Features of the education
Index
In an era without easy answers, we need to learn more than just general knowledge.
J. F. Oberlin University that develops interdisciplinary and practical learning to help students thrive widely in society. Through innovative ideas that combine multiple specialized fields for "unique" value creation, and "sharp" initiatives that reflect the individuality of each faculty that highlight the knowledge acquired, we create an environment where education and practical learning can be synergized. Under the founding spirit of "putting what we have learned to benefit people," our university nurtures individuals who can confront complex social challenges from various perspectives and contribute to an era without answers.
1. A learning system that expands possibilities
Designing learning that realizes the "group system" and the "major/minor system".
J. F. Oberlin University consists of seven academic clusters: the 'Liberal Arts Track,' which deepens expertise by learning broadly beyond humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences Area, and the 'Professional Arts Track,' where students acquire specialized knowledge and skills toward their dreams and goals.
The "academic cluster system" brings together not just specific fields of study, but also adjacent academic disciplines, making it possible to study related fields interdisciplinaryly within a single academic cluster. This system, which flexibly connects and teaches a wide range of academic disciplines, is called the "major-minor system." It values designing "your own learning" based on your individual interests, while also allowing you to deepen your expertise and cultivate a broad perspective.
Cluster system
Learning is easily linked to other learning, making it easier to study other fields of study.
Major/Minor System
The degree of independence between faculties and departments makes it difficult to study other fields of study.
Five campuses
Our university has five campuses mainly in the Tokyo metropolitan area, where each faculty offers its own unique educational programs. Each faculty and Major is equipped to deepen their expertise and practical experience, and we actively engage in industry-academia co-creation with government agencies and companies tailored to their fields. In addition, we offer environments and initiatives that support hands-on learning outside campus, such as the J. F. Oberlin Arts and Culture Hall, flight and operation course training facilities, and Hakuba Season Sports Campus.
A fulfilling learning environment that enables diverse learning experiences.
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A flexible curriculum that accelerates growth
A system that enables you to learn in a way that suits you.
2. A consistent support system over four years
From various learning consultations, to student dormitory management, support for international students' daily life, job hunting volunteer support, and ...... J. F. Oberlin University Events planning on open campuses, there are many communities where faculty and students work together as one. Rather than being supported unilaterally by "adults," you can receive various forms of support while interacting with faculty, seniors, juniors, and seminar students. A system has been established where universities and students support each other together.
Learning support
The advisor system assigns each student an advisor faculty member from their respective academic group who monitors their coursework and grades, providing guidance and advice on how to proceed with their studies in line with their future dreams and goals. Furthermore, a multifaceted support system is in place covering academics, career paths, and daily life, including support for obtaining qualifications, consultations with senior students, and writing assistance. From enrollment to graduation, it's an environment where each student can deepen their learning with satisfaction.
Support for mind and body
To address students' mental and physical health concerns, we have established a Christian Center, a Health and Hygiene Support Office, a Student Counseling Office, and a Student Diversity Support Office. Specialized staff are available to provide support for students regarding mental anxieties, health issues, and diverse backgrounds, creating an environment where students can feel secure and comfortable during their student life.
Qualification acquisition support
Teacher Education and Professional Licensure Center
Teacher Education and Professional Licensure Center mainly supports how to study teacher training and museum curator courses alongside regular studies.
Career support
Career advisor
Among J. F. Oberlin University 's career support programs, the Career Advisor is a distinctive feature. From the first year, you can receive career counseling on a teacher-based basis. We carefully draw out each student's thoughts about "what do we want to do in the future?" and prevent mismatches after employment, thereby helping to suppress early turnover.
3. Global Exchange
Since its founding, J. F. Oberlin University has actively welcomed many international students and faculty from overseas, and in recent years, students with foreign roots. We aim to become 'international individuals who empathize with their neighbors' by encountering cultures, societies, customs, and ways of thinking different from their own, both on campus and at study abroad destinations. It is an environment where students from literally all over the world, including China, which has deep ties to China, as well as the United States, South Korea, Asia, Europe, Oceania, and Africa. The total number of international students reaches 917. (Figures as of May 1, 2025)
Cultivating a global perspective
Global Supporters/Buddy's
The Machida campus has Global Supporters, and the Shinjuku campus has Buddy's, an official international exchange organization recognized by the university. We promote international exchange at universities from a student's perspective and plan and implement various Events.
International Camp
We held a day-trip 'Nice to Meet You Excursion' (spring semester) and a one-night, two-day international camp at Lake Yamanaka (autumn semester). It is a fun Events that deepens friendships among students, including international students.
Buddy Program
This program supports international students immediately after arriving in Japan. It aims to alleviate various anxieties and help them smoothly adapt to life in Japan and their studies at university. Many students participate every year.
