Rikkyo University, Japan

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Rikkyo University, Japan

Looking for something slightly familiar overseas, but yet, radically different at the same time? That might sound like a dream, but that’s exactly what this program offers, given Rikkyo University’s roots as an American-inspired liberal arts academy.

��MŮ�� students with some Japanese language ability have the opportunity to study at one of Japan’s oldest and most unique institutions for a spring semester or academic year.

Location

Tokyo, Japan

Term

Spring, Academic Year

Housing

Dormitory

Program Highlights

There is no better way to learn a new language than to fully immerse yourself in it on a daily basis! Students who participate in this exchange program at will sharpen their Japanese language skills through formal coursework and regular exchanges with native Japanese speakers throughout Tokyo.

Upon arrival in Tokyo, students may also choose to participate in a Buddy Program, where they will be paired with Rikkyo students to receive advice and help with the adjustment to life in Japan.

Program Contact Information

Molly Papay

Assistant Director, Education Abroad

Email: mpapay1@kent.edu

Office Phone: 330-672-3067

Application Process

Students will be required to complete two applications:

an internal ��MŮ�� Education Abroad application,
and a partner university application.

These quick steps will help walk you through the process.

1. Start an Education Abroad Application

When you click the "Apply Now" button (located towards the top and bottom of this page), you will be brought to the Education Abroad application system where you can view program costs and start an application. Be sure to submit your application before the deadline!

2. Wait for Acceptance

Once you have submitted your application, it will be reviewed by an Education Abroad Advisor. Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis. Please note that acceptance to the program by ��MŮ�� does not serve as final approval. The host institution or program provider grants final approval for each applicant.

3. Complete the Host University Application

Once your Education Abroad application has been accepted, you will be nominated to the host university. You will complete the host university’s application and wait for official acceptance to the program.

Academics

Eligibility

Full-time, degree-seeking student at ��MŮ��
Any major at the undergraduate level; Japanese minor preferred but not required
Minimum cumulative GPA: 3.0 or higher
Completion of Elementary Japanese I at minimum

Academic Programs

What began in 1874 as a private school has evolved into one of Japan’s top global private universities. Located in Tokyo, Rikkyo University is known for its abundant academic resources and student support. There are approximately 20,000 students enrolled at Rikkyo and there is active interaction amongst faculty, staff, and students. Inspired by the liberal arts university model in America, Rikkyo values personal care and support.

The exchange program with Rikkyo University is designed for globally-minded students to practice Japanese language skills and learn more about Japanese culture, history, and society. While students from any major may participate in this program, preference is first given to those who are pursuing a Japanese minor.

Course offerings may include the following:

Japanese Language (mandatory)
Seminar on Japanese Language and Culture
Modern Japanese History
Japanese Society
Tokyo Studies
...and more!

Upon arrival at Rikkyo University, students will complete a placement exam to determine at which level of Japanese language they will study. The Japanese language courses are offered at eight levels (J1 - J8) and are taught in Japanese.

Most for exchange students are taught in English. To take major courses in Japanese alongside Rikkyo students, exchange students typically need to test into a high level of Japanese proficiency (J6 or higher).

Transferring Credits

Transfer Credits

With this program, students enroll in courses at a partner (host) institution. You will need to transfer the credits you earn abroad back to ��MŮ��.

Upon successful completion of the program, the host institution will issue you an official transcript, which will be needed for the credit transfer process.

You must earn passing grades on the courses you take abroad for the credits to transfer.

Prior to departure, students will meet with their academic advisor to complete a Transfer Course Planning (TCP) Form, which will outline the courses you plan to take while abroad and how the courses will transfer to ��MŮ��.

Some courses have already been pre-approved for transfer to ��MŮ�� and can be viewed on the Transfer Credit Guide. Please note that this is only a guide and is NOT a comprehensive list of courses available at each partner institution.

Credit Approval

Prior to departure, it is your responsibility to meet with your academic advisor to discuss the courses you plan to take while abroad.

If a course needs to be evaluated for transfer, you are responsible for working with your education abroad advisor to obtain the syllabus and have it reviewed by ��MŮ�� faculty.

Location & Transportation

Campus Information

Rikkyo University's Ikebukuro Campus is ideally located in Tokyo with easy access to public transit. Students will be able to take advantage of the sports facilities, prayer room, library, and fun programming offered on campus. There are many events and activities offered each academic year where exchange students can learn more about Japanese culture and participate in workshops, excursions, and field trips.

