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Japan

Tokyo

Tokyo is the administrative, cultural, financial, commercial, and educational center of Japan and the focus of an extensive urban complex that includes Kawasaki and Yokohama. Attractions include the Imperial Palace, encircled by stone-walled moats and broad gardens, and numerous temples and shrines.

Beppu

Beppu, the largest hot spring resort in western Japan, and nearby Yufuin, offer bathing and sightseeing spots as well as easy access to lakes and mountains. With a colorful history and incredibly rare natural sites, a visit to these popular onsen is nothing short of unforgettable.

Fukuoka

Great food and even better company reign supreme in Fukuoka, the relaxed port town that is at the heart of life on Kyushu, Japan's third-largest island. The city is the fastest growing in Japan and has engaged in cultural exchange throughout its history from its proximity to mainland Asia.

Kyoto

Kyoto is the former capital city of Japan and world-famous for its refined culture, dining, and charm of rural Japan

Kyoto City attracts millions of local and international visitors each year looking for traditional Japanese culture. Temples and shrines such as Kiyomizudera Temple and Kinkakuji draw lots off attention from visitors. Kyoto's magic is only a short bullet train ride from Tokyo. 

Japanese Language and Culture at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University in Beppu, Japan

Overview

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU), is the first Japanese university to devote all its resources toward the pursuit of an international education. Its bilingual curriculum structure and highly multicultural campus make it a unique institution, not only within Japan, but worldwide. Students study at APU in an environment that fosters an unbiased worldview and encourages critical thinking that integrates a wide range of perspectives.  The beautiful APU campus has a lovely vista of Beppu, Oita Prefecture, and the ocean bay below.  This exchange is open to College of Staten Island (CSI) and City University of New York (CUNY) students only.

Information Sheet

Advisor Gonzalo Villena
Advisor Email studyab@csi.cuny.edu
Minimum GPA 2.75
Class Standing 1 Freshman, 2 Sophomore, 3 Junior, 4 Senior
Min Required Number of College Credits Completed in Order to Apply 12
Language of Instruction English, Japanese
Areas of Study Business, Communication, Economics, Finance, Hospitality Management, International Relations, Japanese, Management, Marketing, Media Studies
Housing Option Dorm
Program Open to CSI Students, Other CUNY Students

Studying

Take a full semester of courses in: Business, Strategic Management & Organization, Accounting & Finance, Marketing, Innovation & Economics, Culture, Society & Media, Environment & Development, Hospitality & Tourism, International Relations & Peace Studies, and Foreign Languages.

  • College of Asia Pacific Studies (APS)
  • College of International Management (APM)

Note: Students must choose one college they would like to enroll in but will be able to take courses from both colleges. It is advised that students choose a college that is most similar to their program at their home university.

Please check out this nice Ritsumeikan APU Learning in Motion  (YouTube video)!

Please read details on the exchange in these three PDFs:

See more info posted on the APU Academic Office web page for Exchange Students here.  

You can read more about the exchange on that page, but please do NOT apply using the APU application. 

Apply to the CSI-APU exchange by clicking the blue APPLY NOW button above and complete the CSI study abroad application.

Living

Students live in off-campus student dorm-style housing with other Japanese and international students. The housing fee is paid directly to APU after acceptance and prior to arrival in Japan.  Students are responsible for covering the cost of commuting to the APU campus. 

Exploring

The city of Beppu on Kyushu, the southern-most main Island of Japan, overlooks Beppu Bay which connects to the Pacific. On a clear day, Shikoku Island is visible in the distance. Oita Prefecture was one of the sites for the 2002 World Cup Soccer Games while Beppu City is internationally known for its hot springs resorts that make it a favorite tourist destination.

