Introduction to Thermodynamics◆ Genetics and Molecular Biology◆ Fundamentals of Molecular
Spectroscopy◆ Spectroscopic Methods◆ Introduction to Astrochemistry andAtmospheric Chemistry◆ Introduction to Solid State Physics◆ Basic Physics Laboratory◆…introductory◆…intermediate◆…advanced◆…Practicum◆…Senior Project

Discovery Program for Global Learners

21

Senior Project
For Senior Project, students carry out research on a chosen topic of interest anddeliver a final presentation at the end of their four years of studies in GDP.
Senior Project Presentation

Discovery Track

ExamplesCultural Diversity and Communities

Examining the boundaries
between artistic and cultural
appropriation and homage

Topic

To explore the borderline between appropriation and creation of art through the kimono, a
traditional Japanese garment.

Matching Track

Topic

Exploring forms of collaboration between food banks andlocal governments

Transdisciplinary Sciences
Topic

Comparing natural andartificial honeyTo identify the types of collaborative efforts
used between food banks and local governments, the characteristics of each food bank,and the elements necessary for each form ofpartnership through interviews with food bankoperators.

To analyze the differences between natural
honey collected from beehives and artificially
produced honey by using the Raman spectroscopy method.

School of Engineering

School of Agriculture

ExamplesFaculty of Law
TopicSocial Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Investigating unjust laws
against women and LGBTQ+

To compare foreign and Japanese laws and to
examine the unjust laws against women and
LGBTQ+ existing in Japan.

Topic

Suggesting an Indoor AR
Navigation System

In recent years, smartphones have become
crucial tools and the basis for various navigation applications. GPS is the mainstream foroutdoor positioning, but its accuracy is poor
indoors. Therefore, the aim of this project is to
propose an indoor navigation system using the
RGB camera and Bluetooth module of a mobile device.

Topic

Finding Wagyu genomes ofbetter quality

To search for better quality Wagyu genome byexamining genome data of Black Wagyu cattle.

Other Senior Projects◆ Discovery Track◆ Matching Track

Cultural Diversity and Communities

School of Letters ・Interrogative Phrases in Shifted Constituents
School of Education ・Mere exposure effect in “YELL MESSE”
School of Economics ・T he Changes in the Festival Under the COVID-19 Pandemic
and their Meaning -A Case Study of Eyo in Saidaiji, Higashi-ku,
Okayama City・Thai School Uniform and Its Influence on Personal Expression
・International students’ food habits in Japan as means of acculturationand coping strategies
・Our Responsibilities for Creating a Gender-Equal Society
Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship・Barriers to Shift from Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM) to Original Brand
Manufacturing (OBM): A Case Study of Upscale Garment Manufacturing SMEs inJapan・Shibusawa in the East, Ohara in the West: Ohara Magosaburo and Shibusawa Eiichi’s views on labor problems

22

Discovery Program for Global Learners

School of Agriculture ・How to assist Indonesian Palm Oil
Smallholder Farmers into RSPO
Certification
S c h o o l o f S c i e n c e ・A nalysis of prohormone convertases involved in the processingof proNeuromedin U

Study Abroad
GDP can grant credits for short-term overseas language training
and exchange programs (EPOK) organized by the Global Human Resource Development Institute and International Affairs Department
as well as privately-funded study abroad programs. EPOK is an exchange program open to all undergraduate students of Okayama University. We currently have exchange program partnerships with 58
universities.

Study Abroad Experience
April 2022 Entrant
School of Agriculture /Matching Track

Ayumi Oka
from Senri & Osaka International
Schools of Kwansei Gakuin
Study Abroad at

University of Adelaide

Debriefing Session upon Returning from Study Abroad

During my exchange program at the University of Adelaide, I took courses such as
criminology, ecology, film studies, and international development. Through these multiple
courses, I learned that any kind of learning is connected and can be applied to one
another. For my daily life, I joined the lacrosse team at the university. We went to the
grand finals and I got the team MVP. Not only did we spend time during training but also
outside as well. I got invited to my teammate's birthday party and went hiking, enjoying
my free time.

Australia

April 2021 Entrant
School of Agriculture /Matching Track

Yui Iwamoto
from Hiroshima University
High School, Fukuyama
Study Abroad at

University of SheffieldI mainly took geography and linguistics classes at the University of Sheffield. The
University has well-organized supporting systems toward international students, whichenabled me to have a meaningful life without any worries. Aside from my studies, I
learned a lot of cultural and religious differences through living with my roommates from
India, China, France, and Malaysia at the university dormitory. We sometimes cooked
each other’s native dishes and enjoyed chatting in the shared kitchen. Thanks to mywonderful friends, I could have a very fulfilling and unforgettable time.

