學系信息 | International Liberal Studies | 早稲田大学 | 日本的留學信息JPSS

Our liberal arts education program gives students the opportunities to take courses in a variety of fields, with an emphasis on liberal studies. We nourish diverse perspectives in students, providing them with analytical skills and the ability to think logically and put ideas into practice. To this end, we provide true interdisciplinary learning through a wide range of courses in seven areas that cover recent global developments, but without overemphasis of any one particular discipline. In classes, students not only acquire knowledge, but also the ability to approach and analyze subjects multi-dimensionally, and think through issues on their own.

Approximately 30% of the incoming class is comprised of international students. Students come from 50 countries/regions all over the world. Additionally, approximately 300 to 350 exchange students come to Waseda each year from top-class partner universities around the world, including Oxford University, Cambridge University, Columbia University and Peking University. In class, students have the chance to work together with professors who have teaching experience in international institutions and foreign universities, and discussions are held using English.

The common language of the school is English. Almost all classes are conducted in English, with the goal to foster a global citizen who is able to communication in English and aspire to realize a free and fair society. We additionally have Japanese language programs for students whose native language is not Japanese. Classes in an additional 26 languages allow students to acquire the language abilities necessary for life in our global society.

To acquire a more international perspective, one-year of studying abroad is required for those students whose native language is Japanese (optional for those students with native languages other than Japanese). Students may choose from over 800 universities and other institutions around the world.

Discussion among students and between students and faculty is important for gaining exposure to other cultures, as well as for fostering logical thinking and a multi-faceted perspective. The School of International Liberal Studies features small-sized classes that allow lively, interactive discussion and questioning between students and faculty. Lecture classes have an average of 60-70 students in them. Additionally, seminar classes are available in all years including freshman year, and these seminars have a basic student to faculty ratio of 20:1.

In accordance with our policy of small group instruction, students are able to directly seek advice from their professors during their office hours (2 hours per week). Moreover, every student will be assigned a full time teaching staff who will provide guidance about study abroad plans and course selection, and also be available to discuss any problems regarding student life and give advice when necessary.

- A support system for new students
The SILS Sempai Project is a support system conducted primarily by current students that helps new students familiarize themselves with the different academic schools of the university directly following enrollment. We offer a comprehensive and fine-tuned support structure, including a new student orientation, campus tours, welcoming parties for new students, and course registration consultations etc.

- Career Support
The global network center in SILS and our on-campus career center provide total support for students as they make decisions about their futures. We support students’ individual career paths by providing career guidance, career forums, internships, and individual guidance where students can think specifically about their plans after graduation.

SILS honors high-achieving students (the top 10% from each academic year) by placing them on the Dean’s List. For those students with particularly outstanding performance, graduation after three-and-a-half years is possible through the Early Graduation System.