Eligibility

This exchange program is open to CSI and CUNY students ONLY who have a minimum of 12 credits at time of application and who are are in good academic and student standing, with a minimum 2.75 GPA.  Applicants must submit a complete application which includes an in-person campus interview.  These exchange programs require a certain level of maturity, independence, seriousness of purpose, and an ability to adapt to new environmental and academic conditions.  As there may be limited spots on this exchange program, please know CSI students will have priority placement over other CUNY students if there are too few placements available.

Dates & Costs

Students will be required to pay CSI/CUNY full-time tuition prior to departure for the program.  Students are also required to pay housing costs in Japan prior to arrival in Japan.  No additional tuition is charged by APU. 

All exchange students should pay CSI the cost of the mandatory CISI health insurance even if the students have their own insurance or the host institution/country requires a different one.

Estimated additional costs (per semester): Airfare appx. $1,800 - $2,200, Housing $2500-$3000, Meals $2000, Japanese government required insurance appx. $130, required renter's insurance appx. $30, CUNY required health and accident insurance appx. $200, Visa (US citizens no fee; non-US citizens $8-55), Miscellaneous Expenses, $2500-$4000.

Please budget additional funds if you plan to do independent travel.

Approximate dates:

Spring 2023
Arrival, airport pickup and dorm check-in:  TBD; APPROX. March 20
Mandatory Orientation:  Late March
Official Semester Dates:  
Term dates:  Early April – Mid-August
Dorm check-out and departure:  TBD; APPROX. August 2, depending on the exam schedule. 

Fall 2022
Arrival, airport pickup and dorm check-in:  TBD; APPROX. September 14
Mandatory Orientation:  Mid-September
Official Semester Dates:  September 21, 2022 - March 31, 2023
Term dates:  Early October - Early February 
Winter Break: Late Dec. – Early Jan.
Dorm check-out and departure:  TBD; APPROX. February 10, depending on the exam schedule. 

Application deadlines:
Fall        March 1
Spring   October 1
 
Please ask for application cycles currently open, and any applicable extensions.

Japanese Language and Culture at Seinan Gakuin University in Fukuoka, Japan

Overview

Seinan Gakuin University (SGU) was founded in 1916 by Baptist missionaries in the southern city of Fukuoka. The campus has always had an international flavor and accepts students from around the world.  This exchange is open to all CUNY students who meet the requirements below.

Please note that this is a competitive program which involves a CSI on-campus interview as part of the application and nomination process. Preference will be given to early completed applications and to College of Staten Island students.

Information Sheet

Advisor Gonzalo Villena
Advisor Email studyab@csi.cuny.edu
Minimum GPA 2.75
Class Standing 1 Freshman, 2 Sophomore, 3 Junior, 4 Senior
Min Required Number of College Credits Completed in Order to Apply 12
Language of Instruction English, Japanese
Areas of Study Asian Studies, Business, Economics, History, Law, Literature, Political Science, Religion/Theology, Social Work, Sociology
Housing Option Dorm
Program Open to CSI Students, Other CUNY Students

Studying

Take a full semester of courses in: Asian Studies, Business, Comparative Religion, Economics, Law, History, Literature, Political Science, Psychology, Social Work & Sociology. Exchange students are required to take Japanese Language. All courses except the Japanese language are taught in English.  See sample SGU course offerings for exchange students here.  Website of the International Division of SGU:  http://www.seinan-gu.ac.jp/eng/study_abroad/international_division.html

See a color brochure from Seinan Gakuin University describing the international student program, housing, and the city of Fukuoka here - 

Living

Students live in student dorms with other Japanese and international students. The housing fee is not included in the program costs and is paid directly to SGU prior to
arrival in Japan.  SGU housing info - http://www.seinan-gu.ac.jp/eng/campus_life/housing.html

Here are some FAQs about housing - https://www.seinan-gu.ac.jp/eng/campus_life/housing/faqs.html

 

