Spring 2027 Program
FGL Spring 2027 is a 3-week graduate-level program at UC San Diego's School of Global Policy and Strategy (GPS), February 7–27, 2027 — $4,985 with Residence Inn by Marriott housing and breakfast.
3 Weeks of Graduate-Level Leadership
Experience UCSD's graduate school (GPS) during spring break. GPS faculty, Marriott hotel stay, and our signature comprehensive program.
Open to students currently enrolled at a university in Japan.
Program Overview
February 7-27, 2027
3 Weeks
UC San Diego, La Jolla, California
Residence Inn by Marriott
Breakfast included
3-Week Spring Schedule
February 7-27, 2027
Week 1: Orientation & Foundation
Feb 7-13Arrive, settle in, and build your English foundation with academic workshops.
Activities
- Airport pickup and hotel check-in
- Campus orientation and tour
- English workshops (speaking, writing)
Highlights
- Meet your cohort and staff
- First GPS lecture experience
Week 2: Global Issues & Leadership
Feb 14-20Dive deep into policy lectures and develop leadership skills through team projects.
Activities
- GPS faculty lectures daily
- Field trips (Salk Institute, SDG&E)
- Student networking events
Highlights
- Courthouse visit and judge meeting
- Leadership development workshop
Week 3: Projects & Career Prep
Feb 21-27Complete your final project, present to faculty, and prepare for your future.
Activities
- Final project preparation
- Career Services workshop
- Graduate school admissions session
Highlights
- Final presentations to faculty
- Closing ceremony & certificates
Detailed daily schedule provided before program start
Spring Program Highlights
GPS Faculty
Learn from actual GPS professors who teach PhD and Master's students — graduate-level lectures.
Extended Experience
Our signature 3-week format provides deeper immersion and more comprehensive curriculum.
Hotel Comfort
Stay at Residence Inn by Marriott with private kitchens, complimentary breakfast, and shuttle service.
On-Site Coordinator
Jacob Searing, our founder and GPS alumnus, accompanies participants throughout the program.
Free Online English Prep Sessions Included
Every applicant gets free online English prep sessions from the time they apply through January — at no extra cost. Each session includes live group Q&A, so you can raise your questions right there. Build your confidence and arrive at UC San Diego ready to make the most of graduate-level lectures.
Sign up for the free prep sessions →Room With Friends — or On Your Own
Every participant stays in a suite at the Residence Inn by Marriott — a comfortable, secure, hotel-standard home base from day one. Suites are single-gender. Applying on your own is completely welcome. And if you'd like to room with friends, just name them on your application — any number, and we'll do our best to keep you together. Room assignments are finalized about two weeks before arrival, and we'll honor changes right up until then wherever space allows.
Two Evening Seminars, Led by Jacob
In your first week, founder Jacob Searing — a graduate of UC San Diego's School of Global Policy and Strategy, the very graduate program you'll study in — personally leads two small-group evening seminars. It's a close, welcoming setting to explore ideas and ask questions, helping you settle in before the main graduate-level lectures.
Join the Free Online English Prep Sessions
Not ready to apply yet? You can still join our free online English prep sessions with live Q&A. Leave your details below and we'll email you a confirmation — no commitment required.
Prep Session Schedule
Kickoff: Thursday, August 6, 19:00 JST on Google Meet. August 13 & 20: on-demand. August 27 & September 3: live. October–January: twice monthly.
After you submit, you'll receive a confirmation email, and the Google Meet link is sent before each session.
For Chuo University students: your application to the program is made through your university's own designated process (expected early September 2026). December 15 is the general application deadline — we'll email you as soon as applications open.
Spring Program Fee
All-inclusive (includes application fee)
(Reference amount: the USD program fee converted to yen at ¥155/USD. The actual conversion rate is set on or around December 15, 2026. Payment is accepted in Japanese yen by bank transfer.)
Fee Breakdown
Includes tuition, accommodation, breakfast, transport, and support
Tokyo University Special
$4,150≈ ¥640,000Exclusive 2-week program for U of Tokyo students
The 2-week program is a separate cohort for University of Tokyo students. Chuo University students join the 3-week program, which includes the intensive English seminar week (Feb 8–12).
What's Included
Not Included
Application Deadline: December 15, 2026
Full payment due by January 10, 2027
Marriott Hotel Stay
An all-suite hotel at the edge of campus
Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego La Jolla
8901 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037
Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego La Jolla has been FGL's home base for years — an all-suite hotel right at the edge of the UC San Diego campus. Every suite has its own full kitchen, plus a complimentary hot breakfast each morning. The Blue Line trolley station is about a 10–15 minute walk away, and two large supermarkets, shopping centers, and restaurants are all within walking distance — a comfortable, convenient home base throughout your stay.
Room Type
Shared rooms (2-4 students)
Meals
Breakfast included daily
Lunch and dinner on your own
Amenities & Features
Shuttle service available for class days
Safety & Support
Your peace of mind is our priority
On-Site Bilingual Coordinator
Jacob Searing, our founder and GPS alumnus, is on-site throughout the Spring program. As a native San Diegan fluent in both English and Japanese, he provides direct support for any situation.
Jacob accompanies participants to all activities and is available 24/7 during the program.
Japan-side administration: Natsuka Searing (Administrator & Financial Officer)
Dedicated On-Site Support
In addition to Jacob, GPS staff provide academic support while hotel staff ensure comfortable accommodation. You're never alone.
All Programs Include
24/7 Emergency Contact
Direct line to support staff anytime
Travel Insurance Required
Comprehensive coverage verification before departure
Consulate Coordination
Japanese consulate liaison for emergencies
Regular Check-ins
Daily attendance and wellness monitoring
Emergency Contact: Jacob Searing (available 24/7)
Spring 2027 Applications Are Open
Applications for Spring 2027 are now open. The standard application deadline is December 15, 2026, and spots are limited. Contact us on LINE with any questions or to secure your place.
For Chuo University students: your application is made through your university's own designated process (expected early September 2026). December 15 is the general application deadline. If you sign up for the prep sessions, we'll email you as soon as applications open.
Contact Us on LINEJoin Spring 2027
Experience the full FGL program with our signature 3-week format