Ryugaku Journal (RJ) offers free counselling to Japanese students interested in studying abroad. Over 50 professionally trained counsellors with overseas experience assist students with detailed information about overseas education and unique travel programs. Counseling is provided through in-person visits to RJ centers as well as by e-mail, telephone and mail. Students review various school portfolios and are assisted in selecting a school that best fits their needs and budget. Information on language schools, universities, colleges, vocational institutions, high schools and tour programs is provided. Once a school is chosen, RJ counsellors then offer travel, financial and insurance services, pre-departure orientation and a 24-hour bilingual emergency service, “RJ Student Protection”. In addition, after returning from overseas, RJ organizes a network for past students. RJ headquarters is located in Tokyo, with additional centers in Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka and Sendai.
	RJ offer application procedure services which include: corresponding with the school of the student's choice; detailed consultation with the student on admission requirements and application procedures; completing school application forms; arranging accommodation and confirming homestay placement; offering the RJ Diagnostic TOEFL exam; assistance with travel documents and financial services, and tracking students once they are overseas.
	RJ also offers a special placement service for college and university programs. This includes assessing students´ English abilities, assistance in selecting several school options, evaluating student credentials, helping students apply, and academic advice overseas.
	Detailed information on English language training as well as academic programs at high schools, colleges, universities, vocational programs and travel packages is stored on the RJ database. This information is online throughout all counselling centers and is updated regularly. Standard school information, program dates, tuition and housing costs, extra-curricular activities, contact persons, student feedback and more is all part of the database.

In providing up-to-date information, RJ publishes a range of magazines, newsletters and books as well as web-sites including the RJ Homepage.

	Ryugaku (Study Abroad) Journal is our major publication and promotional tool of overseas education opportunities. Published bi-monthly with several additional special editions throughout the year, the Journal includes profiles of nearly 500 schools in seven countries. With a large distribution of 50,000 per issue, Ryugaku Journal is available in most bookstores across Japan and is widely read by students and professionals of all ages.
	The Ryugaku Journal homepage offers a complete range of contents similar to our magazine, such as general knowledge, event and seminar information, student feedback, and an evaluation of all types of study abroad. There is also the option to utilise the TOEFL / TOEIC online test and e-learning facility and short-term program application.

	In an effort to evaluate RJ programs and publications, RJ uses evaluation reports and questionnaires to gather information from students, international education professionals, schools and businesses. The results are carefully analysed and used to improve the effectiveness of RJ projects and publications. RJ encourages all students and overseas school administrators to send their comments to RJ Tokyo.
	Study Abroad Fairs are a popular way to provide students, parents, and working adults the opportunity to obtain first-hand information on overseas schools. RJ has been actively co-sponsoring educational fairs in cooperation with the US, Canadian and Australian Embassies, as well as New Zealand, UK and Irish government agencies and tourist associations. Fairs offer a “personal touch”, giving potential students a chance to meet directly with representatives from colleges and universities. Study Abroad seminars are also held throughout Japan for students, parents, educators and businesses by RJ staff and visiting international educators.
	Guidepost International is our annual English publication that is sent to educational circles throughout the English-speaking world. This newsletter features recent developments in Japanese education, reports on market trends among Japanese students, and provides an update of RJ activities.