Bunka Gakuen University
Description
Tokyo's Bunka Gakuen University (BGU) was initially established in 1950 and has cultivated a unique educational philosophy as a pioneer in the study of fashion and lifestyle/creative fields. The university leads Japan’s research and development in the fields of fashion, art and design, and living environments, as well as cultivating human resources capable of responding to the challenges of society’s ongoing globalization. Located in Shinjuku New Urban City, students enjoy a vibrant, urban campus.
Eligible Majors:
- Fashion Design (Sportswear)
Program Type: Semester Study Abroad
“Semester Abroad” is an outbound-only program where you pay a partner school tuition
instead of FIT’s.
Looking to Fund Your Study Abroad Experience?
FIT offers competitive scholarships - up to $10,000 - for students enrolled full-time while abroad. Awards are based on an essay, recommendations, GPA and financial need. Learn more about Paying for Study Abroad.
Review the Program Financial Budget Sheet (Google Doc) and meet with a financial aid counselor to discuss your program costs.
Eager to Study Abroad? Apply Now!
Submit your application through the Study Abroad Portal and then complete the required Course Equivalency Form with your Office of International Programs (OIP) program coordinator. After that, your department will review your completed course plan and application. See How to Apply step-by-step.
Program Details
If you have further questions about this program, contact the International Programs office at (212) 217-5380 or [email protected]
Spring Semester: Applications reviewed and approved on a rolling basis through September 15
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Enrollment: Must be matriculated in a Bachelor's degree program
- Language: Must be proficient in spoken and written Japanese, the language of instruction in all classes. All students are expected to score a minimum of N2 on the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). Non-native speakers should complete a minimum of four semesters of Japanese language at the college level before partcipating.
- Capacity: Since this is not an exchange program, FIT is able to send as many eligible students as are approved by their departments. However, eligibility is extremely strict so the university hosts very few international students.
Additional Requirements:
- Portfolio: Students must submit a portfolio for review by the department in the online application.
- Meet with an OIP program coordinator
- Obtain approval from the department chair or international coordinator
- Meet with an academic advisor and/or thoroughly review degree requirements in Degree Works
Fashion Design (Sportswear) students study within the Department of Fashion Creation at BGU and fulfill 6th semester major and related area courses by taking classes worth 9 - 10 units. Additionally, students may take classes worth 2 - 3 units in Japanese language and culture for liberal arts credit.
As this is not an exchange program, any online FIT courses will be charged at the applicable per-credit hour tuition rate in addition to the BGU tuition.
BGU Semester 1 (FIT Spring Semester): April - July
A detailed School's Academic Calendar can be viewed on the BGU site. It will be updated for the new academic year once available.
Students are responsible for making their own accommodation arrangements for the duration of their stay. Students may apply to live in campus accommodation (not guaranteed) or search for a privately-rented home, or may be able to explore a homestay with a local family with support from BGU’s International Communications Center.
Students are responsible for securing a Study Visa with the support of the FIT's Office of International Programs and BGU's International Communications Center.
FIT requires all students to be covered in the U.S. and internationally for the duration of their study abroad program. Students are automatically enrolled in the UHC Study Abroad Insurance, which is included in program budget sheet (google doc). This policy is SUNY-mandated, therefore, it cannot be waived.
The UHC Study Abroad Insurance is ACA compliant and students may waive the FIT Haylor Student Health Insurance using the Study Abroad policy.
BGU offers a dedicated International Student Support Program and the services of their International Communication Center.