UTokyo Global Unit Courses: Internship Experience Program | Center for Global Education, the University of Tokyo

UTokyo Global Unit Courses: Internship Experience Program | Center for Global Education, the University of Tokyo
Courses/Programs
UTokyo Global Unit Courses: Internship Experience Program
UTokyo Global Unit Courses: Internship Experience Program
In 2026, the inaugural program will take place in
Okinawa
News 2026.04.03 :
The UTokyo GUC Off-campus Program 2026 Screening Results
has been updated.
News 2026.03.17 : Applications for the UTokyo GUC Internship Experience Program 2026 are now closed. We greatly appreciate the applications we received from all of you.
News 2026.02.06 : Applications are now open.
News 2026.01.26 : "
3. Instructor's Video Message / Syllabi
" has been updated.
Features of UTokyo GUC Internship Experience Program
Program Theme : Linking Academic Learning with Real-World Experiences to Address Global Challenges and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This new program offers learning and internship opportunities both on
the University of Tokyo campus
and
in Okinawa
. (The internship will last for three days and will be unpaid. )
The Internship Experience Program is conducted prior to Term 1 of
the Global Unit Courses (GUC)
on the Hongo campus. Participants may enroll in both programs.
Key Dates
Program Period
Early to mid – June
Program Locations
Program Locations
1st week : UTokyo Hongo Campus
2nd week : Various locations in Okinawa
©OIST
所蔵：（一財）沖縄美ら島財団
©OCVB
GUC Internship Experience Program 2026 Application Guidelines
1. Program Overview
2. Program Schedule
3. Instructor's Video Message / Syllabi
4. Eligibility / Language Requirements
5. Fees / Staying in Japan
6. Global Unit / Assessment
7. Application
8. Contact
1. Program Overview
The
UTokyo Global Unit Courses (GUC) Internship Experience Program
is a
selective, short-term summer program
organized by the
Center for Global Education at the University of Tokyo
Offered for the first time, this program combines
rigorous academic coursework taught by current and former UTokyo faculty
with a
hands-on internship experience
directly connected to the SDGs. The program offers an unparalleled opportunity to study, work, and network in Japan.
A Two-Week Immersive Experience
The
2026 Okinawa program
delivers an extraordinary two-week academic and professional journey:
Week 1: Coursework at
UTokyo’s historic Hongo Campus
in Tokyo
Week 2: A
field-based internship experience in Okinawa
, one of Japan’s most dynamic regions
At Hongo Campus, students will examine Okinawa from multiple perspectives—
history, culture, politics, sustainability, and regional development
—through lectures and discussions led by UTokyo faculty.
In Okinawa, students will participate in
internship experience arranged through the
Okinawa Keizai Doyukai (Okinawa Association of Corporate Executives)
, the region’s leading business federation.
Learn Where Global Challenges Converge
Known for its stunning natural environment and unique cultural heritage,
Okinawa also sits at the intersection of geopolitics, scientific innovation, and societal transformation
. This program allows students to engage directly with these global issues while gaining practical experience in a real-world setting.
Language Support for Success
Students with beginner-level Japanese proficiency are
strongly encouraged
to enroll in the Survival Japanese Course, a five-day intensive program designed specifically for GUC participants. The course equips students with essential phrases and vocabulary for daily life and workplace communication during the program.
Academic Excellence & Personalized Learning
All courses are taught by
current and former UTokyo faculty
Instruction is conducted
entirely in English
Small cohort size (approximately 10 students)
ensures close interaction with faculty and peers
Admission is
highly selective
, maintaining UTokyo’s rigorous academic standards
UTokyo students will also join the program, with selected students serving as teaching assistants to support participants both on campus and in Okinawa.
Certification & Credit
Upon successful completion, students will receive a
Global Unit Certificate
that includes a grade and the number of Global Units earned. These units may be
transferable for academic credit
, subject to the policies of the student’s home institution.
The certificate will indicate the name of the business federation where the internship experience was undertaken, as well as the total number of hours completed.
* Minimum number of participants required
The minimum number of participants required to run the program is 10.
Please note that the program may be canceled if there are fewer than 9 participants.
2. Program Schedule
1) GUC Internship Experience Program 2026 Schedule
2) Course Offering
1) GUC Internship Experience Program 2026 Schedule
Information Available
Early January
Application Period
By 16:00 (Japan Standard Time), Monday, March 16, 2026
Screening Results Announcement
Late March – Early April
Payment Deadline
Early April – Mid April
Program Period
Monday, June 1 – Thursday, June 11
1st week : UTokyo Hongo Campus
*The optional Japanese course will be delivered online.