International Dormitory
J. F. Oberlin University has an international dormitory where international students from around the world and Japanese students live together. Various Events are held here, providing an environment where you can develop an international perspective in daily life.
Japanese Class Guest
This system allows students to volunteer in Japanese language classes offered to international students, participating in activities and learning alongside them. They support international students' Japanese language learning by assisting with research, providing comments on presentations, and more.
J. F. Oberlin University 's track record based on international educational strength and multifaceted evaluation
What is common sense for people in one culture may be considered unconventional by people in another. This situation is occurring all over the world due to the globalization of society. What is needed in times like these is not to impose a single set of values, but to acknowledge differences and explore ways to coexist. Living with people who have different languages, religions, cultures, and customs is not easy. That is precisely why knowledge and experience in helping diverse people live together are necessary.
"Fostering international individuals based on Christian spirit" has been the philosophy J. F. Oberlin University has upheld since its founding. Having a heart that is close to one's neighbor, a teaching of the Christian spirit, is becoming increasingly important in today's challenging world. That is why our university fosters creative exchanges with people with different values and backgrounds, fostering global talent who can develop an international perspective and succeed globally.
A global learning environment
Number of partner schools
Related Information
4. Studying abroad/Overseas training
J. F. Oberlin University offers a variety of study abroad and overseas training programs tailored to your studies. Many students broaden their horizons, hone their language skills, and deepen their learning at least once during their studies.
Study abroad and overseas training to experience global diversity
All student groups
Our all-faculty study abroad program offers two types of programs: short-term and long-term exchange programs. It features a diverse range of programs to suit various goals, from those who want to experience a foreign culture and hone their language skills practically, to those who want to live abroad and cultivate intercultural understanding and a global perspective. Short-term programs, which can be joined from as little as one week with no language requirements, are ideal for first-time study abroad students. Long-term programs, where you spend a year or a semester abroad, offer a valuable opportunity to gain invaluable learning and experiences.
College of Arts and Sciences
We offer study abroad programs to help students find research topics for the future or engage in social contribution activities on an international stage. The aim is to cultivate not only language skills but also international perspectives and flexibility, and eligibility to apply for these programs is limited to first-year students.
College of Global Communication
As an opportunity to put the languages they have learned into practical use, virtually all students participate in a study abroad program lasting approximately 15 weeks during their second year. Students can choose from a total of 10 universities in 6 countries, and during their stay, they aim to improve their foreign language proficiency and gain a broader perspective through global experiences.
College of Health and Welfare
As part of the fieldwork conducted throughout the four years, we offer early childhood education and sports training programs in the United States during the long spring and summer breaks. Through presentations and discussions among students based on their experiences abroad, they can gain practical knowledge and experience.
College of Business Management
We conduct overseas business training programs in various countries around the world, including the United States (aviation business, tourism industry, nature conservation), the United Kingdom (tourism industry, distribution business), Singapore (resort development), and Sri Lanka (tourism development). Many students are inspired by this experience to participate in overseas study programs.
College of Performing and Visual Arts
Short-term programs are divided into fields such as music, theater, art, and dance, and include visits to European facilities, musical performances, lessons, and practical training. In addition, the long-term programs unique to each faculty include not only language learning but also auditing courses at the host university and experiencing the arts.
College of Education and Social Transformation
As an elective course in the second year, we offer an overseas program on Vancouver Island, Canada, during the long spring and summer breaks. Students explore topics of their interest in an environment different from Japan, honing their skills as fieldworkers.
College of Aviation
The three courses in air traffic control, aircraft management, and airport management include "Practical Overseas English" and "Fieldwork" at a partner university in Seattle. The Flight Operations course aims to obtain a U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) license while acquiring skills and knowledge at a training facility in Arizona.
Number of study abroad programs (2025)
Number of students participating in study abroad
Related Information
Study abroad system
Long-term study abroad program External link Mid-term study abroad program External link Short-term study abroad program External link OBIRYU PRESS External link Number of students sent abroad
About studying abroad
5. Service Learning
J. F. Oberlin University emphasizes experiential learning in fields such as welfare, education, arts, and business. We believe it is important not only to learn knowledge but also to apply it to one's own actions and to learn the philosophy of 'Gakuji Jijin' through one's own body. Communicating with various people in the real world, understanding the surrounding circumstances, and working to solve problems. These experiences foster the growth of each individual.
Service learning is a learning approach that combines "university lectures" and "field activities." By moving back and forth between the university and the field, students can engage in experiential learning. In service learning, academic knowledge acquired through "classroom learning" is applied to "contributing to the local community," aiming to solve local challenges together with residents.
Introduction to Representative Subjects
