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• Kansai Gaidai University
• Sophia University

The coexistence of centuries of tradition with the highest levels of technological development in Japan is a striking phenomenon in our modern world. Students who participate in the exchange program to Japan can experience firsthand this fascinating mixture of old and new which challenges our ideas of social, economic, and cultural life. All classes except the Japanese language classes are delivered in English; therefore, students with little or no background in Japanese have the opportunity to be exposed to Asian culture and a range of subjects from Japanese business to Southeast Asian history.

Special Application Information for Japan Semester Programs

Application Deadlines
Fall: February 1
Spring: September 15

Requirements:

• GPA: 3.0 (One year of college Japanese preferred, but not required)
• Earlier deadline for students applying for scholarships
• Two letters of recommendation from faculty members
• For other application information and to download an application, please visit the following link to Application Procedures

"Studying and living in Japan was an eye-opening experience. It allowed me to view the world from an entirely new perspective and to develop greater cultural understanding. "

--Eric Estevez, summer program at Sophia University.

KANSAI GAIDAI UNIVERSITY
Hirakata City
Semester or Year Program
Undergraduate Programs
Kansai Gaidai University is ideally located in the cultural heart of Japan near Kyoto and Nara, ancient capitals of Japan, and Osaka, which is Japan's second largest industrial metropolis. The museums, temples, and artifacts provide fine examples of the history and culture of Japan while modern Osaka allows students to visit the world's largest trading companies. Established in 1945, Kansai Gaidai is a private, nonprofit institution that has earned an excellent reputation for high quality education in its relatively short history. About 14,000 students are enrolled. In April of 2002, the new Katahoko campus opened its modern facilities in order to offer a better educational environment for students. The new facility has increased information technology resources and is more easily accessible to train service. The Center for International Education, which houses the Asian Studies Program, is now twice as large.

Academic Areas          http://www.kansaigaidai.ac.jp/
This exchange program is similar in course offerings and excellence in faculty to the program at Sophia University. The differences are the setting (small city versus big city), academic calendar (U.S. university schedule versus Japanese academic year), and the room and board requirement at Kansai Gaidai. The exchange program was established in 1972 as a part of Kansai Gaidai's mission for international education and understanding. The curriculum is a combination of a rigorous Japanese language program in addition to courses in the humanities, social sciences, and business. Exchange students take courses in this program.

Room and Board
The housing options are dormitory-type residences, apartments, or a Japanese host family. Most of the student residences provide breakfast and dinner. Lunch can be purchased at cafeterias on campus or at the many restaurants around the universities. Homestays are guaranteed as an option for all semester students.

Extracurricular Activities
There are a wide variety of athletic and cultural clubs. Students interested in deepening their understanding of the Japanese culture are encouraged to join a club because their structure reflects the existing Japanese vertical society. It is also an excellent opportunity to meet people and make new friends. Clubs in Japan play a very important role in college life, and relationships established during membership may be instrumental to success after graduation.

Program Dates
Fall: late August to mid December
Spring: late January to late May

Specific dates for classes, examinations, and holidays will be provided upon acceptance.

SOPHIA UNIVERSITY
Tokyo 
Semester or Year Program
Undergraduate Programs

Summer Asian Studies Program

One of the foremost of Japan's private universities, Sophia University is located in Chiyoda-ku, known for its luxurious residences, five-star hotels, shops, and restaurants. The many beautiful parks and gardens in this area provide a peaceful environment to Chiyoda-ku in spite of its location in the heart of metropolitan Tokyo. The university, which is adjacent to the Akasaka Palace, is a mixture of modern and historic buildings. Approximately 10,500 students are enrolled at Sophia on two campuses, the Yotsuya campus where classes are given only in Japanese, and the Ichigaya campus where classes are given in English, except for the language courses.

Room and Board
The housing options are dormitory-type residences, apartments, or a Japanese host family. Most of the student residences provide breakfast and dinner. Lunch can be purchased at cafeterias on campus or at the many restaurants around the universities. Homestays are guaranteed as an option for all semester students.

Extracurricular Activities
There are a wide variety of athletic and cultural clubs. Students interested in deepening their understanding of the Japanese culture are encouraged to join a club because their structure reflects the existing Japanese vertical society. It is also an excellent opportunity to meet people and make new friends. Clubs in Japan play a very important role in college life, and relationships established during membership may be instrumental to success after graduation.

Program Dates
Fall: Mid-September to early February
Spring: Late March to late July

Special Scholarships for Study in Japan

• National Security Education Program:http://www.iie.org/nsep/
• Bridging Scholarships for Study in Japan:
  http://www.colorado.edu/ealld/atj/Bridging/scholarships.html
• AIEJ Scholarship for a full year programs to Japan.
  If interested, email ieep@miami.edu

• All tuition costs are based on 2009-2010 UM rates.
• Room and board expenses depend on housing selection. Students attending Sophia University in Tokyo can expect to pay closer to the higher end of room and board costs.
• All expense information is based on our best estimates.
• Personal expenses are in addition.