Exploring

The city of Fukuoka, also known as Hakata, is the cultural and economic capital of Kyushu, the southern most island of Japan. The city has a population of 1.5 million people and has been considered an international city for centuries. Fukuoka is the capital of Fukuoka Prefecture and sits on the northern shore of the island. It’s known for ancient temples, beaches and modern shopping malls, including Canal City. Maizuru Park contains ruins of 17th-century Fukuoka Castle. The central Hakata district contains Tocho-ji Temple, home to a wooden Buddha ten meters tall and the Hakata Machiya Folk Museum, with displays on daily life in the Meiji and Taisho eras. Fukuoka is known for its excellent public transportation system and the natural beauty of its scenic mountains and beaches.  Fukuoka is well-situated and connected as a transportation hub for those who want to also explore other country destinations in East and South East Asia.

Eligibility

The program is open to CUNY students only, who are in good academic and student standing, with a minimum 2.75 GPA.  Second semester college freshman who have at least 12 completed credits & up may apply.  Applicants must submit a complete application which includes an in-person campus interview.  These exchange programs require a certain level of maturity, independence, seriousness of purpose, and an ability to adapt to new environmental and academic conditions.  Please know CSI students have priority placement over CUNY students from other colleges in the event that there is a limited number of spots available on this exchange.

Dates & Costs

Dates:

  Fall Spring
Orientation August 23 - 25, 2023 January 17 - 18, 2024
Beginning of Classes August 28, 2023 January 19, 2024
End of Classes December 11, 2023 May 13, 2024
Exam Period December 15 - 21, 2023 May 17 - 23, 2024
Commencement December 22, 2023 May 24, 2024

http://www.seinan-gu.ac.jp/eng/study_abroad/academic_calendar.html

 

Cost:  Students will be required to pay CUNY full-time semester tuition prior to departure for the program. No additional tuition is charged by SGU. 

All exchange students should pay CSI the cost of the mandatory CISI health insurance even if the students have their own insurance or the host institution/country requires a different one.

Additional estimated costs (per semester): Airfare $1,800 - $2,200, Housing $1,700 - $2,600, Meals $2,000 - $2,500, Japanese government required insurance fees $130 + $27, CUNY required health and accident insurance $200, Books $175, Field Trip fees $90-175, Visa (US citizens no fee; non-US citizens $8-55), Personal Expenses, $2,500 - $4,000.

Please budget additional funds if you plan to do independent travel.

 

Detailed Housing Cost from SGU:

   On-Campus Dormitory *   

   - International House I (Female only) / II / III

   Room Fee: 35,000 – 42,000 JPY / Month (Utility Fees, Wi-Fi incl.)     

   Common Area Fee: 1,000 JPY / Month

   [Initial Fees (mandatory)]

   Cleaning Fee: 11,000 JPY

   Rental Bedding Fee (one semester): 8,000 JPY

   Rental Bedding Fee (two semesters): 15,000 JPY

   Off-Campus Dormitory *   

   - Dormy Fukuoka / Hakataeki-Higashi / Fukuoka 3

   Room Fee: 58,150 JPY / Month (with breakfast and dinner)

   Utility Fee: 6,600 JPY / Month

   Wi-Fi Fee: 550 JPY / Month

   [Initial Fees (mandatory)]

   Cleaning Fee: 15,000 JPY

   Maintenance Fee: 3,000 JPY

   Rental Bedding Fee (one semester): 14,740 JPY

   Rental Bedding Fee (two semesters): 24,640 JPY

 

* Accommodation will be arranged depending on the requests and availabilities of on/off campus housing.

* Students may be allocated in an accommodation which is NOT mentioned above.