England

Discovery Program for Global Learners

23

Career Support・
Employment・Graduate Schools
Okayama University provides comprehensive career support for all students. From first-year career education tojob-hunting support and even follow-ups after graduation,
we provide comprehensive support for career development
and help students to become socially and professionallyindependent.

Career Books Libraryat Global Study Lounge

GDPSA's Roundtable Discussion on
Graduate School Preparation
After graduation, 20% of the GDP
students went on to graduate
schools in Japan and abroad. A
roundtable discussion was held,
led by current students, where they
actively exchanged opinions aboutentering graduate schools in Japanand abroad.

Homecoming Day
GDP held its Homecoming Day in a hybrid format (face-to-faceand online), with current students serving as committee members,
to enable alumni active in Japan and abroad to participate.
In addition to in-person participation, alumni from abroad andcurrent students also participated online, warming old friendships
with their seniors, juniors, and former teachers. The event was agreat success, with alumni giving lectures on job hunting and theircareers, and current students actively asking questions.

Place of Employment・Graduate Schools[Main Places of Employment]◆ Domestic Iris Ohyama / Ernst & Young ShinNihon LLC /NTT DATA Global Solutions Corporation / NTT DOCOMO /Okayama Broadcasting / Kubota / Japan Patent Office / Sanyo
Paper / Shikoku Bank / Takahashi City Hall / Tottori Prefecture
Office / Japanese Red Cross Society Okayama Branch / Japan
Broadcasting Corporation (NHK) / Ministry of Defense / Hoshino
Resorts / Mitsubishi HC Capital / Mitsubishi Electric / Yusen
Logistics / LINE / RYOBI TOURS / The Rokinren Bank
◆ Overseas Green Lab (Korea) / KC International School(Taiwan) / TAMURA Corporation (Thailand) / Toyota Tsusho(Dubai) / Hawaiian Airlines (USA)24

Discovery Program for Global Learners[Main Graduate Schools]◆ Domestic Okayama University (Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences,
Graduate School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Graduate School of
Natural Science and Technology, Graduate School of Education, Graduate
School of Natural Sciences, Graduate School of Social and Cultural Sciences,
Graduate School of Health Sciences) / Graduate School of Arts and Sciences,
the University of Tokyo / Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kyoto University /Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Global Society, Kyushu University/ Kobe Pharmaceutical University Graduate School◆ Overseas Columbia University (USA) / Georgia State University (USA) /University of Toronto (Canada) / The University of Melbourne (Australia) /University of Bristol (UK) / The University of Glasgow (UK) / Sapienza
University (Italy) / Humboldt University Berlin (Germany)

Introduction toStudent Activities
What’s GDPSA?
GDP Student Association

GDPSA is a student-run organization for the
GDP community, where members actively
plan and host events and share importantschool-related information to strengthen thebonds between GDP students.

What’s Pol phon ?
Polyphony is a student-run journal publishing GDP students' literary and creative artworks. The editorial board
has also organized a roundtable with the University ofTokyo Komaba Times about the significance of taking
part in student journals.

Polyphonyief
Editor-in-ch

September 2022 Graduate

Forrest Maynockfrom USAI had a deep passion for writing even before
entering GDP. I joined Polyphony because
I wanted to share that passion with others.
Writing so many articles was a challenge inthe beginning, but I am very satisfied withmy work. I encourage anyone with a creativemind and a desire to express their thoughts
to join Polyphony. Many people are hesitant
to share their personal stories, opinions, andwritings, and we all fear what others may
think of us, but you only know if you try! Polyphony reminded me of the importance ofvoicing myself and my thoughts without fear.

The World Kitchen
A group of first-year GDP students formed a committee to organize "The World Kitchen," a multicultural
food event held at Ishiyama Park (Kita-ku, OkayamaCity). The students diligently prepared for this eventwith the hope that the global nature of GDP would be
utilized to expand the circle of multicultural exchange
in Okayama as a whole and that this event will catalyze local businesses and Okayama to become more
prosperous. On the event day, 11 booths were set up
by restaurants and organizations in Okayama Prefecture, offering worldwide cuisines. Approximately 600
people attended, making it a lively event.
due
t i vet rac es and
t
a
as
ct
i sh
nt w y of d int era t
eve
et
en
to
T h e e v a r i u n i t y d i f f e r n d s!
htt o t o p p o r e f r o m kg r o uclt he p eop nd baahwi t nt r ies
cou

Discovery Program for Global Learners

25Friendly andinclusive campus

26

Discovery Program for Global Learners

International
House
Faculty of Environmental
Science and Technology

TY

NIVERSIOKAYAMA U

School of Engineering

8

School of Letters
Faculty of Law
School of Economics

School of Education
School of Science

ima
Tsush

Ca m p u s

Health Service
Center5

School of
Pharmaceutical
Sciences

11

Office of Academic
Affairs Department

3［General Education
Building A,2nd Floor]

10
6

9

International Student
Advising Room

4
1

School of
Agriculture

There are many cafes
and restaurants!

