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

Japan in Today's World (JTW)

Beyond developing their communicational skills, JTW provides students rich, first-hand cultural exposure to Japan through a variety of courses, study trips, and other participatory opportunities, including home visits and extra-curricular activities, each designed to broaden understanding and appreciation of Japanese society. Program components such as independent study projects and individually tailored laboratory research enable students to build expertise in specialized areas.

JTW offers a culturally diverse environment in which you can meet and exchange ideas with people from around the world. You will be part of a group of about 40 students drawn from leading universities of all over the world. Classes are conducted primarily in English, but they are open to our Japanese students as well. Those with higher levels of Japanese language skills may take regular University courses.  Students are assigned their own “tutor,” a Japanese student who will be on hand to help you settle in.

More information about JTW courses can be found here.

Course Levels:
Kyushu University does not use a number system to signify course levels.  Therefore, the numbers associated with courses will not indicate their level.  It is important to get syllabi evaluated in advance to determine course level.

Access a list of courses other ASU students have taken and current course equivalencies.

Credit & Grade Conversion Scale

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

Accessibility Information

Individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation in one of more of this program’s locations very different from what you find in the United States. Depending on the program, there may be a great deal of walking or the regular use of public transportation. The Study Abroad Office cannot guarantee access to public transportation, buildings, or public sites on this program.

Although ASU cannot guarantee the accessibility of all program sites, students with disabilities can and do study abroad. Upon request, the ASU Study Abroad Office can provide information about the availability of accommodations and accessible facilities on the specific program and can help you determine whether this program can meet your accommodation needs.

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 non-refundable fees:

• $50 Application Fee
• $400 Administrative Fee
• Mandatory Medical Insurance Fee*

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 Medical Insurance Fee charged to each student depends on the program duration. 

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.