 

Application deadlines:
Fall        March 1
Spring   October 1

 

 

Japanese Language and Culture at Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto, Japan

Overview

Ritsumeikan University is one of the top-ranked private universities in Japan and is located in the old capital of the country, Kyoto. Kinugasa Campus, located in the northwest of Kyoto, is surrounded by many historic temples and UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Golden Pavilion and Ryoanji Temple, providing a serene environment for education and research.  Kyoto was the capital of Japan for about 1,000 years before the capital was moved to Tokyo in 1868.  Because of that, the city has numerous cultural assets including 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and about 2,500 temples and shrines!  Kinugasa is Ritsumeikan University’s main campus, hosting 18,000 students, and is the university’s center for liberal arts studies.  This summer program offering is available only to students matriculated at the City University of New York (CUNY).  Please know that enrollment is limited, and that College of Staten Island students have priority admission.

Information Sheet

Advisor Gonzalo Villena
Advisor Email studyab@csi.cuny.edu
Minimum GPA 2.5
Class Standing 1 Freshman, 2 Sophomore, 3 Junior, 4 Senior
Min Required Number of College Credits Completed in Order to Apply 18.     NOTE - Students need a minimum or 30 credits completed before they attend.
Language of Instruction English, Japanese
Areas of Study Culture, Japanese
Housing Option Hotel (not included in program cost)
Program Open to CSI Students, Other CUNY Students

Studying

JAPANESE LANGUAGE AND CULTURE - Ritsumeikan Summer Japanese Program Session 2 (RSJP2)

(5 weeks, 6 credits) 

Participants will enroll in intensive Japanese language classes (beginning, intermediate, or advanced levels) and a Japanese Studies class. Language classes are conducted for three hours every weekday morning, providing a thorough introduction to the Japanese language. Language teachers use the direct method, using Japanese to teach Japanese.  This method is very effective, and can even help students who are starting from the very beginning and who have zero prior knowledge of Japanese language ability.  Although particular emphasis is placed on oral communication skills, the program maintains an overall balance between conversation, reading, and writing, thus providing a solid foundation for future studies of the Japanese language. Japanese Studies lectures focus on topics such as business, history, sociology, and traditional culture. In addition to having the chance to become more familiar with the finer aspects of Japanese culture in class, students also have the opportunity to take part in various fieldwork activities to reinforce what they have learned in class.

This program is targeted for students at these levels:

Knowledge of Japanese: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

* Note for students who have never studied Japanese:  RU asks all participants try to master at least reading and writing of Hiragana and Katakana before the program starts. RU asks that students please study this beforehand, to better achieve further improvement during the program.

Japanese Language Class  *Taught in Japanese

  • 50 min × 3 classes × 23 days = 3,450 min = 57.5 hours
  • Class contents: Conversation, reading, writing
  • Class topics: business, history, society, traditional culture

Japanese Culture Class (Japan Study)

  • 90 min × 11 days = 990 min = 16.5 hours 
  • Class contents: lecture on Japanese culture
  • Fieldwork to various cultural spots
  • Special lectures done by masters well respected in their fields

* Please read the RSJP2 course descriptions and tentative syllabi 

 

Living

Normally students stay in an international student dormitory - International House Taishogun - which opened up in fall 2015, and is located a 15-20 minute walk to Kinugasa Campus.  Summer short term program students normally stay in 4-person occupancy dorm rooms.  However, RU is currently arranging different hotels for single rooms for CUNY students. Students should pay the hotel expenses directly with the hotel and the program cost does not include the hotel. After the student has applied and paid for the program, RU will inform the students how to pay for the hotel fees; see more information here.

 

Exploring

While the program includes visits to historical and cultural sites, museums, and local companies, you’ll never want to stop there. Kyoto is a rich city to explore with an extensive public transportation network to help you get around.  You will love experiencing the ancient Fushimi Inari-Taisha shrine complex, and the wonderful variety food you can see and taste at the Nishiki Market, from chicken cooked with Japanese mountain spices, to gourmet kaiseki multi-dish meals, to the inexpensive noodle shops.