[General Education
Building C,1st Floor]

2

Disability Resources
Department[General Education
Building D,1st Floor]

71

Global Study Lounge[General Education Building D, 2nd floor]

A place where GDP students can gather and openlyinteract with each other. There is also a space for independent studying and a corner for books donated by faculty members and graduates. Students from the Instituteof Global Human Resource Development also utilize thelounge, so feel free to use this space as an opportunity
to get to meet new people and expand your connections!

5

Peach Union

Office of Discovery Program
2 for Global Learners[General Education Building D, 6th floor]

Please visit the office for any inquiries,
consultations, and other important matters!

6

Cafe indent[University Union]3

L-Café

[General Education Building A, 1st floor]

A place for interactive learning wherestudents can socialize with others anddeepen their understanding of multilingualism and multiculturalism together.

7

J Terrace Café

A relaxing cafe with a bright atmospherethat serves light meals and delicious
desserts. The freshly baked bread section is especially a must-try. Make sure
to try out the goldfish bowl parfait too!

Designed by the world-renowned architectural unit SANAA, this cafe was created as "a place where people gather,and dialogue is born." We recommend
the lunch menu, which changes every
week!

Career Support Office

10 Cherry Blossom Area

11 Goats

Career advisors are there to help students with c areer and employment
counseling. Feel free to make an appointment!

Many GDP students enjoy viewing thecherry blossoms here in the spring.

Goats are kept and raised at the Schoolof Agriculture.

[University Union][General Education Building C, 1st floor]

GDP students can often be seen chatting on the outside deck in front of thebuilding. Please come to the Office ofInternational Affairs Division for advice
on studying abroad and scholarshipprocedures.

8

Students can use the cafeteria andconvenience store in this building. The
Travel Service Corner is also available
here. Muscat Union and Pione Union
are also located in Tsushima Campus.

9

Office of International
4 Affairs Division

The Central LibraryWith more than 1.6 million books andthe most extensive collection in the prefecture, the library offers a quiet place
to concentrate on reading and study, an
open space for discussion, and an area
specifically for language study.

Discovery Program for Global Learners

27Current GDP students serve as tutors to assist new incoming international students with the long list of entry procedures for living inOkayama. Tutors are trained and experienced with registration at city
hall, opening a bank account, buying a cell phone or SIM card, andmany other processes to help new students.

Arrival Support

Ask tutors about
daily life and classes!

Tutors obtain the essential
knowledge of their duties
before welcoming and guiding
the incoming students

The International Student Shared House is a living space intended for international and Japanese students who have just arrived in Japan to further
develop their cultural awareness by encountering another country's language, customs, and lifestyle daily. The building is designed in a way where
each individual has a private room and one large, shared area, enabling thestudent residents to have a casual, comfortable environment to interact witheach other whenever they want.

International Student
Shared House

Japanese students are
eligible to move in as RAs(Resident Assistants)
October 2022 Entrant

Dilyorakhon Azizbek Kizi
Akramjonova

October 2020 Entrant

Mitsuko Kimura

from the Republic of Uzbekistanfrom Sharyland High School (USA)You will never feel lonely at the shared house because you can

I became an RA because I wanted to support international stu-hang out with your roommates in the common space, watch mov-dents and make their lives in Japan as enjoyable and fulfilling as

ies or cook together. Your experience living with your roommates

possible. I helped them complete the necessary procedures to live

who might belong to a different religion or cultural background thanin Okayama, which made me realize how difficult life in Japan can

yours will be unique. Mutually respecting each other's beliefs will

be for those who do not speak Japanese and gave me a chanceenable you to become more open-minded. You will also learn toto look at the country from an international student's point of view.

cooperate with people since you will share the kitchen and bath-

Living with roommates from different cultures may sound com-room. GDP is not only a program but also a family. Becoming partplicated, but it provides valuable experiences of interaction, con-of the GDP will enable you to evolve academically and to becomeversation, and cooperation that you can only have if you live withindependent. The experience you will get in GDP will be the cor-others. If you are interested, apply for the dormitory! Even if you

nerstone for your successful future career!

may have some concerns or worries initially, I am sure it will be apositive and rewarding experience.

