Japan: Obirin University

Obirin University is a private co-educational institution is located in the Tokyo suburb of Machida. The name Obirin ("beautiful cherry forest" in Japanese) comes from the cherry trees that bloom on campus in early spring.

Academic Program Description

Obirin University enrolls about 8,200 students (5,300 in the university itself and 2,900 in various other schools). "Reconnaissance Japan Program" is part of Obirin's School of International Studies, one of four faculties located within the university. This program offers a bilingual study program for Japanese and international students. The Reconnaissance Japan Program offers four levels of Japanese language study. Placement is based on previous study and the results of an initial placement examination. Language classes meet five times a week for 90 minutes per session.

Lecture courses in Japanese history, culture, politics, society, economy, education and management is taught in English. An extensive offering of courses taught in Japanese includes humanities, social and natural sciences, history and classics, comparative culture, international relations, American studies, and Japanese and Asian studies.

Academic Year Schedule

The academic year at Obirin consists of two fifteen-week semesters

Fall semester:	mid-September-late-January
Spring semester:	mid-April-late July
Summer vacation:	2 months between July and mid-September
Winter vacation:	3 weeks between late December to early January
Spring vacation:	3 months after conclusion of fall semester in January

Housing

Students can choose to live in a homestay with a Japanese family. The fee for a homestay includes room, two meals a day and transportation to and from the university. Students may also stay in the dorm, but there are no meals included in the price, which is the same as the homestay price. (60,000 yen for homestay and 60,000 yen for dorm) Student dormitory fees include air-conditioning, lighting, gas, and water. Students may also make their own living arrangements.

Scholarships

Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) scholarships are sometimes available for exchange students through Obirin University. Contact the exchange advisor for more details.

Eligibility Requirements

• Minimum 2.75 GPA with completion of at least 30 credits at WWU by beginning of exchange
• Completion of at least one year of college or university study
• 1 year of Japanese recommended for Fall, required for Spring semester applicants
• Application approval by the IPE committee

Application Procedure

• Complete Reconnaissance Japan Program Application Form and submit along with official academic transcripts, two letters of recommendation from academic references, Medical Information Form, Housing Questionnaire, six recent passport-type photos
• Complete International Programs & Exchanges Study Abroad/Exchange Application and submit with statement of purpose
• Pay IPE application deposit
• Application will be approved by the committee before the nomination is forwarded to the university
• Once accepted Obirin University will send a letter of offer, Certificate of Admission, and Statement of Financial Guarantee form

Visa Application

To obtain a visa, students must send to Obirin University:

• The completed Statement of Financial Guarantee form
• Certification of bank account balance or other proof of financial support for duration of study
• A photocopy of passport

Obirin University will apply to the Japanese Ministry of Education and Ministry of Justice for the Certificate of Eligibility, which takes five to six weeks to process. The Certificate of Eligibility will be sent to the student to be used to obtain a student visa from the Japanese Consulate in Seattle.

For more information, visit the Obirin website: http://www.obirin.ac.jp/en/012/index.html

Direct Exchange Priority Deadlines:

• Fall quarter/Academic Year: March 1st*
• Winter/Spring quarters: June 1st*
• Late applications considered on a case by case basis.
• * If the deadline occurs on a weekend, applications will be accepted on the following Monday.