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

CWU Shimane University (Ray), Japan - Academic Year Programs

Location

Shimane University is located in Matsue City, on the western side of the main Japanese island of Honshu in the prefecture of Shimane. The history of Shimane can be traced back thousands of years, to the mythological age of gods of Japan's earliest known history books, Kojiki, and Nihon Shoki. (These books are the origins of the ancient Japanese culture.) Today Matsue City, meaning "pine-sheltered inlet," is the prefectural capital, with a population of 140,000.

Matsue is in the heart of the San' in region. The region hosts several historical and natural treasures, including the Kamosu Shrine, the Kiqyomizu Temple, numerous renowned teahouses, Buke Yashiki (a samurai residence), the Fudoki-no-oka Museum and the top-rated Adachi Art Museum.

University Profile: Shimane University

Shimane University, founded in 1949, is now ranked among the top 10 Japanese national universities. Shimane University provides quality education to approximately 4,650 students, and has over 650 faculty members. Undergraduate degree programs are offered in the faculties of Law & Literature, Education, Science, and Agriculture. Shimane University and CWU established a sister-university exchange agreement in 1982. Since then, intensive summer language seminars and academic year programs have facilitated student and faculty exchanges between the two institutions each year. As part of the exchange program CWU can nominate well-qualified students for the prestigious Japanese Ministry of Education Monbusho scholarship.

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Academic Departments

In addition to the Japanese as a Second Language program, students with enough Japanese proficiency can enroll in classes in the following areas:

Classes Offered

Shimane University has a Japanese as a Second Language Program. CWU students take Japanese courses at the intermediate and advanced levels. Japanese language courses consist of instruction in grammar, Kanji, literature, composition and reading. Courses are also offered in Japanese Culture and Civilization, and Intercultural Communication. Students may also take other University courses with approval upon arrival. Please see the table above for the subjects offered as direct enrollment classes.

For a description of the language and culture courses: Click Here

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Housing

Students are housed in basic, single rooms in the Shimane University International House which houses students from all over the world. The International House provides dormitory-style housing with cooking facilities and common areas. Each room comes furnished with a bed, desk, chair, bookshelf and wardrobe (closet), and each room also has its own sink and toilet. Students can cook in the communal kitchen, or eat at the university cafeterias. The approximate rent per month is a very reasonable 5,900 yen. In addition, students are responsible for monthly utility fees and a key deposit, making the average monthly cost approximately 10,000 yen. Students can also arrange their own housing. Students are responsible for all housing and meal costs.

Upon arrival, Shimane helps students make the transition by setting them up with a "helper student" who can assist in opening a back account, obtaining insurance, etc.

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Students can study at Shimane University following either the U.S. academic calendar (October through September) or the Japanese academic calendar (April through March). Because of the vacation schedule, however, study at Shimane is a 12-month commitment.

Program Dates & Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester: (October 1, 2008 - February 28, 2008)
  • Application Deadline: Februrary 1
• Spring Semester: (April 1, 2008 - September 1, 2008)
  • Application Deadline: November 1

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Program Costs

Program Fees:

• The program fee for the CWU program in Matsue City, Japan is $3500

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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Eligibility

• Minimum GPA: 2.5
• Minimum Class Standing: Sophomore
• Language Requirement: 2 years college level language or equiv.
• Other Info: Full year exchanges only.
• 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

Contact:

Ray Bates
Study Abroad Advisor
goabroad@cwu.edu

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

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