Quick Facts

• To receive priority consideration for this program, submit complete spring applications by August 1st.  For academic year application, the only/final deadline will be December 15th.   Since the applications for Japanese exchange programs are lengthy and require multiple supporting documents, students should open the application AND meet with the International Coordinator no later than 3 weeks prior to the application deadline. Additionally, Japanese majors/minors are required to meet with a Japanese faculty member as part of the application process. This should be done as early as possible in the application process, before selecting a program. The names of approved faculty members are listed in the application; if you do not yet have an open application, contact the International Coordinator for more information.
• Students study Japanese language and culture, and other topics, including independent study and research, through the Japan in Today's World (JTW) program.
• Regardless of your major, special interests, or level in Japanese, JTW gives you the chance to study at one of Japan's most prestigious universities in Fukuoka, a friendly and culturally fascinating city located halfway between Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai.
• Students are able to study for one semester in the Spring or for a full academic year. The ASU Japanese language section highly encourages students to study abroad for a full academic year to attain high language and cultural competencies.
• Eligibility: must have completed two full-time semesters at ASU with grades posted (at time of application); minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA (at time of application) although higher is recommended
• Note: The competitiveness of this exchange program is considered low to moderate depending on student interest. Please contact the International Coordinator for more details.

Location Details

Kyushu University is located in Fukuoka, a friendly and culturally fascinating city located halfway between Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai. As a harbor city, Fukuoka is an excellent location for traveling throughout Asia

Fukuoka is Kyushu's largest and one of Japan's ten most populated cities. Because of its closeness to the Asian mainland (closer to Seoul than to Tokyo), Fukuoka has been an important harbor city for many centuries and was chosen by the Mongol invasion forces as their landing point in the 12th century. Today's Fukuoka is the product of the fusion of two cities in the year 1889, when the port city of Hakata and the former castle town of Fukuoka were united into one city called Fukuoka. Hakata remains the name of Fukuoka's central district and main railway station.

Visa Information

U.S. citizens will require a visa* in order to participate in this program. Limited information about the visa application process may be provided by the ASU Study Abroad Office and/or your host institution, but it is your sole responsibility to research, apply, and secure a visa. Failure to obtain a visa may result in your inability to participate and, ultimately, your withdrawal from the program, subject to the terms of the Study Abroad Withdrawal Policy. 

Consult this page for additional information regarding visas. If you need assistance securing a U.S. Passport, visit the ASU U.S. Passport Acceptance Office in Tempe.

PLEASE NOTE: Visa requirements for non U.S. citizens may differ from those for U.S. citizens; students who are not U.S. citizens are advised to contact their International Coordinator and begin independently researching the visa requirements for their nationality as soon as possible.

*At the time of writing. This information is subject to change without notice; students should independently confirm this requirement with the relevant consulate/embassy.

Academic Program & Courses

Curriculum

At Kyushu University, all students would apply for the Japan in Today's World program and take at least 6 courses.  This is typically a mix of Japanese Language courses and elective courses taught in English.  But taking Japanese Language is not required.

Academic Opportunities/Restrictions

Academic Culture

Academic Schedule

Course Levels, Credits & Grades

Program Housing

As a new arrival at Kyushu University, you are guaranteed an air-conditioned single or shared room in an international student residence. Laundry is also available. Shopping for food and other necessities is found conveniently nearby. Occupancy fees, covering rent, electricity, gas, and water varies by room size and location. Though public phones can be found, most JTW students obtain mobile phones soon after arriving, and come to rely heavily on them.

More information can be found under the "Accommodation & Living costs" section of this page.

Campus photo courtesy of Kyushu University

Below you will find information that may help you in planning for your study abroad experience. Early discussions and planning can help to support you in having a positive experience abroad. We invite you to meet with the International Coordinator for this program to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.

Physical Considerations

Study abroad participants may find themselves walking or taking public transit abroad more frequently than they are accustomed at their home campus.

Disability Accommodations Abroad

Individuals with disabilities can and do study abroad, but may find accessibility and accommodation in one of more of this program’s locations very different from the United States. For example, in Japan, older buildings are not likely to have been retrofitted for accessibility. At major train stations, airports, and hotels, travelers with disabilities should encounter few accessibility problems, although many smaller stations are inaccessible to those who cannot climb stairs.