Check out Ritsumeikan Instagram reels for beautiful scenery and videos of Kyoto city! https://www.instagram.com/ritsumeikan_global/

 

Student BUDDY

Japanese buddies, Ritsumeikan University students, will be there to support your student life at Ritsumeikan. It will not be a 1-on-1 system, but RU buddies will assist you in groups by speaking only in Japanese.  This will help you fully immerse in the Japanese language.  You will have opportunity to interact directly with local students and practice Japanese and learn about Japanese culture including contemporary Japanese pop culture, trending words, anime, and many other topics. You can explore Kyoto together and you might also be able to find life-long friends!

 

Eligibility

This program is open to CUNY students only.  Students need to have 30 completed college credits on their transcript before they can attend this program.  Second semester college freshman & up may apply.   2.5 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale required.  No Japanese language ability required.  Priority placement is given to CSI students over CUNY students from other colleges if too few spaces exist.

 

Dates & Costs

Please note all dates and costs are subject to change.
 

Summer 2024 Language & Culture Session 2 (RSJP2)

Start/end dates for 2024:

  • July 8 - August 8, 2024
 $ 3,460

 

*A non-refundable deposit of $500 is due within two weeks of acceptance. This deposit is applied toward the program cost and paid to the College of Staten Island. 

Program cost includes: tuition (6 credits for matriculated CUNY students), fees, pre-departure & on-site orientations, sickness & accident insurance.

Ritsumeikan includes the following in this summer session program:

  • Certificate of Completion
  • Placement test
  • Text book
  • Ritsumeikan Buddy
  • Orientation 
  • Campus Tour 
  • Completion ceremony
  • Visa support (if applicable)
  • Cafeteria
  • Library 
  • Wi-Fi​

The Medical Service Center offers medical assistance to students with health concerns. Consultations are available in English during certain times of the day.

Additional estimated costs: Airfare $1,800-2,200, Hotel $1,520-1,800, Meals $500, Airport Shuttle (Round trip between Kyoto and Kansai International Airport) JPY7,000 (approx. $65), Personal Expenses $800-1,200'

The hotel will be paid directly by the students: Hotel at Shijo-Omiya area at \231,000 for 33 nights. Smile Hotel Kyoto Shijo: https://smile-hotels.com/hotels/show/kyotoshijo#access. Single rooms; hotel conveniently located for daily shopping and near the bus stops and other subway stations. On the first day, Ritsumeikan University will pick up students from designated hotel. If students decide to stay at a different location, they can wait for transportation at the designated hotel.

 

Application Deadline:
RSJP2: March 1

Business, Humanities, and Sciences at Chuo University in Tokyo, Japan

Overview

Founded in 1885, Chuo University is proud of its 138 years of steady fulfillment of such a role. Under the founding spirit of "Fostering the Ability to Apply Knowledge to Practice,” Chuo University has built a history of tradition and achievement, symbolized by Hakumon, the University's original stone White Gate, and has worked with a mission to contribute to society by nurturing individuals who go on to support society and lead the way for the future. Today, as a comprehensive university and educational institutes with 8 faculties, 8 graduate schools, 2 professional graduate schools, 4 affiliated high schools, 2 affiliated junior high schools, and 9 research institutes, this motto of founding spirit has been passed down from generation to generation, shaping Chuo’s diverse academic research and broad, practical education. This exchange is open to College of Staten Island (CSI) students only.

Information Sheet

Advisor Gonzalo Villena
Advisor Email studyab@csi.cuny.edu
Minimum GPA 2.75
Class Standing 1 Freshman, 2 Sophomore, 3 Junior, 4 Senior
Min Required Number of College Credits Completed in Order to Apply 12
Language of Instruction English, Japanese
Areas of Study Business, Commerce, Economics, Finance, Science and Engineering, Languages and Culture, Law, Global Management.
Housing Option Dorm
Program Open to CSI Students

Studying

Take a full semester of courses in: Business, International Cooperation, International Finance, Public Administration, Law and Society, Sociolinguistics, Psychology, Environmental Design, Cognitive Marketing, Global Issues, and more!

