Our Story
About FGL Academy
Bridging Japan and UC San Diego through graduate-level educational experiences since 2009
Our Mission
FGL Academy exists to help Japanese university students develop practical global leadership skills through immersive experiences at one of America's top universities.
We believe that true learning happens when you step outside your comfort zone. Our program creates an environment where students must take action, make decisions, and communicate - skills that are valued in the real world.
"The shortcut to growth is to immerse yourself in a new environment."
— Jacob Searing, Founder
What Makes FGL Different
Not a Language School
FGL focuses on developing action, judgment, and communication skills - not just English proficiency. Our professors are world-renowned academics, not language teachers.
GPS Graduate School Access
Japanese undergraduates access UCSD's official graduate school (GPS). A rare configuration where Japanese undergraduates can take US graduate-level lectures.
UCSD Alumni-Led
The program is designed and operated by UCSD graduates who understand both Japanese and American educational cultures.
Proven Track Record
500+ alumni (program records 2009–2025), no hospitalization-level incidents since 2009, and 98%+ satisfaction rate (2021–2025 surveys, N=214). We've refined the program through real student feedback.
How FGL Compares
There are many ways to study abroad. Here is an honest look at where FGL fits — and where it doesn't.
| Language study abroad / language-school-style programs (incl. extension & open-lecture style) | Exchange / semester study abroad | FGL Academy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level of study | ESL / conversation-focused | Undergraduate courses | Graduate-level lectures |
| Who teaches | ESL instructors | University faculty | Active UC San Diego graduate school (GPS) faculty, PhD-level |
| Class size | Often large groups | Varies by university | 20–30 students |
| Duration | Several weeks to several months | Six months to one year | 2–3 weeks |
| Approximate cost | Varies widely by program | Generally high (due to length) | Spring $4,985 / 3 weeks · Summer $3,470 / 2 weeks |
| Best suited for | Those who want to build English and everyday conversation | Those who want credit and local life over six months to a year | Those who want to take on graduate-level learning and hands-on practice in a short period |
Choosing honestly
We won't pretend FGL is right for everyone.
- If your goal is simply to improve everyday English conversation, a language-study program may be more cost-effective.
- If your goal is a full semester of credit-bearing immersion, an exchange or semester-abroad program serves that better.
- As far as we know, FGL is the only short-format program where Japanese undergraduates take graduate-level lectures from UC San Diego's graduate school (GPS) faculty.
Meet the Team
Led by UCSD alumni who understand your journey
Jacob Searing
Founder & CEO
Born and raised in sunny San Diego, Jacob graduated from UCSD's School of Global Policy and Strategy (GPS) in 2005. He has lived in Japan for over 20 years, working in various roles including UN offices, Japanese and foreign financial institutions, and audit firms. As the Japan Alumni Chapter representative for UCSD, he bridges his alma mater with Japanese students seeking global experiences.
Natsuka Searing
Social Media Coordinator
Natsuka handles business operations and communications for FGL. She studied business at a college in Wyoming, USA from 2009 to 2011, and uses her overseas experience to support students preparing for their FGL journey.
Company Information
Eigo Pro LLC (英語プロ合同会社)
| Representative | Jacob Searing |
| Established | July 31, 2009 |
| Capital | ¥5,000,000 |
| Headquarters | Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan |
| Business | Planning and operation of study-abroad programs to the UCSD GPS graduate school |
| Academic Partner | UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy |
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Join 500+ alumni (program records 2009–2025) who built confidence and global perspective through FGL