<p>I’m planning on studying abroad for a year during my sophomore or junior year of college. My college exchanges with Kansai Gaidai, Kwansei Gakuin, Hiroshima University, Nagasaki University of Foreign Studies, Kyoto University of Foreign Studies, and Akita University. I did a summer exchange in Nishinomiya, which is near Kansai Gaidai, Kwansei Gakuin, and Kyoto University of Foreign Studies. I really want to go somewhere new. So, where should I go? Also, I might be able to go to a university my college does not exchange with so feel free to suggest a good study abroad school/location in Japan. Thanks!</p>
<p>Hey Nihongorox19,</p>
<p>Well, in the past you’ve been over in western Japan. Why not try the east side? I see your school partners with Akita Univ, although that may be a bit… remote. Akita is really really countryside!</p>
<p>My own university (Tsukuba) is just outside Tokyo, and they have a new program called Global 30, which allow students to do their entire degree in English. Tsukuba has one of the highest proportion of foreigners in Japan which makes it easy to live in, is quite rural (and hence cheap for accommodation), but less than 1 hour from central Tokyo. The Japanese language and culture programs are reportedly excellent - maybe the best or 2nd best in Japan. Tuition fees will be much lower than in the US. [website; <a href=“http://www.global.tsukuba.ac.jp%5B/url%5D”>www.global.tsukuba.ac.jp</a>]</p>
<p>What do you study?</p>
<p>First, thank you so much for replying! I will be starting at University of Mount Union in the fall. My major is going to be Japanese with a minor in international studies. I looked into the programs a little more and it turns out that Mount Union does not exchange with Akita. </p>
<p>I actually have been looking into Tsukuba but it says that I need to take The Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU), which is administered by JASSO. The test doesn’t appear to be administered in America though, only countries in Asia. Tsukuba looks like an absolutely amazing school. I would love to study abroad there. The tuition is so much cheaper than Mount Union’s! And housing is also very reasonable. Do you now how an international student can apply for studying abroad at Tsukuba? Thanks again for your response!</p>
<p>Hi Nihongorox,</p>
<p>If you are planning to come as a 1 year transfer student on the JTP scheme (Junior year at Tsukuba Program), then you don’t have to take the EJU. However, you will be paying your fees to Mount Union U, so Tsukuba’s fees won’t apply to you. If you choose to enter via G30 (either from 1st year [reccommended], or from 3rd year for the remainder of your degree [you can onyl transfer in at the end of 2nd year currently]) you don’t take the EJU either. If you come through the G30 program, first year is free also. </p>
<p>Either way, you would be eligible to apply for accommodation here. No worries.</p>
<p>I am already all set up with Mount Union for freshmen year, so I might try JTP or joining the G30 Program my junior year. What are the usual stats of those accepted into these programs? (GPA or Extracurricular)</p>
<p>As a new program, we don’t really have “usual stats”. Certainly, the kids on the program are very bright, so if you’re able to get into a good school in the US, then you’d be fine at Tsukuba. You have the added bonus of being a native English speaker too - a lot of students are from non-native English countries, and their English competency has to be judged also.</p>
<p>I am going to a good school, it is just very small. Not many people outside of Ohio have heard of Mount Union. We only have about 2,200 students. One concern that I have is if I wait to apply to this program and do not get admitted, I might not be able to study abroad. Most of the programs to Japan are through USAC, and spots fill up quickly. But if I have to, I can go to Kansai Gaidai, as long as I’m in Japan I will be happy.</p>
<p>Okay, I understand. JTP doesn’t have entry requirements - if your school has an agreement with us, you won’t pay tuition fees either. If you applied as a G30 student, I am almost certain you would be accepted.</p>