  • Tama Campus: Economics, Commerce, Letters, Policy Studies, and Global Management
  • Korakuen Campus: Science and Engineering
  • Myogadani Campus: Law

Apply to this exchange by clicking the blue APPLY NOW button above and complete the CSI study abroad application.

Living

There are two international residences: “International Residence Chuo” on Tama Campus and “Seiseki International Residence,” 6-minute walk from Seiseki Sakuragaoka Station on Keio line. Undergraduate students, graduate students, international exchange students, and research students enrolled at Chuo can live in the IRC and the Seiseki International Residence (Distance-learning division students and non-degree students are not acceptable).

International Residence Chuo (IRC)
IRC accepts applications twice a year (April enrollment and September enrollment) at the International Center. Please check the website for April enrollment in mid-November and for September enrollment in June. Applications will be conducted online and residents will be decided by screening of documents (those who wish to serve as a leader position will have a face-to face or an online interview). When applications begin, you can apply from the bottom of the application guidelines website.

Seiseki International Residence
Seiseki International Residence is a residence with private rooms for Chuo students, co-managed with Kyoritsu Maintenance. For inquiries and applications, please contact Kyoritsu Maintenance (0120-88-1030).

The housing fee is paid directly to Chuo University after acceptance and prior to arrival in Japan.  Students are responsible for covering the cost of commuting to the CU campus. 

Exploring

Tama Campus, located in the Tama Hills Natural Park in the city of Hachioji, Tokyo, is home to five faculties: Economics, Commerce, Letters, and Policy Studies, Global Management and its graduate schools. Situated on 518,401㎡ of land, the expansive campus houses the faculties as well as research facilities, clubs and circles, libraries, and indoor/outdoor sports facilities. Also on campus is the “Honoo-no-Tou” building, where students can find an ideal study environment to prepare for the extremely difficult national examinations.

The Global Gateway Chuo and the International Residence Chuo (IRC) opened in 2020. The Global Gateway Chuo is equipped with facilities that enable global education and research, and the IRC provides a mixture of educational and living facilities on campus. As the new face of Chuo University, the Forest Gateway Chuo opened in 2021. This unique space will allow various kinds of "wisdom" to be gathered and shared with society, and provide a fresh venue for social interaction, where students can interact with each other, as well as with businesses and other members of society.

Eligibility

This exchange program is open to CSI students ONLY who have a minimum of 12 credits at time of application and who are are in good academic and student standing, with a minimum 2.75 GPA.  Applicants must submit a complete application which includes an in-person campus interview.  These exchange programs require a certain level of maturity, independence, seriousness of purpose, and an ability to adapt to new environmental and academic conditions.  As there may be limited spots on this exchange program, please know CSI students with a higher GPA will have priority placement over other CSI students if there are too few placements available.

Dates & Costs

Students will be required to pay CSI full-time tuition prior to departure for the program.  Students are also required to pay housing costs in Japan prior to arrival in Japan.  No additional tuition is charged by Chuo University. 

All exchange students should pay CSI the cost of the mandatory CISI health insurance even if the students have their own insurance or the host institution/country requires a different one.

Estimated additional costs (per semester): Airfare appx. $1,800 - $2,200, Housing $2500-$3000, Meals $2000, Japanese government required insurance appx. $130, required renter's insurance appx. $30, CUNY required health and accident insurance appx. $200, Visa (US citizens no fee; non-US citizens $8-55), Miscellaneous Expenses, $2500-$4000.

Please budget additional funds if you plan to do independent travel.

Approximate dates:

Spring 2024
Classes begin: April 8, 2024 (to be confirmed)
Classes end: July 19, 2024 (to be confirmed)   

 

Fall 2024
Classes begin: September 19, 2024 (to be confirmed)
Classes end: January 22, 2025 (to be confirmed)   
 

Application deadlines:
Fall        March 1
Spring   October 1
 
Please ask for application cycles currently open, and any applicable extensions.