【New Program】Interdisciplinary Program for Global Frontier Leaders (Launching in April 2026)
Gunma University will launch a special program, the Interdisciplinary Program for Global Frontier Leaders (I-GFL), in April 2026.
This program aims to cultivate “universal skills” that enable students to thrive anywhere in the world, regardless of their field of expertise, in this era of VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity).
Through classes in which local and international students – regardless of faculty – discuss interdisciplinary themes, and through paired experiences in local industries in Gunma Prefecture, students will acquire the skills to thrive in any setting, transcending national and disciplinary boundaries.
*The content introduced here is currently under development and may be subject to change.
I-GFL’s Philosophy
Our Mission, Our Vision, Our Values
Our Mission
To nurture globally minded, socially responsible frontier leaders who can work across disciplines to address real-world challenges and shape a better future.
Our Vision
To be a globally recognized university that fosters excellent future leaders through global awareness, local engagement, and interdisciplinary learning.
Our Values
- Global mindset and local engagement
- Innovation through interdisciplinary learning
- Ethical leadership and resilience
Unique Features of I-GFL
- This program aims to develop your skills that you can use to thrive wherever you are – whether in Japan, your home country, or anywhere else in the world.
- To this end, local and international students learn together to better understand their commonalities and differences – a crucial skill for becoming truly global citizens.
- The language of instruction is English – the global lingua franca that you will need to use, regardless of your personal preference.
- All courses are interdisciplinary, equipping you to navigate and cross boundaries in today’s unpredictable world.
Courses Offered
Japan and Our Own Identities
This course aims to equip students to reflect on their own identities in their (re)encounter with Japan, discussing its linguistic, cultural, social, and historical aspects.
Development: Leaving No One Behind
This course is designed to lay out the foundations of development, social, and financial economics through discussions of prevailing global issues.
Philosophy for Thinking About Society
This course will broaden students’ understanding of the moral dimensions of public policy, as well as deepen their own individual moral perspectives.
The Future of AI and Humanity
Drawing on expertise in philosophy, ethics, social psychology, and sociology, in this course, students will learn how AI enables us to experience various forms of reality that we would not otherwise be able to access, and how such experiences can serve as educational tools.
Ethics for Living with the Environment
In this course, students will investigate and discuss how and why we should live as morally responsible members of an ecological community.
Global Interdependence and the Role of Technology
This course explores the interdependent relationship between technology and global society. Students are invited to reflect critically on how technology relates to key global issues such as resource management, social challenges, supply chains, and nationalism.
Communication Design through Arts
Engaging in cross-cultural collaboration through arts, students will explore and discuss the possibilities of expression, communication, and ways of mutual understanding through nonverbal forms of expression such as music and art.
Buddy G-Exploration (Buddy Gunma Exploration)
Local and international students explore the Gunma area and gain work experience together in Japanese companies or industries.
FAQ
Q: Who can apply?
A: All interested undergraduate students are welcome to apply.
Q: When is the deadline?
A: The deadline is expected to be around March 2026 for beginning studies in the program in the winter semester of 2026. However, internal deadlines at your home institution may be earlier.
Q: Will I get a certificate?
A: Yes, you will receive a completion certificate if you complete all the courses and budy internship. Even if your stay at Gunma University is short and you are unable to take all the courses, you can still join the program. In that case, however, you will receive a participation certificate instead of a completion certificate.
Q: Where can I find information about accommodation?
A: Information about university accommodation (International Houses) and local apartments can be accessed via this Link.
Q: How much is the cost of living?
A: Gunma Prefecture is known for its low cost of living by Japanese standards (the second lowest as of 2022). The typical monthly cost, including accommodation, is around ¥90,000. However, if you stay in an International House (dormitory, with a limited number of rooms), the cost would be lower, at about ¥75,000.
Q: What are the visa application procedures?
A: Please consult the website accessible via this Link to familiarize yourself with the relevant procedures.
Q: My Japanese is rudimentary. Can I get support?
A: Yes, a tutor will be assigned to help you navigate various aspects of life at Gunma University, including support with the Japanese language. See the website accessible via this Link.
Students are also encouraged to take Japanese classes offered for non I-GFL students at Gunma University.