The TU in Japan program is based at J .F. Oberlin University, a private co-educational institution located in the Tokyo suburb of Machida. The University has over 8,000 students, and welcomes more than 100 study abroad students each semester. Machida is a lively, upbeat town that is well served by trains and provides easy access to Tokyo proper and also to nearby mountains and beaches.
The Reconnaissance Japan Program at J. F. Oberlin University offers Japanese language courses from the introductory to advanced levels. A wide variety of culture and other courses on Japan taught in English are also offered each semester. The program allows students to learn about and experience Japan within the supportive environment of J. F. Oberlin University's Center for International Studies. No prior language study is required.
J. F. Oberlin's Center for International Studies offers a varied program of cultural activities and excursions in and around Tokyo. Most of these activities will be arranged for weekends or on weekdays when classes are over in order to ensure maximum participation. In addition to the formal program activities, students are also encouraged to take part in club or social activities on campus.
Academic Information: Fall/Spring:
Participants enroll in J. F. Oberlin's Japanese language program (3-8 credits depending on level) plus choose from content courses taught in English (4 credits per course). Students will be placed in one of six different levels in the core Japanese program, depending on previous study and the results of a placement test.
Summer:
Students take intensive Japanese language at the beginner-high to intermediate levels, along with cultural activities.
In addition, a variety of elective Japanese courses are offered to meet students' needs. (Please note that not all elective courses are offered every semester). Courses taught in English are taken by both international students and Japanese students. Students with exceptional Japanese language ability are also encouraged to enroll in any of the regular courses offered in Japanese by J. F. Oberlin's various academic colleges.
TU students may receive Honors College credit for their study abroad experience.
Housing: Fall/Spring: Student residence hall (single occupancy) or homestay with a Japanese family. The student residence (Fuchinobe International House) is located near the Fuchinobe train station and 25 minutes walking from campus. There is a university shuttle that runs between campus and the train station. Homestays can be located up to an hour commute from campus.
Summer: Students live at the Tama Hills International House, a short, free shuttle ride from the main campus, in double rooms. Homestays are available on weekends.
Costs:* Summer 2013: $3,500 Fall 2013: $9,700 Spring 2014: TBD
Cost includes academic credit, housing, international health insurance, pre-departure and on-site orientations, and internet service (in residence hall). Additional costs include passport and visa fees (if applicable), international airfare, meals (homestay includes two meals per day during the week and three meals per day on weekends), $100 bedding fee - residence hall only, airport pick-up, ¥ 7500 Japanese National Health Insurance (approx. $100 to be paid in in cash upon arrival), beginning in 2013 ¥1,700 medical exam fee (approx. $20), ¥ 55,000 refundable security deposit - dorm only (approx. $700 paid to JF Oberlin prior to departure), personal expenses, and a $300 Study Abroad Fee.
A separate fee will be charged for participation in some activities.
*The Towson University Study Abroad Office reserves the right to make any necessary changes including adjustments in cost in the event that unforeseen circumstances arise.
Eligibility: Fall/Spring: Must be a full-time undergraduate degree-seeking student with an overall GPA of 2.8. Sophomore/Junior/Senior status. Summer: Must have a minimum of 2 semesters of Japanese and a minimum 2.5 GPA.
Application Process: Fill out the application and submit it to the TU Study Abroad Office. $50 application fee. Non-TU students must also submit a completed Non-Degree Enrollment Application.
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