Advanced Area Studies | Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University

Advanced Area Studies

Advanced Area Studies

Pursue Your Field of Specialization

Student Experiences

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.

At Thammasat University (Bangkok, Thailand)

Students receiving feedback from faculty member (Bangkok, Thailand)

Experiencing local life on the streets of Bangkok (Bangkok, Thailand)

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)

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 [AY2026]

Program contents are subject to change.

We are recruiting participants for the " Advanced Area Studies " for AY2026 as follows.
If you would like to participate, please read the application guidelines carefully before applying.

Program Length	Approx. 6 weeks	Program Timing	Spring Semester 2nd Quarter (June – July)
Location	Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and Jakarta, Indonesia	Acquired Skills/Abilities	Autonomy Communication Problem-solving Sense of Diversity Specialized Knowledge Logical Thinking
Program fee	Approx. 300,000 to 500,000 JPY
Number of Participants	5~16	Application Period	November 3, 2025 ～ January 5, 2026 (14:00)
Eligibility	- [At the time of application] 2023 Curriculum APS 2 – 6 Semester Students (whether international or domestic) - In case of Japanese-basis students: Having completed Intermediate English by the end of semester you apply for the program. *There are other application requirements. Please check the Application Information for details.
Additional Information	－
Guidance Session	1st session: November 12 (Wed.), 3rd period (12:30-13:30) Format: Hybrid (In-person & Online) Venue: Classroom F111 Zoom MTG ID: 939 5858 9375 Guidance Session Recorded Data (Recorded data will be available the day after the 1st session of the guidance until the end of the application period.) 2nd session: November 26 (Wed.), 5th period (16:10-17:10) Format: Hybrid (In-person & Online) Venue: Classroom F111 Zoom MTG ID: 945 6393 2674 (The program details will be explained in the first application guidance session. Therefore, for those attending the second guidance session, we recommend watching the recording of the first session in advance. ------------------ ★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.) * You are required to upload your CV when submitting your online application. * Please download the template from this link in advance, create your own CV, and then begin filling out the application form.

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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