UTokyo Global Unit Courses: Field Study Program

The UTokyo Global Unit Courses (GUC) Field Study 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 UTokyo faculty with a hands-on field study directly connected to the SDGs.
 

A 5-Day Immersive Experience

The 2026 Hokkaido course delivers an extraordinary 5-day academic and professional journey:

• Day 1: Coursework at UTokyo’s historic Hongo Campus in Tokyo
• Day 2-5: A field study at UTokyo Hokkaido Forest in Furano, Hokkaido, providing participants with an unparalleled opportunity to learn in the heart of breathtaking nature

Exclusive Access to a Rare Field Site A unique opportunity to visit the UTokyo Hokkaido Forest in Furano, Hokkaido—normally off-limits to the public—and stay in authentic on-site accommodations. Learn Directly from Leading Experts Special lectures and guidance delivered exclusively for this program by distinguished faculty members of the Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences. An Unforgettable Academic Experience Combine immersive field study with expert guidance for a truly unique learning opportunity.

 

Language Support for Success

Students with beginner-level Japanese proficiency are able to enroll in the Survival Japanese Course, a five-day intensive program designed specifically for GUC participants.
 

Academic Excellence & Personalized Learning

• All courses are taught by current and former UTokyo faculty
• Instruction is conducted entirely in English
• Small cohort size (approximately 20 students) ensures close interaction with faculty and peers
• Admission is highly selective, maintaining UTokyo’s rigorous academic standards

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.

1) GUC Field Study Program 2026 Schedule

*Details for Field Study Program 2026 will be posted in January 2026.
 

Information Available	Early January
Application Period	Early February – Mid March
Screening Results Announcement	Mid April
Payment Deadline	Mid April - Late April
Program Period	Monday, June 8 – Friday, June 12
Issuance of Global Unit Certificates	Late September

 

2) Course Offering

Course Code	Campus	Course Title	Instructor	Number of sessions (1session=90min)	Global Units
GUC26SF201C	Hongo Hokkaido	Sustainability and Tourism: Experiential Learning in Hokkaido	UTokyo Faculty Members (GlobE / Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences)	20	2.0 (in-person)
GUC26S611JIL	Online	Survival Japanese	Japanese Language Education Division, GlobE	5	0.5 (online)

Note:
The Survival Japanese course will be offered for an additional fee.

Sustainability and Tourism: Experiential Learning in Hokkaido If you are a traveller who appreciates the beauty of nature and celebrates cultural diversity, then this course is perfect for you! Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of flora, fauna, stunning landscapes, delicious food, and indigenous cultures unique to Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island. This course is not a traditional “sit-and-listen” lecture series as it involves fieldwork in UTokyo Hokkaido Forest (Furano), Biei, and Asahikawa. I invite active learners to transcend the acquisition of knowledge and engage in hands-on experiences as well as lively discussions and collaborations with peer learners. Let’s make this an unforgettable journey together!   Syllabus
	Project Lecturer Sho SHIMOYAMADA
Survival Japanese   Syllabus	Japanese Language Education Division, GlobE

Thank you for your interest in our program. Information about UTokyo GUC Field Study Program 2026 will be available in January 2026. We encourage you to revisit the page around that time for updated information! Important Notice 1. Owing to the high volume of inquiries, the GUC Field Study 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. 2. To ensure fairness, the GUC Field Study 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.

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.