Location | Academics | Housing | Dates/Deadlines | Program Costs | Eligibility/How To Apply

CWU Kyoto University of Foreign Studies, Japan - Academic Year Programs

Amanda Eastin (l) and Aimee Ratte, studying abroad in Kyoto

Location

Kyoto University of Foreign Studies (KUFS) is located in the Japanese cultural capital of Kyoto, 700 miles west of Tokyo, in the center of the main island of Honshu. Kyoto, with a population in excess of 1.4 million people, is bounded on three sides by mountains and stands in a fertile plain, amply irrigated by three different major rivers. Two of Japan's most prominent cities, Yamoto and the huge industrial city of Osaka, lie a short distance to the south. With its three great festivals and numerous smaller ones, and its large number of museums and art galleries, Kyoto always has some new and rewarding experience to offer to both the serious students and the casual visitor.

University Profile: Kyoto University of Foreign Studies

Kyoto University of Foreign Studies was founded in 1947 as an institution offering undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in foreign languages and cultures. In addition to the comprehensive Faculty of Foreign Languages (which offers degrees in English, Spanish, German, French, Chinese, Portuguese and minors in Russian, Dutch, Arabic and Italian), KUFS has departments of Law, Economics and Commerce. Courses are also taught on a wide range of subjects in the fields of history, literature, education and, most importantly, Far Eastern culture. The goal of KUFS is to provide its students not only with linguistic proficiency, but also with a firm basis for the study and appreciation of foreign cultures. The total enrollment is 9,300, including 200 international students.

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Academic Departments

Intensive Japanese Language study is the focus throughout the Japanese as a Second Language course at KUFS. However, in the course of the language class some or all of the following topics may be covered, depending on your level of study:

Classes Offered

Amanda Eastin (l) and Aimee Ratte at the World Expo in Japan

Students take Japanese language courses from beginning to advanced levels. Japanese language courses consist of instruction in grammar, Kanji, literature, composition and reading, with intense focus on reading and writing. KUFS also offers other elective courses: State of Affairs in Japanese (I) Tradition and Culture and State of Affairs in Japanese (II) Social Studies, Politics and Economics. Download Course Descriptions (PDF)

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Housing

KUFS helps students arrange housing in either dormitories or one-room apartments, depending on the student's preferences. All rooms are fully-furnished single rooms and include cooking and laundry facilities. The cost varies between 30,000 and 38,000 yen per month, depending on size and distance from the university. Gas, water and electricity are not included in the rent.

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Students accepted to study at KUFS can study for a semester or a full year. (Please see semester dates below.) Students studying for a full year typically begin studying in April and finish in March of the following year, though some September to September placements are available. There is an extended summer recess, as well as a short winter vacation at the end of December.

Program Dates & Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester: (September 8, 2007 - January 28, 2008)
  • Application Deadline: Sorry, no September-start placements are available for *** September of 2008. ***
• Spring Semester: (April 1, 2007 - July 21, 2007)
  • Application Deadline: November 1

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Leaving shoes at the door in a traditional Japanese home in the "genkan," which means small vestibule

Program Costs

Program Fees:

• The program fee for the CWU program in Kyoto, Japan is $4200

Program fees include:

• Tuition and fees
• On-site and U.S. based staff support
• Credit transfer assistance

Sample Program Budget

See our What Does It Cost page for more information on fees & deposits you may be responsible for.

Financial Aid

Most forms of financial aid and scholarships apply to the cost of study abroad programs. Students should consult with a financial aid counselor at their home campus for specific information about awards and eligibility. You can also visit our What Does it Cost web page.

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View from a 4th floor dormitory near Kyoto University for Foreign Studies

Eligibility

• Minimum GPA: 2.75
• Minimum Class Standing: Sophomore
• Language Requirement: 1 year college level language or equiv.
• Other Info: Semester and academic year exchanges available. Please note: the September-start option is not available for the fall of 2008. However, Shimane University has a September-start option that remains available.
• Good academic standing
• No current disciplinary record
• An interview may be required

How to Apply

Before you begin your application, we highly recommend that you see a study abroad advisor to ensure that you have all the information you need about program logistics and eligibility. CWU students can call 963-3622 or drop by the International Center, Room 101 (across from L&L), to schedule an appointment.

• Apply Here

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More Information

Prices and dates are subject to change without notice. Contact Study Abroad & Exchange Programs for more information.

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