Education Abroad & Exchange - Japan

The University of Massachusetts Amherst has reciprocal exchange arrangements with seven Japanese institutions. Very few other US institutions maintain this number of exchanges with such prestigious Japanese institutions.
The International Programs Office also provides information on other Japanese study abroad programs. Our goal is to help find the program that is right for you. Consider the following aspects in researching each program: Language component (its intensity, level of difficulty, background of instructors); other academic courses offered; location; housing arrangements; cost; length of stay; and how the program fits with your major and/or minor.

Japan FAQs

Among these seven institutions, which school can I apply to?: If you are a freshman and have some background in Japanese, you can choose KGU or Nanzan. If you are a sophomore or a junior, you can list any of them. If you are a senior, you may choose any, but you have to extend your date of graduation.
Which school is the best?: Only you can decide which program, location, living arrangement and cost are best for you, but it does help to talk to the students who have just come back from Japan. If you don't meet them in one of your classes, stop by the study abroad advising center, Hills South Room 455, after September 15th and we should have a list of their names and current email/telephone numbers for you.
It also helps to talk to your Japanese teacher or TA about what your interests are and what you want to focus on in going to Japan. Remember; these are the people your will be asking for recommendations so don't be shy about having a discussion with them about your interest in going to Japan, your strengths and weaknesses in studying Japanese, your hopes for the future. This is important information for them when it comes time to write your recommendation.
What is the GPA requirement?: To apply to the UMass exchanges, you need a 3.0 GPA overall and a 3.0 average in your major. You do not have to be a Japanese major to apply. This is a requirement instituted by the Japanese institutions. There are some programs, such as Temple University that have a 2.5 GPA requirement.
When should I start the application process?: Start talking to the returned students and the Japanese instructors soon and pick up an application from the study abroad advising center, room 455 Hills South or from Laurel Foster-Moore, Room 451, anytime in September, October, and November, and start filling it out. See Laurel Foster-Moore if you have questions about the forms or the essay.
What is the bank document requirement?: Japan and the US have a reciprocal requirement that foreign students must prove they have access to enough money to support themselves while on study abroad. During the UMass application process, students are required to submit a bank document (or an acceptable alternative) showing access to roughly $10,000 for one year of study or $5,000 for one semester of study. In case of financial aid awards or other scholarship awards, it may be possible to use a financial aid transcript.