Advanced Area Studies | Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University

Advanced Area Studies

Advanced Area Studies

  • Pursue Your Field of Specialization

What is the Advanced Area Studies?

“Advanced Area Studies” is a programme that aims to critically investigate and analyse social issues such as environmental problems, disaster management, poverty, and human rights violations, by conducting intensive fieldwork, and explore social contributions based on research findings.

Lecture scene at Universitas Indonesia (Jakarta, Indonesia)
Heading out on a field trip with buddies from Universitas Indonesia (Jakarta, Indonesia)
A moment from the practicum at an NGO in Indonesia (Jakarta, Indonesia)
Campus tour at the Royal University of Phnom Penh (Phnom Penh, Cambodia)
Lecture at the Royal University of Phnom Penh (Phnom Penh, Cambodia)
Visit to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) (Phnom Penh, Cambodia)
Visiting a local community during fieldwork (Phnom Penh, Cambodia)
Interviewing residents as part of fieldwork (Phnom Penh, Cambodia)
With buddies from Universitas Indonesia (Jakarta, Indonesia)

Why Advanced Area Studies? Point 1
From theory to experience!

You can investigate academic theories and concepts learned in the classroom and experience their validity in the field. You have the opportunity to conduct your own research project through extensive consultations with academics, and experienced specialists from international organisations, government agencies, non-governmental organisations, as well as APU faculty members.

Why Advanced Area Studies? Point 2
Moving around multiple fields

Differentiated from typical field study programmes, Advanced Area Studies provides you with the opportunity to stay and conduct research projects in two different countries for six weeks, and promote an understanding of diversity and uniquness by effectively nurturing comparative perspectives.

Why Advanced Area Studies? Point 3
Experience, moving around, and contribution

You will be able to envisage an ideal picture of societal contributions by gathering nuanced opinions, deciphering unwritten codes, and seeking creative solutions to existing social problems in the field. Specialised knowledge and professional skills acquired throughout this programme will be valuable practical assets for your future career.

Advanced Area Studies [AY2027]

Program contents are subject to change.

Detailed information about the 2027 program will be released in November 2026.
If you would like to participate, please read the application guidelines carefully before applying.
Program Length Approx. 6 weeks Program Timing Summer Break (August -September)
Location Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and Jakarta, Indonesia
Acquired Skills/Abilities
  • Autonomy
  • Communication
  • Problem-solving
  • Sense of Diversity
  • Specialized Knowledge
  • Logical Thinking
Program fee Details will be available in November 2026.
Number of Participants 5~16 Application Period Details will be available in November 2026.
Eligibility ・Must be an APS student in their 2nd – 6th semester under the 2023 Curriculum. (Both international and domestic students are eligible to apply.)
・(Japanese-basis students) Must have completed both Intermediate English A and B by the end of the 2026 Fall Semester.
・Please refer to the Application Information for other eligibility and application requirements.
Additional Information
Guidance Session Details will be available in November 2026.
・Check out the stories from past student participants here!
How to Apply Apply through the online application form (Application form will be available during the application period.)

The above is an overview of the program. Please be sure to check the Syllabus and the Application Information before applying.

Contact

Advanced Area Studies Team
Outreach and Research Office
Email: atfs@apu.ac.jp

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