Kyoto, Japan - Ryukoku University
Ryukoku University (RU) is located in the city of Kyoto and is one of the oldest universities in Japan. The university was founded on the principles of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism in 1639, and has since been reorganized and modernized to offer secular education in many disciplines. Kyoto is famous for preserving its rich legacy of Japanese history, culture, and religion, and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. RU has a student population of approximately 20,000, including over 500 international students. The university is spread over three easily accessible campuses, Fukakusa, Omiya, and Seta, located in the ancient capital of Kyoto and neighboring Shiga. International students will study at Fukakusa. Ryukoku University continues to preserve the past while at the same time press the boundaries of knowledge into the future.
To apply for the Exchange Program:
- Confirm that this program works for you both academically and financially. Check the courses offered and speak with your academic advisor on which courses you should try to take while abroad that will count towards your degree. If you are receiving financial aid or want to apply for financial aid for the study abroad program, contact Nicole.Brennan@umb.edu so you know what you can expect in aid for the program.
- Once you are sure this is the program for you, apply on this website for the program (click apply at the bottom).
- Once completed, contact the Office of Global Programs to have your nomination submitted to Ryukoku. From there you will also need to submit the exchange application through Ryukoku directly: https://intl.ryukoku.ac.jp/english/examination/exp/
For all of the steps and information on applying to study abroad through UMass Boston, download the checklist:
Study Abroad Steps to Stay on Track 2020.pdf
COURSES
Exchange students will enroll in the Japanese Culture and Language Program in Kyoto (JCLP Kyoto) offered at Fakakusa campus. Japanese language classes cater to a wide range of abilities and range from beginner to advanced levels. A selection of elective courses taught in Japanese and English are also available. Exchange students may choose to register for classes in the regular faculties and graduate schools if they meet the language requirement and are accepted by the instructor.
A list of classes past students have previously approved from Ryukoku University can be found below:
Course Title |
Course Code |
Credits Abroad |
UMass Course Equivalency |
Course Distribution Area |
Credits at UMB |
Japanese A-B |
JEP3 |
11 |
|
Japanese Language |
11 |
Exploring Cultures |
|
2 |
Asian Studies Elective |
Asian Studies |
2 |
Comparative Cultures |
|
2 |
Asian Studies Elective |
Asian Studies |
2 |
CREDITS
Students must study full time at the home and host Institutions. With the completion of the Request for Prior Approval of Transfer Credit of Study Abroad Programs form, your credits (not grades) will transfer towards your degree at UMass Boston. This form can be obtained from the Study Abroad office.
ACADEMIC CALENDAR
Spring semester (1st semester): Early April – Early August
Fall semester (2nd semester): Mid-September – Early February
ELIGIBILITY
University of Massachusetts Boston students only. Undergraduate and graduate students who have currently completed at least one year of full-time study with the most recent semester completed at UMass Boston are eligible. Students must be in good academic standing (at least 2.75 GPA) with no disciplinary problems. It is highly recommended by Ryukoku University that the students have taken at least 300 hours of Japanese language prior to studying abroad or attain a score N4 in Japanese test.
UMass Boston nominates up to two (2) qualified students to RU per academic year.
Nominated students should obtain the necessary forms from the UMass Boston Office of Global Programs, complete, and submit them to the same office.
1. Application form
2. Certificate of proficiency in Japanese
3. Letter of recommendation detailing the student’s suitability for the program
4. Official transcript
5. Plan of study at RU
6. Certificate of Health
7. Application for Certificate of Eligibility
8. 6 passport sized photos
9. A photocopy of passport
10. Application for admission to Ryukoku University student dormitories
COSTS
See
budget sheet
Please note, the Office of Global Programs use estimated price values for our UMass Boston Reciprocal Exchange’ budget sheets. Actual prices may vary, please contact your program provider for more details.
Prior to applying, it is advised to contact Financial Aid services for financial aid inquiries and concerns. Link to
Financial Aid services website:
HOUSING
Ryukoko University has 4 dormitories for international students, which are located near all 3 campuses in Kyoto City and Shiga Prefecture. Local Japanese students also live in these dormitories to assist international students with their studies and day-to-day living.
VISA
You are responsible for obtaining the correct visa before you travel.
Students are required to obtain a visa prior to arrival in Japan. For more information on student visas, visit the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website. To apply for a student visa, visit the
Consulate General of Japan in Boston website. Some visas can take several weeks to obtain. Make sure you understand the requirements for your specific visa.
Download:
Japan Country Information and Visas.pdf
APPLICATION GUIDELINES
Pre-decision Phase Instructions:
This is a UMass Boston Reciprocal Exchange Program. There are two separate applications. First, students apply to the program by completing this online UMass Boston application. If eligible to study abroad, the UMass Boston Study Abroad Office nominates the student to the university abroad. The student is then informed with a letter or an email about next steps to complete the university's abroad application (online or hard copy forms). Please
click here for application instructions.
Post-decision Phase Instructions:
The final decision to accept a student is made by the university abroad and the student will be emailed. Once accepted by the university abroad, UMass Boston students must complete all the requirements indicated by the university abroad, in addition to completing all forms and submitting all the post-acceptance documents to UMass Boston Study Abroad Office. Please
click here for instructions and forms.