In general, the Study Abroad Office cannot guarantee access to public transportation, buildings, or public sites on this program. Any student who anticipates needing any kind of special accommodation due to a disability should contact the ASU Study Abroad Office early in the planning process to investigate the availability of accommodations (including accessible facilities) on this specific program. Contact the Disability Resource Center and your Disability Access Consultant to include them in the discussion; be sure to give your Disability Access Consultant permission to speak with the Study Abroad Office on your behalf. You can find additional information and resources on our Students with Disabilities page.

LGBTQIA Students Abroad

Students of diverse sexual orientations or gender identities will find that the social climate, laws, and norms of other cultures will often differ from the U.S. If you identify as a lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, or queer student - or if you are still exploring your identity - you may face unique challenges when traveling abroad. 

We encourage students who identify as members of the LGBTQIA community to visit the U.S. Department of State website for helpful information about laws and attitudes in this program’s locations, including pre-travel tips and advice on staying safe while abroad. You can find additional information and resources on our LGBTQIA Students page.

Gender Identity Abroad

When traveling abroad, you may find different gender roles and norms than you’re used to. It’s possible that you may be treated differently or be expected to treat others differently based on your (or their) gender identity. 

You can find additional information and resources on our Gender Identity Abroad page.

Racial and Ethnic Minorities Abroad

Students of different ethnic and racial backgrounds may encounter unique challenges transitioning from life here in the United States to life as a student living abroad, including but not limited to access to personal care products and services. For example, in Japan, the population is ethnically homogenous, so some students may experience more attention, comments, and questions, both positive and negative. 

You can prepare yourself for the situations you may experience by researching the ethnic composition of your host country and exploring its history of racial and ethnic relations. We encourage students to start that research on our Racial and Ethnic Minority Students page.

Cost Information

Exchange program participants will pay ASU tuition and fees for the term of the Exchange program, according to the individual student's classification and degree level. In addition to ASU tuition and fees, participants are also responsible for paying the following fees:

• $50 Application Fee (non-refundable)
• $400 Administrative Fee (non-refundable)
• Carbon Offset Fee*
• International Travel Service Fee (Including Insurance)*

The program may allow for time which can be spent in non-program activities. Participants may wish to travel, sightsee or participate in activities or events in which they have a personal interest. Please note that the participant is fully responsible for making arrangements and for all costs of transportation, lodging, food and additional expenses that may be associated with any non-Program activities.

*The actual amount of the International Travel Service Fee charged to each student depends on the program duration and the Carbon Offset Fee will increase annually (in July) by approximately $2.
 

Funding Your Study Abroad Program

Studying abroad is an investment in your future, which requires careful planning and management. However, the personal, academic, and professional rewards that you will gain from this experience will last a lifetime. You should carefully consider costs, budgets and financing when selecting and preparing for your experience abroad. If you have questions at any step of the process, we encourage you to reach out to your International Coordinator for guidance.

Steps to Financing Your Study Abroad Program

1. Review the Considering Costs Table for a general overview and cost comparison of popular programs.
2. Be sure to reference the Spring Semester Cost Sheet or the Academic Year Cost Sheet to find a breakdown of program expenses.
3. Attend a Financing Your Study Abroad Workshop.
4. Consider your Financial Aid options.
5. Search and Apply for Scholarships and Grants.
6. Exhaust your options by exploring Additional Funding Resources including our Community-Based Funding Guide.
7. View our Financing Your Study Abroad Program Handbook for more information, including Payment Information.

Unique Funding Opportunities for This Program

• Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
• Boren Scholarship
• Kyushu University Friendship Scholarship
• JASSO Scholarships for Study in Japan: Those who would like to apply for a JASSO scholarship should check "Yes" for “JASSO” in Question 1, "Are you intending to apply for a Japanese scholarship?" on page 4 of the JTW application form. Only applicants who check this box will be considered for scholarship nomination (note that nomination doesn't guarantee a scholarship).
• Freeman Awards for Study in Asia (Freeman-ASIA)
• Study Abroad in Japan: Bridging Scholarships

Photos

Links to Additional Resources

• ASU Study Abroad on Facebook
• U.S. Department of State
• ASU U.S. Passport Acceptance Office
• STA Travel Airfare Deposit Program*
• Guide to Living in Fukuoka*
• Lonely Planet: Fukuoka*

*The ASU Study Abroad Office does not officially endorse, administer or monitor the content of these links.