2nd week : Okinawa
Issuance of Global Unit Certificates
Late September
2) Course Offering
UTokyo GUC Internship Experience Program 2026 | Timetable
*The schedule is subject to change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
Course Code
Campus
Course Title
Instructor
Number of sessions
(1session=90min)
Global Units
GUC26SI101C
Hongo
Okinawa
Sustainability and Tourism: Internship Experience in Okinawa
Prof. Takako HIKOTANI
15
2.0
(in-person)
GUC26S611JIL
Hongo
(online)
Survival Japanese
Japanese Language Education Division, GlobE
0.5
(online)
*Survival Japanese Online attendance is available from the classroom at UTokyo Hongo Campus.
Note:
Participation in the Survival Japanese course is optional; however,
participants with no Japanese background are strongly encouraged to attend the Japanese course
to ensure successful participation in the program. This course will be offered for
an additional fee
Participants whose Japanese proficiency exceeds the beginner level are exempt from this course and may enroll exclusively in the Internship Experience program, which includes classes conducted at the Hongo campus.
Engaging exclusively in the Internship Experience Program in Okinawa without attending the Hongo campus classes is not permitted under the program requirements.
3. Instructor's Video Message / Syllabi
Sustainability and Tourism: Internship Experience in Okinawa
NEW COURSE OFFERING: Okinawa 2026
If you are looking for a program that combines academic learning with real-world experience, the UTokyo GUC Internship Experience Program is a perfect choice. Situated at the crossroads of geopolitics, scientific research and societal transformation, Okinawa offers an exceptional setting for applied learning beyond the classroom. In just two weeks, you will study with UTokyo faculty, explore Okinawa’s history, culture, and sustainability challenges, visit the world’s leading research institution, the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, and gain hands-on internship experience connected to the SDGs. This program offers a unique opportunity to grow academically, professionally, and globally.
Professor
Takako HIKOTANI
Survival Japanese
This course is a shared elective offered exclusively to participants enrolled in either the Internship Experience Program or the Field Study Program.
Japanese Language Education Division, GlobE
4. Eligibility / Language Requirements
1) Eligibility Requirements
2) Language Requirement
3) Health and Travel Insurance Requirements
1) Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
Be full-time undergraduate or graduate students enrolled at a university outside Japan
at the time of application
. A copy of a
valid student ID card from their current institution
is required.
Have completed
at least one academic term of undergraduate study
. The
most recent official academic transcript from their current institution
is required.
Note
The eligibility requirements presented above serve as
general guidelines
Those who do not fully meet the criteria may still apply, with the understanding that selection is not guaranteed and that each course conducts its own review; exceptions may be granted at the instructor’s discretion.
The decision to apply rests with each applicant.
Please note that the
application fee is non-refundable
, and that
applicants are not permitted to contact the GUC Internship Experience Program Office regarding screening status or results
, as the GUC Internship Experience Program Office cannot provide such information. Likewise, applicants should not contact course instructors directly.
For UTokyo Students:
UTokyo students are also welcome to apply for the program.
As a general rule, UTokyo students
must follow the same application procedures
as all other applicants and should complete the steps indicated in the Application section of this website. For additional information that applies specifically to UTokyo students, please search for “UTokyo GUC” on the UTAS Bulletin Board. Relevant guidance — including the application fee exemption code — will be posted in early February.
2) Language Requirement
The GUC Internship Experience Program is taught in
except for Japanese language course, and knowledge of Japanese is not required.
While a certificate of English proficiency is not required, students must possess
sufficient language proficiency to complete university-level coursework, including active participation in class discussions, presentations, and other interactive academic activities
The
minimum
required proficiency is TOEFL iBT 90 or IELTS 6.5.
3) Health and Travel Insurance Requirements
This program includes classes held off campus.
Given the nature of the program, all participants must obtain Health/Travel Insurance prior to traveling to Japan.
Proof of insurance will be required.
5. Fees / Staying in Japan
1) Fees
2) UTokyo Campuses and Access
3) Travel and Accommodation Arrangements
4) Meals & Dietary Considerations
5) Host Organization Visit Guidelines
6) Accessibility and Accommodation Guidelines Overview
7) VISA
1) Fees
1) -1. Application Fee
1) -2. Program Fees
1) -3. Discounts for Students from AUA/IARU/USTEP
1) -4. Scholarships
1) -1. Application Fee
Application Fee
JPY 5,000
The application fee must be paid by credit card ONLY during the application period and is strictly non-refundable.
Depending on the payment option you choose within Flywire, which handles the payment procedure via the online application system, a handling charge may apply. Such a charge must be borne by the applicant.
Please note that
payment in Japanese yen (JPY) is not available via Flywire
There is no application fee for UTokyo students.
The application fee exemption code for UTokyo students will be posted on the UTAS Bulleting Board around early February.
