If you’re a Japanese Studies major or minor, or just interested in Japanese language and culture, a semester or more in Japan will help you deepen your knowledge and appreciation for all things 日本.

Fill out the following application (if you'd like a copy, or can't complete it all in one go, Save-As onto your own computer or drive), print it out, and sign it.  Everything on the application (including the essay questions) should be completed in English.

2013-2014 Application for Exchange/Study Abroad Placement in Japan

You'll also need three professional or academic references; you can find a link to our reference form here.

Applications are due by 5pm on Monday, 3 December 2012.

All application materials should be delivered or sent to:

International Programs & Initiatives
Exchange and Study Abroad
University of Alaska Fairbanks
215 Eielson Building
P.O. Box 757760
Fairbanks, AK 9977-7760
1-907-474-5979 (fax)

All applicants will be notified of the results of their applications by 1 February 2013.

UAF’s four main exchange programs are: 

Hokkaido University
   北海道大学
   Sapporo, Hokkaido
   Hokkaido University Short-Term Exchange Program (HUSTEP)
   Japanese Language and Culture Studies (JLCS)

Hokkaido University of Education (HUE)
   北海道教育大学
   Sapporo, Hokkaido

Nagoya Gakuin University (NGU)
   名古屋学院大学
   Nagoya , Aichi Prefecture

Tohoku University
   東北大学
   Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture
   Direct Enrollment Exchange Program (DEEP)

In addition, exchange or study abroad placement is available at:

Kitami Institute of Technology (KIT)
   北見工業大学
   Kitami , Hokkaido

Osaka Gakuin University (OGU)
   大阪学院大学
   Osaka

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU)
   立命館アジア太平洋大学
   Beppu, Oita Prefecture

Tohoku University
   東北大学
   Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture
   Junior Year Program in English (JYPE)

All students going on exchange or study abroad from UAF must fulfill the following requirements:

• Completion of at least 2 full-time semesters or 29 credits before your first semester abroad.
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.

In addition, to fulfill the Japanese Studies international requirement, Japanese Studies majors must also have:

• Completed at least JPN 202 or its equivalent prior to departure, and
• A minimum of a B-average (3.0) in Japanese language courses, and
• The recommendation of Japanese language faculty.

Although cost of living will depend on many factors including size and accessibility of your city of residence and your personal tastes and habits, you should expect to spend an average of at least ¥80,000 per month.   Typical monthly fees include:

• Rent (¥10,000 - ¥60,000)
• Utilities (¥5,000 - ¥10,000)
• Food (¥20,000 - ¥30,000)
• Health Insurance (¥2,000)
• Internet (¥4,000 - ¥10,000)
• Commuting Fees (¥5,000 - ¥10,000)
• Miscellaneous (¥10,000 - ¥20,000)

Other fees include:

• Tuition
• Books
• Class fees
• Health Insurance

When you apply to a Japanese exchange university, you will be asked to provide evidence of adequate financial support of at least ¥50,000 per month for the entire time you will be abroad.   While working is possible under a student visa, restrictions apply, and these future earnings may not be used as part of your evidence of adequate financial support.

Please contact your Japanese Studies advisor, a Japanese language faculty member, or the Exchange and Study Abroad Advisor for questions.