Program Description

Become immersed in Japanese language and culture at Keio University, one of the most prestigious universities in Japan. Participants on this exchange program directly enroll in courses in the university's highly regarded Japanese Language Program. This program is ideal for Japanese language students interested in improving their language skills through intensive Japanese instruction.

With a population of about 14 million, rising to nearly 20 million during workdays, Tokyo is the quintessential metropolis. The city boasts an outstanding art and cultural scene, including libraries, museums, art galleries, historical archives and urban landmarks, as well as movies, theater, and drama from all over the world. The city is also a center of government and business, with the Tokyo Stock Exchange, Keidanren and the Japanese Diet making Tokyo their home. Tokyo's location provides ready access to nearby Mt. Fuji, the historic shrines and temples of Nikko and Kamakura, and the hot springs of Hakone, as well as international destinations in Southeast Asia, Korea, and China.

Academics

Keio University has a proud history as Japan’s first private institution of higher learning. Founded in 1858 as a school for Dutch Studies in Edo (now Tokyo), Keio University has now grown to include an elementary school, three junior high schools, five senior high schools, the university, one professional school, one junior college, and other research institutions. The university has a student body of more than 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students, and five campuses in Tokyo and the neighboring Kanagawa Prefecture. Mita, the main campus, is home to the faculties of letters, business and commerce, economics, and law, as well as Japanese language courses and other courses for international students.

Students on the program participate in the Japanese Language Program offered through the Center for Japanese Studies. This program offers courses in Japanese language as well as Japanese Studies courses taught in English. Past Japanese studies courses have been offered in subjects such as art history, business, literature, intercultural communication, and sociology.

Housing

Keio University’s International Center assists students in arranging accommodation in Japan. Students are provided with a furnished room at one of the student dormitories located in the greater Tokyo area. In some dormitories, weekday meals are included.

Excursions and Activities

Upon arrival, participants attend an orientation organized by the International Center, where they receive information regarding registration, libraries, computer access, life in Japan, counseling, housing, immigration procedures, insurance policies and other practical matters. In addition, the Center for Japanese Studies assists with academic guidance, administrative matters, personal concerns, and cross-cultural adjustments throughout the year.

KOSMIC, the university’s international student organization, offers various programs to help students integrate into Japanese and university life. Past activities have included a welcome party, field trips, participation in the fall Mita student festival, and “Peer Guide,” an informal Japanese tutoring program. KOSMIC also helps participants join one of the numerous student clubs at Keio University, which offer international students a way to make Japanese friends and learn more about Japanese culture.