MEMO
Various options exist, such as living
alone in an apartment near the university
or in a shared house with friends.

The average monthly cost of living in Okayama
rent (International Student Shared House) JPY 23,000
JPY

food

JPY

health insurance
personal Wi-Fi / phone
miscellaneous expenses
TOTAL

28

10,00030,000
JPY 1,800
JPY 10,000
JPY 10,000

utilities

Discovery Program for Global Learners

JPY

84,800books and supplies
JPY

50,000〜／Annual costs

If this is your first timeliving in Japan, staying at
the shared house will makeyou feel at ease!

Cost of AttendanceTuitionEnrollment Fee

JPY 282,000

Tuition (per year)

Total＋ JPY 535,800 ＝ JPY 817,800

Comparison of tuition fees for the year of enrollment
Harvard University

Approx. JPY

5,560,000

USA (Private University) Approx. JPY 3,520,000
USA (State University)

Approx. JPY

1,020,000

UK (National University)

Approx. JPY

1,270,000

Japan (Private University)

Approx. JPY

1,360,000

Japan (National University)

Approx. JPY

ry affordableVe!

Tuition fees at Japanese national universities are very affordable compared to European or USA universities and private universities in Japan.
The annual tuition fee of JPY 535,800 is paid in two installments of JPY
267,900. All fees are the same regardless of GDP, other schools/faculty,
or whether you are a Japanese or international student. In addition, students who study abroad at partner universities through EPOK, Okayama
University's exchange program, can study abroad without paying tuition
fees to the partner universities.

820,000※T uition fees for the year of enrollment are based on the "Education Statistics ofForeign Countries" by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science andTechnology (MEXT) in 2022.
Rounded to the nearest thousand yen.

Scholarships
Support is provided for international students
who have not yet arrived in Japan!

Support for your studies at GDP!

Discovery Scholarship

Application
Eligibility

JASSO ScholarshipStudents who have passed the International Admissions
for April/October and are recognized as having excellent
grades※International students and students with dual citizenshipincluding Japanese citizenship are eligible (GDP will
notify the applicants after the announcement of the final
screening)

BenefitAmountJPY 535,800 (equivalent to tuition) per year

Number of
Recipient

4 Students

Duration

Renewable for up to 4 years for students withhigh academic performance (tentative)

Application
Eligibility

International students from outside Japan who plan to
study at a Japanese university(Okayama University will process the application on behalfof the incoming student)

BenefitAmountJPY 48,000 per month

Number of
Recipients

All students who meet the eligibility requirements will beselected.
(Most international students admitted to GDP in 20202022 were approved to receive the scholarship)

Duration

12 months after enrollment for April entrants
6 months after enrollment for October entrants

We support your desire to learn!

New System for Higher Education Study Support
A new study support system for Japanese undergraduate students(excluding international students) has been launched! Eligible students can receive a reduction or exemption of entrance and tuition
fees, as well as a scholarship that does not require repayment.

For more details, please refer to the respective web pages and application guidelines.
Japanese Government (MEXT)
Full Scholarship GDP Special Quota
Discovery Scholarship

JASSO
Scholarship

New System forHigher Education
Study Support

Discovery Program for Global Learners

29Admissions·
Information Sessions and Open Campus
Domestic Admissions
April intake［Number of seats available］

Target Students

Mainly students residing
in Japan

Science & Humanities/17 Students
25 students Social
Science & Applied Science/8 Students

For more details,
please refer to the web page
and the application guideline.

□ Please select either Social Science & Humanities or Science & Applied Science based on your desired field of study
at the time of application.
□ The examination categories do not determine the course of study after admission.
Examination Details
First screening (Document Screening)

Document screening based on personal statement, transcripts, and official English
language test score, etc.
The official English proficiency test score must be submitted for document screening.

Final screening① The applicant with the English proficiency test score equivalent to CEFR B2 level orhigher will be exempted from taking the English writing test (with full marks given).

Science and Humanities] Oral Examination (reading comprehension)/②［Social［Science and Applied Science] Written test (science)③ Presentation④ Individual interview

Schedule

Schedule for Information Sessions

Application period

Early September

Online GDP Admissions Information Session

June 15th, 2024 (Saturday)

Examination Day

Mid-October

Online Science Admissions Information Session

July 6th, 2024 (Saturday)

Results of final screening announced

Late OctoberOpen Campus

Early August 2024

International Admissions
April intake October intake
15

Application［Number of seats available］
Period 1

students(April admissions 5 students／October admissions 10 students)

TargetMainly overseas andreturnee students

Application
Period 2 ［Number of seats available］

20 students(October admissions only)※April applicants must pass JLPT level 1 (N1) or demonstrate equivalent ability.