1) -2. Program Fees
GUC Internship Experience Program
Global Unit
Program Fee
2.0
JPY 380,000
* JPY 190,000 per Global Unit
Survival Japanese
Global Unit
Program Fee
0.5
JPY 40,000
* JPY 80,000 per Global Unit
Travel Expenses
Travel Expenses
JPY 120,000
*Travel expenses are not discounted for UTokyo, AUA, IARU, or USTEP students.
The program fee and travel expenses must be paid together in a single credit‑card transaction only during the payment period in April, and payment can be made ONLY by credit card, after the screening results are announced.
Depending on the payment option you choose within Flywire, which handles the payment process, a handling charge may apply.
Such a charge must be borne by the applicant.
Please note that
payment in Japanese yen (JPY) is not available via Flywire
1) -3. Discounts for Students from AUA/IARU/USTEP Universities
Students currently enrolled at AUA/IARU/USTEP universities are eligible for
a 20% discount on the program fees
AUA Members
IARU Members
USTEP Partner Universities
The discount on the program fee(s) will be applied to successful applicants from partner universities after the screening results are announced.
1) -4. Scholarships
Note
: All scholarship opportunities
specifically offered for this program
are listed here.
No additional program-specific scholarships or information are available beyond what is provided here.
For details regarding each scholarship and its application procedures, please contact the scholarship provider directly via the link below.
FUTI Scholarships for students in the US for summer programs
2) UTokyo Campuses and Access
The UTokyo GUC Internship Experience Program will be primarily offered at the
Hongo Campus
from
June 1 to June 5
Access Map to the Campuses
For detailed directions, visit the
Access Map
Hongo Campus
Nearest Stations:
Todaimae Station (Namboku Line)
Hongo-sanchome Station (Marunouchi/Oedo Line)
Yushima/Nezu Station (Chiyoda Line)
Transportation from Tokyo Station
About 10-20 minutes by Tokyo Metro to Hongo-sanchome Station.
Walking Distance from Ueno Station
Approximately 20-30 minutes on foot to Hongo Campus.
3) Travel and Accommodation Arrangements (Self-arranged & UTokyo-arranged)
3) -1. Self-arranged and UTokyo-arranged Items
3) -2. Staying in Tokyo
Participants may arrange part of your travel and accommodation on your own, while some arrangements will be provided by UTokyo.
Please review the information below carefully to understand which parts are self-arranged and which are organized by the university.
3) -1. Self-arranged and UTokyo-arranged Items
The travel and accommodation requirements for this program are divided into items that participants arrange independently and items arranged by UTokyo, as follows:
Self-arranged
Flight
Flight from home country to Tokyo
Return flight from Okinawa (Naha) to Tokyo / home country
Transportation

Local transportation

Local transportation
*UTokyo may arrange transportation depending on the location of the Host Organization.
Meal

All meals are self-arranged

Lunch and Dinner (June 6 – June 11)
Accommodation
Accommodation in Tokyo
UTokyo-arranged
Flight
Flight from Tokyo to Okinawa (Naha)
Transportation
Transportation for the field trip to OIST
Meal
Breakfast in Okinawa (June 6 – June 11)
Accommodation
Accommodation in Okinawa (June 5 – June 10)
For details regarding the schedule and meals, please refer to
the UTokyo GUC Internship Experience Program 2026 | Timetable
and
4) Meals & Dietary Considerations (Halal, vegetarian, allergies, etc.)
3) -2. Staying in Tokyo
In Japan, summer is in the middle of the academic year, which begins in April.
Unlike in many other countries, campus housing is fully occupied at this time, and even a few openings are prioritized for UTokyo students.
For this reason,
GUC students are not eligible for campus housing
We kindly ask you to refrain from contacting the UTokyo Housing Office regarding this matter.
This, however, provides an opportunity to choose accommodation that best suits your preferences and needs.
Tokyo offers a wide variety of options, and past participants have enjoyed selecting and securing their own housing.
Prices vary by hotel. A standard hotel room (with a private bathroom) typically costs around USD 100 per day.
As Tokyo experiences high demand during the summer and accommodation prices generally increase, we encourage participants to secure their lodging in a timely manner.
Early-booking discounts may be available, and reservations should be made at participants’ own discretion.
Near the Hongo Campus:
Forest Hongo (Japanese website only)
Searching for other accommodation options:
Please note that the websites listed below are general third‑party travel search sites. They are provided for your convenience only and are not specifically recommended or endorsed by UTokyo. UTokyo assumes no responsibility or liability for any bookings, fees, changes, or issues arising from their use.
Rakuten Travel
Expedia
Jalan
JAPANiCAN
4) Meals & Dietary Considerations (Halal, vegetarian, allergies, etc.)
For participants with dietary restrictions:
Please indicate any dietary restrictions in the relevant section of the
Application form
at the time of submission.