Get to Know Tokyo

Tokyo is the perfect example of a city that merges modernity and tradition. With beautiful old temples and huge modern skyscrapers, the capital of Japan is packed with about 14 million people and is the largest city in the country.

Students will be constantly immersed in Japanese culture. Tokyo is always alive, with plenty of festivals and great street food, main attractions, and little traditional neighborhoods. Famous symbols of the city are the sakura (cherry blossom) tree-lined streets, the anime culture, and its delicious cuisine. There are plenty of other activities such as visiting the Imperial Palace with its gardens, the Tokyo National Museum, and a reconstructed kabuki theater.

Airports

The two major airports in Tokyo are Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND). Students should plan to fly into Narita from the United States and then take public transit or an airport bus to Rikkyo's Ikebukuro campus.

Local Transit

Students will have easy access to all forms of public transit while living in Tokyo. Taxis are often quite expensive, but students will quickly become accustomed to using the network of train, subway, and bus lines. Be sure to try the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) to travel at a very fast pace!

Housing & Meals

Students are housed in single-room dormitories, which are in separate buildings a short train ride from the university. Furnished much like American dormitories (with bed, desk, chair, closet, telephone, air conditioner, and other items), the buildings are designated for male-only or female-only occupancy (i.e. no co-ed dorms).

A meal plan is included in the dormitory fees. Laundry, shower, and kitchen facilities are also provided. Students pay Rikkyo a monthly rate for accommodation and utilities to live in the dormitory.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

There is a financial aid counselor specifically for Education Abroad. You can schedule an appointment with them on KSU Advising (Group Name: Education Abroad) or email finaideducationabroad@kent.edu.

It is possible to use your federal financial aid to go on ��MŮ��-approved education abroad programs. You can learn more on the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center website.

It is also possible to use most ��MŮ�� scholarships for education abroad costs. You can find education abroad scholarships on ScholarshipUniverse.

Health & Safety

Pre-Departure Orientation

Prior to your study abroad experience, you will participate in a mandatory pre-departure orientation hosted by the Office of Global Education. During this orientation, you will be provided with information including but not limited to:

international travel procedures;
in-country resources;
health and safety resources and information;
culture shock and resources to help prepare for living abroad.

All students are encouraged to register with the prior to departure.

You can also review a wide variety of resources we’ve pulled together for you on our “Before You Go” page.

Country Profile

You can learn more about your destination(s), including travel advisories, through the .

In addition, we encourage you to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel page for for traveling to your destination(s).

If vaccinations or medications are needed according to the CDC, you should make arrangements for appointments with your healthcare provider or the DeWeese Health Center as soon as possible. Appointment openings at the DeWeese Health Center are limited and vaccines may need to be ordered, which takes time. Please note that not all immunizations are available at the DeWeese Health Center.

Visa Information

A visa is a document required by many countries, in addition to your passport, that allows you to enter the country for a certain purpose (whether that’s to stay, transit, or exit). Essentially, it is the country's government giving you legal permission to enter their country to travel, study, work, etc.

Please note, it is solely the responsibility of the student to:

determine the entry, transit, and stay requirements for the country or countries to which they will travel,
and to apply for any necessary visas, stay permits, or any other immigration requirements of the host nation(s).

It is also the responsibility of the student to:

verify the correct documentation required to apply for the required visa(s),
apply for the visa(s) early enough to ensure there is enough processing time,
and pay any fees associated with obtaining the visa(s).

��MŮ��'s Office of Global Education is available to provide general guidance regarding student visa requirements and procedures; however, each student who travels abroad is expected to manage their own legal obligations regarding international travel.

It is strongly recommended by the Office of Global Education that you carefully review the appropriate consulate or embassy website for the nation(s) you plan to visit in order to determine current entry/study/exit visa requirements.

Costs and Funding

Costs for the program will differ for every student. You can use our Cost Calculator to get an estimate of what you might expect for your program.

To help offset the cost of the program, it is possible for exchange students in Japan to obtain a part-time job in certain industries, although fluency in Japanese may be required for most positions.

We also encourage you to meet with your Education Abroad Advisor and the Financial Aid Counselor for Education Abroad to see how your aid may apply to an international program by emailing finaideducationabroad@kent.edu.

Your Journey is Just Beginning

Why Go Abroad

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