鶹ý

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Busy street in Tokyo with stores and light signs.

Located in Tokyo, the unique capital of Japan, Toyo University offers excellent academic opportunities for students who are at all levels of Japanese language proficiency. The founding spirit of Toyo University believes the basis of all learning lies in Philosophy. The University focuses on integrating knowledge and virtue while supporting independence and self-initiative. Toyo University is located in the heart of Tokyo and has four campus locations, including Hakusan, Asaka, Kawagoe, and Akabanedai; exchange students will enroll in courses at the Hakusan campus. Toyo's campuses are very modern with many common spaces for the students to spend their time and study.

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Location

Tokyo, Japan

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Term

Spring, Academic Year

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Housing

Dormitory

Program Highlights

By taking classes at Toyo University, students will have the opportunity to study their major's courses in English, as well as taking language courses if interested. This program offers English-taught courses in the areas of Business, International Relations,  Social Sciences, and more!
 

Program Contact Information

Molly Papay

Assistant Director, Education Abroad

Email: mpapay1@kent.edu

Office Phone: 330-672-3067

Important Dates

Application Deadlines

  • Spring 2025: September 15, 2024
  • Academic Year 2025-2026: February 1, 2025
  • Spring 2026: September 15, 2025

Program Dates

Program dates vary each year based upon the host institution's academic calendar, but the following are general guidelines:

  • Academic Year: Early September - Early August
  • Spring: Mid-March - Early August
Application Process

Students will be required to complete two applications:

  • an internal Kent State Education Abroad application,
  • and a partner university application.

These quick steps will help walk you through the process.

1. Start an Education Abroad Application

When you click the "Apply Now" button (located towards the top and bottom of this page), you will be brought to the Education Abroad application system where you can view program costs and start an application. Be sure to submit your application before the deadline!

2. Wait for Acceptance

Once you have submitted your application, it will be reviewed by an Education Abroad Advisor. Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis. Please note that acceptance to the program by 鶹ý does not serve as final approval. The host institution or program provider grants final approval for each applicant.

3. Complete the Host University Application

Once your Education Abroad application has been accepted, you will be nominated to the host university. You will complete the host university’s application and wait for official acceptance to the program. 

Eligibility
  • Full-time, degree-seeking student at Kent State
  • Any major at the undergraduate level; Japanese minor preferred but not required
  • Minimum Cumulative GPA: 2.5 or higher
  • Completion of Elementary Japanese I recommended
Academics

Academic Programs

While enrollment in Japanese language courses at Toyo University is recommended, it is not required. Students will complete an online language placement test before departure to determine at which level of Japanese language courses they can enroll.

Toyo University offers a variety of English-taught courses in the following areas:

  • Finance
  • Political Sciences
  • Business
  • Religion
  • Social Sciences
  • Cultural Courses

Students must enroll in a full-time course load each semester at Toyo (12 US credit hours); many Japanese universities offer courses that are 1-2 credit hours each, so it is common for students to enroll in seven or more courses. 

Transferring Credits

Transfer Credits

With this program, students enroll in courses at a partner (host) institution. You will need to transfer the credits you earn abroad back to 鶹ý.

Upon successful completion of the program, the host institution will issue you an official transcript, which will be needed for the credit transfer process.

You must earn passing grades on the courses you take abroad for the credits to transfer. 

Prior to departure, students will meet with their academic advisor to complete a Transfer Course Planning (TCP) Form, which will outline the courses you plan to take while abroad and how the courses will transfer to 鶹ý. 

Some courses have already been pre-approved for transfer to Kent State and can be viewed on the Transfer Credit Guide. Please note that this is only a guide and is NOT a comprehensive list of courses available at each partner institution.

Credit Approval

Prior to departure, it is your responsibility to meet with your academic advisor to discuss the courses you plan to take while abroad.

If a course needs to be evaluated for transfer, you are responsible for working with your education abroad advisor to obtain the syllabus and have it reviewed by Kent State faculty. 

