The Cross-Cultural College (CCC) is a collaborative education project jointly run by the University of Toronto, Mount Allison University, Queen’s University, Western University, and Kwansei Gakuin University (KGU). The program aims to educate students to become world citizens and leaders who can contribute to the growth and sustainability of a globalizing world with cross-cultural understanding and communication skills. Students who complete one or more courses through Cross-Cultural College may be eligible for the CCC Certificate! See the bottom of this page for more details.
The program features two core courses for students to participate in an internship, and a problem-solving activities related to business. An emphasis on student mobility and teamwork provides opportunities to develop international networks, and nurtures active young people to become world citizens and leaders. Check out this video from a Canadian student who participated in the program.
The Cross-Cultural College offers two programs this summer. Students may choose to pursue one of the two programs or both programs. On your application under “Study Plan,” please indicate which program (GCSJ / GIJ / Both) you would like to take. Please submit an application on Mobility Online here under “Apply for Summer School Exchange (Coursework) 2026” by the stated deadline.
Global Career Seminar in Japan (GCSJ)
The Global Career Seminar (GCS) is a forum where groups of students from Canada and Japan come together to find solutions for problems that corporations and organizations have posed. Students will gain basic knowledge of international and Japanese businesses as well as business analysis methods through watching online pre-seminar lectures. After watching the online lectures, students will gather to spend a week with their peer students, meet with representatives from companies and organizations, and receive feedback from them after giving group presentations.
Online period (early June – mid July 2026)
- 7 to 8 short videos
- 6 short assignments
- Synchronous Zoom sessions
On-site period (August 1 – August 8, 2026)
- Location: KGU Japan
- Total of 40 students from Canada and Japan to collaborate
- Program fee: 69,000 Japanese Yen
Participant company/organizations examples (2026 TBD)
- Embassy of Canada to Japan (2024)
- Garuda Indonesia (2024)
- Kameda Seika (2023)
- Manulife (2024)
- RICOH Company (2024)
- Schneider Electric Ltd (2024)
- Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Japan (2024)
Global Internship in Japan (GIJ)
Global Internship in Japan (GIJ) allows students to experience working at a company/organization in Japan. Working together in pairs, students will learn the importance of cooperation and mutual understanding. During coursework prior to the internship, students will learn about the Japanese economy and business trends, as well as characteristics of the industry and business they will be working for.
Online period (early June – early July)
- 4 – 5 short assignments
- 2 lectures
- 9 short videos
On-site period (August 14 – August 30, 2026)
- Program fee: 228,000 JPY. *Global Internship fee will be finalized after your internship allocation and accommodation are arranged, which will be just before the commencement of the program. Therefore, please note extra fees may be requested upon your arrival in case accommodation fees are higher than estimated.
- After preparatory study at KGU, each pair, composed of a student from KGU and a student from a Canadian university, will work together for 10 days, gaining practical experience in a real business environment in Japan. Internship locations will be allocated before students arrive in Japan, and they may be placed not only in the Kansai area, but also in Tokyo and other regions. After completing their internship, students will make a presentation and write a report on their findings.
Participant company/organizations examples (2026 TBD)
- ANA All Nippon Airways (2024)
- Canadian Academy (2024)
- Elecom (2024)
- Eli Lilly Japan (2023)
- Japan Travel Bureau (2024)
- Sankei Meriyasu (2023)
- Yamaha (2024)
Credit Equivalency
3 Credits from KGU = 0.5 UofT FCE
Transfer Credit
Students must have their courses formally pre-assessed and approved for transfer credit before their departure. CIE Learning Abroad will send instructions on this process once you are selected.
Housing
Housing is guaranteed, and KGU will arrange for participants to live together during the program. Rooms will be shared with peers. If you do both GCJS and GIJ you will be responsible for finding and paying for your own accommodations in the break between the programs. Accommodation costs are covered by students’ program fees.
Fees
Summer tuition (equivalent to taking 0.5 FCE U of T course) is paid to U of T. There will be a program fee which will be paid directly to KGU. Please refer to the fee chart for detailed information on what is included.
In addition to the program fees, nominated students must pay the tuition & incidental fees to U of T by the Summer Payment Deadline. You can find the summer tuition information on the Fees & Payments page. While tuition is paid to U of T, you are still responsible for additional costs as specified by the host institution, such as housing, excursions, and administrative fees. You will also be responsible for the cost of flights, visas (if applicable) and other general cost of living while abroad.
Funding Available!
IE Award: Eligible students may apply for IE Awards, a needs-based monetary award for U of T students who wish to go on a university-sanctioned Learning Abroad Program through the Centre for International Experience (CIE).
JASSO Scholarship: Participants of CCC summer programs who have good academic standing in their home institution will be eligible for a scholarship (80,000JPY) from the JASSO, Japan Student Services Organization (Please note that students who will participate in both GCS and GI will also receive the same 80,000JPY). Students who will graduate, and receive a
degree at their home university by August 31, 2026 are not eligible for the scholarship. Students must submit an application and be selected, the scholarship is not guaranteed.