5) Host Organization Visit Guidelines
We will provide an update as soon as it becomes available.
6) Accessibility and Accommodation Guidelines Overview
Our program is committed to ensuring that all students can participate on an equal basis and have equitable access to learning opportunities. We recognize that each student’s needs are unique, and accommodations are considered individually through an interactive process.
These guidelines are intended to clarify the principles of reasonable accommodation and the request process for UTokyo GUC Internship Experience Program. By providing this information in advance, we hope to help prospective participants understand what support may be available and make informed decisions before submitting an application.
UTokyo GUC Internship Experience Program : Disability Access & Reasonable Accommodation Guidelines
7) VISA
For successful applicants who hold a nationality that requires a visa to enter Japan, a temporary visitor visa is required.
UTokyo will send detailed information and supporting documents after confirming payment of the program fees, following the announcement of the screening results.
Information on visa-related matters will be shared with successful applicants based on their admitted courses after the screening results are announced
Students requiring a visa should apply at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate General in their country of residence.
Please note that this process may take several weeks.
For more information:
Visa Information
Visa Exemption (Short-Term Stay)
6. Global Unit / Assessment
1) Global Unit / Assessment
2) Contact Hours of Global Unit
3) Global Unit Certificate
1) Global Unit / Assessment
Students will be rigorously assessed based on their performance and the number of class hours.
Upon successful completion of each course, students will receive a Global Unit Certificate for each course, which includes their grade and the number of Global Units earned.
These "Global Units" may be used to calculate credits for transfer to students' home institutions; however,
the transfer of credits is subject to the policies of the respective institutions
We strongly recommend that students check with their home institutions in advance to confirm whether the credits can be transferred
For the syllabus of each course, please refer to the information provided under
3. Instructor's Video Message / Syllabi
Course Level
Please assess the course level based on the "Syllabus" page under
3. Instructor's Video Message / Syllabi
, which includes details such as prerequisites, course contents, and required/reference readings.
This page contains all official information instructors can share before the course begins, as applicants are not permitted to contact them directly to ensure fairness in the screening process. In some cases, the course level may not be clearly stated, but this reflects the program's effort to accommodate the diverse backgrounds of GUC students.
Although the program is primarily designed for undergraduates, instructors ensure the content is accessible to graduate students, as the program is also open to them.
*Please note that the GUC Internship Experience Office cannot provide any individual consultations on the course level, as stated in the Important Notice.
2) Contact Hours of Global Unit
A "Global Unit" consists of 15 hours, comprising 10 sessions of 90 minutes each. It is aligned with the
UCTS
(UMAP Credit Transfer Scheme).
The contact hours for each course per Global Unit are as follows:
Global Unit
Hours
Minutes
Sessions
0.5
7.5
450
90-minute session × 5
1.0
15
900
90-minute session × 10
2.0
30
1800
90-minute session × 20
3) Global Unit Certificate
The Global Unit Certificate for each course is the only official document that verifies the student's participation, enrollment, and grade.
It is issued by the University of Tokyo in electronic format only (no paper copy) to students who meet the requirements.
No other official letters of any kind will be issued; accordingly, students are expected to consult their home institutions in advance as necessary.
It includes the following information:
Participant's name
Course name
Number of Global Units for the course
Lecture type (In-person/Online)
Instructor's name
Course period
Grade earned by the participant
Host Organization
Working Hours
Number of Global Units earned by the participant
Notes (*1 Global Unit = 90 minutes × 10 / 0.5 Global Unit = 90 minutes × 5, **System of Grading: S (100-90), A (89-80), B (79-70), C (69-60), D (Fail))
7. Application
Please refer to here for application information.
UTokyo GUC Off-campus Program 2026 - Screening Results
UTokyo GUC: Internship Experience Program Application
8. Contact
Important Notice
Owing to the high volume of inquiries, the GUC Internship Experience Program Office prioritizes responses to questions not addressed on this webpage. If you do not receive a reply, it means that the information relevant to your inquiry is already available here. We encourage you to review this page carefully.
To ensure fairness, the GUC Internship Experience Program Office provides all information exclusively through this website. We do not offer individual letters, confirmations, or personalized guidance regarding course selection or application materials. This policy applies to all prospective and current applicants.
UTokyo GUC Internship Experience Program
International Education Promotion Group, Education and Student Support Department
The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8652 JAPAN
For inquiries regarding
GUC Internship Experience Progarm
, kindly direct them to the following email address:
utokyo-guc-intern.adm
alternate_email
gs.mail.u-tokyo.ac.jp
The University of Tokyo Global Unit Courses provides a great opportunity for students around the world to experience studying at one of the world's foremost universities in East Asia.
UTokyo GUC offers a variety of in-person and online courses with cutting-edge contents, taught by current and former faculty members of the University of Tokyo.