Founded as Japan's third National University, Tohoku University now encompasses 10 undergraduate faculties and 16 graduate schools. This allows the university's FGL program to offer high-quality learning and research opportunities. The Institute for International Education, a subordinate organization of the International Coalition Organization, is in charge of implementing the FGL program.

Tohoku University recognizes the importance of offering courses that allow students to earn a degree by only taking classes taught in English. A number of Tohoku University's graduate schools have already introduced courses allowing students to do this. Under the FGL program, courses taught in English will be offered at more graduate schools. Meanwhile, undergraduate courses taught in English will be introduced at the Undergraduate Schools of Science, Engineering, and Agriculture. International learning opportunities are being greatly expanded.

Tohoku University is strengthening its collaboration with universities around the world to support the internationalization of education. It has academic exchange agreements with 129 institutions at the university level, 282 institutions at the departmental level, and 14 overseas offices in nine countries. Moreover, Tohoku University is a member of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU), The Association of East Asian Research Universities (AEARU), and Top Industrial Managers for Europe (T.I.M.E.). Furthermore, the active nature of the Tohoku University graduates' association in China attests to a rapidly developing alumni network. Under the FGL program, Tohoku University intends to open a representative office in Russia operated by a rotating teaching staff from Japan. This office in Russia will be made available for use by other Japanese universities.

These networks are utilized for 1) strategic public communications overseas and promotion of two-way communication with international students, 2) screening of international students and holding of admission exams for applicants at overseas offices before they come to Japan and provision of support to students enrolling at Tohoku University, and 3) development of double-degree programs with institutions of higher learning overseas.

Tohoku University offers a one-stop service for international students, including pre-enrollment support and career support before and after graduation. International students can receive assistance with submitting applications, applying for scholarships, applying for visas, foreign resident registration, joining the national health insurance scheme, applying for dormitory accommodation or renting an apartment, etc.

In addition to support from university organizations, voluntary support courtesy of Japanese students at Tohoku University and local residents is also offered to international students. Tohoku University is continually improving the systems and structures that enable international students to concentrate on their studies in a comfortable environment while becoming part of a welcoming community.