Sophia University
Tokyo, Japan
SUMMARY
This exchange is open to students of all majors. Sophia University is located in the center of Tokyo and provides students the opportunity to live in a fast paced, urban environment. UW-W students can take classes in English ranging from Culture, Society, History and Politics to Business and the Japanese language. A total of eight language credits are available as part of the intensive language program. The Department of Comparative Culture offers a variety of courses in English.
For more information about Sophia University, visit: www.sophia.ac.jp
For information about courses offered please click here.
ELIGIBILITY
Students must:
- have sophomore standing.
- have a 3.0 cumulative GPA at the time of application.
- have a clean disciplinary record.
- be back on the UW-Whitewater campus for one final semester prior to graduation.
- Preference will be given to students who have a major or minor in Asian Studies.
APPLICATIONS, DATES AND DEADLINES
The application process consists of two steps: an application to UW-W for approval to study abroad followed by an application to the host institution abroad. Applications are available from the Center for Global Education or online. Early admittance is not possible for this program.
Academic year abroad: mid-September – mid-July. UW-W application deadline is March 15.
Fall semester* abroad: mid- September – early February. Fall Study only is not available due to Sophia’s offset academic calendar.
Spring semester abroad: early April – mid-July. UW-W application deadline is October 15.
APPROXIMATE COST
Students pay UW-Whitewater tuition while studying abroad through this program. The following is an approximate budget that can be used as a guide. Personal spending habits and exchange rate fluctuations can affect estimated totals. Current currency exchange rate information can be found at www.oanda.com
UW-W cannot be held responsible for program cost increases due to variations in world exchange rates!
| In-State Tuition* | $3082 | Room & Board | $4,400 - $5,500 |
| CISI Insurance | $185 | Round Trip Airfare | $900 - $1,400 |
| Local Transportation, Books & Personal Expenses | $3,000 - $3,500 | Japanese Student Visa | $80 |
| Approximate TOTAL per semester (4-5 months) |
$12,000 - $14,000 | ||
*For current non-resident tuition costs contact Student Accounts at 262.472.1373.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Housing arrangements are coordinated through the host institution. Students can choose from the following three options: (1) home stay – living with a Japanese family including or excluding meals (about $2,800); (2) on-campus housing (about $2,500); or (3) living independently off-campus (about $3,000).
CISI INSURANCE
All students participating in any Wisconsin international education program are required by the State of Wisconsin to purchase international insurance from Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI). CISI insurance costs $37 per 30-day period. CISI insurance charges will be billed to the student’s UW-W online student account.
PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS
Students will need a passport to study in Japan. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the end of your program. The passport fee is approximately $100. Obtaining a passport can take two to three months. Passport applications are available in the Center for Global Education.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
A visa is required to study in Japan. Before you apply for your visa, you will need a Certificate of Eligibility from the host institution. Once the Japanese Consulate receives your visa application and Certificate of Eligibility, it will take about a week to obtain your visa. There is no visa fee, but you will pay the return mailing cost for your passport with the affixed visa. For more information on obtaining a student visa for Japan, visit: www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/english/html/travel_and_visa/visa/faq.htm
FINANCIAL AID/SCHOLARSHIPS
Qualified students may apply for a Wisconsin Study Abroad Grant (need-based) of up to $2,000. Applications are available from the Center for Global Education. To discuss having your financial aid applied to study abroad, schedule an appointment with the Financial Aid Office at 272.472.1130. All students are also encouraged to apply for college-specific scholarships. The Center for Global Education has additional information on grants and scholarships for study abroad.
In addition, AIEJ and AIEJ Peace and Friendship Scholarships are available from the Japanese government. They pay virtually all expenses including round-trip airfare and a monthly allowance. These scholarships are competitive merit scholarships for students who are committed to studying in Japan for a full year. Other scholarships like the Freeman Asia & Bridging Japan are also available.
UWW Exchange Program Faculty Advisor:
Professor Kasumi Kato
Department of Language & Literature
Heide Hall, Room 304A
Tel: (262) 472-1241
Email: katok@uww.edu
For additional information, please contact the Center for Global Education.
**The information found herein is subject to change without notice.** Aug 2008 version