Location & Transportation

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is the perfect example of a city that merges modernity and tradition. With beautiful old temples and huge modern skyscrapers, the capital of Japan is packed with about 14 million people and is the largest city in the country. The city is always alive with festivals, great street food, main attractions, and little traditional neighborhoods. Famous symbols of the city are the sakura (cherry blossom) tree-lined streets, the anime culture, and its delicious cuisine! Students will be able to enjoy this city and be constantly immersed in Japanese culture. There are plenty of other activities such as visiting the Imperial Palace with its gardens, visiting the Tokyo National Museum, and a reconstructed kabuki theatre.

Transportation

Airports

The two major airports in Tokyo are Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND). Students can fly into either airport from the United States and then take public transit or an airport bus to campus.

Local Transit

Students will have easy access to all forms of public transit while living in Tokyo. Taxis are oftentimes quite expensive, but students will quickly become accustomed to using the network of train, subway, and bus lines. Be sure to try the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) to travel at a very fast pace!

Housing & Meals

Accommodations

Exchange students will be placed in one of the Toyo University dormitories: Akabanedai International House (AI-House) or Kokusai Kaikan/International House (I-House). It is also possible to stay in other student accommodations, general rental properties, with relatives, etc., but the dormitories are recommended. Conditions vary from facility to facility, so please be sure to check prospective accommodations carefully. If the number of requests for the AI-House or I-House exceeds the number of spots available, a lottery will be held to determine placements.

AI-House: All rooms are single occupancy with shared spaces for kitchens and restrooms. Utilities (electricity, water, heat, internet) are included in the housing fee. Breakfast and dinner are provided in the AI-House on weekdays.

I-House: Single occupancy and double occupancy dormitory rooms are available. With single occupancy rooms, the living area, kitchen, and restroom are shared spaces. Utilities (electricity, water, heat, internet) are included in the housing fee.

Students can enjoy meals in the campus cafeteria and at supermarkets, convenience stores, and restaurants throughout Tokyo. 

Financial Aid & Scholarships
Health & Safety

Pre-Departure Orientation

Prior to your study abroad experience, you will participate in a mandatory pre-departure orientation hosted by the Office of Global Education. During this orientation, you will be provided with information including but not limited to:

  • international travel procedures;
  • in-country resources;
  • health and safety resources and information;
  • culture shock and resources to help prepare for living abroad.

All students are encouraged to register with the prior to departure.

You can also review a wide variety of resources we’ve pulled together for you on our “Before You Go” page.

Country Profile

You can learn more about your destination(s), including travel advisories, through the .

In addition, we encourage you to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel page for for traveling to your destination(s).

If vaccinations or medications are needed according to the CDC, you should make arrangements for appointments with your healthcare provider or the DeWeese Health Center as soon as possible. Appointment openings at the DeWeese Health Center are limited and vaccines may need to be ordered, which takes time. Please note that not all immunizations are available at the DeWeese Health Center. 

Visa Information

A visa is a document required by many countries, in addition to your passport, that allows you to enter the country for a certain purpose (whether that’s to stay, transit, or exit). Essentially, it is the country's government giving you legal permission to enter their country to travel, study, work, etc.

Please note, it is solely the responsibility of the student to: 

  • determine the entry, transit, and stay requirements for the country or countries to which they will travel,
  • and to apply for any necessary visas, stay permits, or any other immigration requirements of the host nation(s).

It is also the responsibility of the student to:

  • verify the correct documentation required to apply for the required visa(s), 
  • apply for the visa(s) early enough to ensure there is enough processing time,
  • and pay any fees associated with obtaining the visa(s).

鶹ý's Office of Global Education is available to provide general guidance regarding student visa requirements and procedures; however, each student who travels abroad is expected to manage their own legal obligations regarding international travel.

It is strongly recommended by the Office of Global Education that you carefully review the appropriate consulate or embassy website for the nation(s) you plan to visit in order to determine current entry/study/exit visa requirements.

Toyo University Fact Sheet

Your host, Toyo University, has prepared an overview document for you to download and keep as a handy reference.

Costs and Funding

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Costs for the program will differ for every student. You can use our Cost Calculator to get an estimate of what you might expect for your program.

We also encourage you to meet with your Education Abroad Advisor and reach out to Financial Aid the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center to see how your aid may apply to an international program.

 

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