For more details,
please refer to the web page
and the application guideline.

Examination Details
First screening(Document Screening)
Final screening

Statements of Purpose, Letter of academic evaluation, Letter of recommendation, Official transcripts, Official
English proficiency test scores, Proof of Japanese proficiency※ (for April admission ONLY), etc.
Interviews are conducted online.

Schedule

Schedule for Information Sessions
Application Period 1

Application period

Early to late October

Final screening (interviews)

Late November

Results of final screening announced

Mid-December

Virtual Information Session for
the Discovery Program for
Global Learners (GDP) in 2024

Early September
2024

Application Period 2

30

Application period

Late December to Late January

Final screening (interviews)

Early March

Results of final screening announced

Late March

Discovery Program for Global Learners※H igh school students studying in Japan may also apply for theInternational Admissions.

※IB (International Baccalaureate) school graduates may apply forboth the Domestic Admissions and the International Admissions.

en
Frequ

tly Asked Questions and Answe

F A Q

rs

How does the Discovery Program for Global
Learners (GDP) differ from other undergraduate
schools/faculty?

How will the English proficiency required for theInternational Admissions be determined?

GDP is an undergraduate program that offers an interdisciplinary

When you apply, you should submit scores from one or more En-

bachelor's degree taught mostly in English. Upon graduation,

glish language academic examinations, such as TOEFL or IELTS,

students receive a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences degree instead

if the primary language of instruction at the educational institutionof a degree listing a specific discipline. Even if you choose theyou attended in the previous five years was not English. English

Matching Track and complete your Senior Project in anotherproficiency is evaluated comprehensively based on test scores,

school / faculty, you will still receive a Bachelor of Arts and Sci-

interviews, and high school grades.

ences degree from GDP.

A

Can I graduate in four years even if I choose to
study abroad?
If the credits earned in your study abroad program are recog-

A

nized as graduation requirement credits, studying abroad for six
months to one year may not affect your graduation date. However, some fields require students to complete a full year of experiments and practical training in order to conduct their Senior Proj-A

I grew up overseas and studied in Japan from junior high school. Should I take the International
Admissions or the Domestic Application?
I am currently attending an international school
in Japan. Am I eligible to apply for the International Admissions?

A

You can take both the International Admissions andthe Domestic Application as long as you meet the application requirements.

ect, so the timing and duration of study abroad must be carefullyplanned and considered in advance.

Does GDP offer an IB (International Baccalaureate)
Entrance Examination?
I have passed the Practical English Proficiency
Test (EIKEN) Grade 2, can I apply for the Domestic Application? Can I be exempted from the English writing test?
You may apply, but you will not be exempt from the English writ-Aing test. Your EIKEN CSE score will be used in the assessmentof your English proficiency. Only if you meet the CEFR equivalent
to level B2 or higher, will you be exempted from the English writing test. Please refer to the “Application Guidelines
for Comprehensive Selection” for details regarding
other applicable examinations, CEFR equivalent levels, expiration dates, etc., to determine your eligibility.

GDP does not hold an IB entrance examination, but highly values
IB education and welcomes not only students with an IB qualification but also prospective students and applicants with only aA

Certificate of Completion. Since the program's inception, many
students who were educated at IB schools have enrolled and are
deepening their studies in the small-sized class and practicallearning environments that are the characteristics of GDP. There
are multiple opportunities to take the IB Entrance Examination,and IB scores are also evaluated in the Domestic Application andInternational Admissions. In both cases, the knowledge students
gained from their IB education can be useful in the entrance examinations.

What level of Japanese language proficiency isrequired for the International Admissions?
For April admissions, applicants are required to have passed
JLPT N1 or equivalent. For October admissions, Japanese lan-A

guage proficiency is not required at the time of enrollment but
any scores from the JLPT or other relevant examinations thatstudents submit will be reviewed. In order to deepen your specialized knowledge, especially if you wish to study in the science

For other frequently asked questions,please refer to the website below.
＜Frequently Asked Questions＞

field, you will need to attend lectures offered in Japanese at related schools/faculty. In such cases, it is necessary to achieve alevel of N2 to N1 in the Japanese Language Proficiency Test.

Discovery Program for Global Learners

31Discovery Program for Global Learners
2-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8530 Japan
Contact :University Mark

Discovery Program for Global Learners
Tel.+81-86-251-7912・7915 Fax.+81-86-251-7201
E-mail info_discovery@adm.okayama-u.ac.jp
Editorial office : Discovery Program for Global Learners, Okayama University
https://discovery.okayama-u.ac.jp/en/

Discovery Program for Global Learnerses,OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY

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