Nagasaki - Nagasaki University of Foreign Studies (JASIN)

Q. What does this program offer?
A. As an MU student you can attend the Japan Studies in Nagasaki (JASIN) program for a semester or academic year. It is located on the campus of Nagasaki University of Foreign Studies (NUFS). JASIN is specially designed to give students from other countries the opportunity to study and live in Japan. It is NOT an intensive language program. It is designed to give students a wide academic experience in a variety of aspects of Japanese society and culture. JASIN encourages a high degree of interaction between participants, the NUFS Japanese students, and the area community. Approx. 35-60 foreign students participate each term, and an additional 150 full-time foreign students study at NUFS.

Q. What is it like there?
A. Nagasaki, a city of about 500,000 people, is built around its natural harbor and climbs up the surrounding steep hills. The city boasts spectacular views and proximity to natural sights such as rugged coastline, beaches, islands, volcanic mountains, and a national park. Nagasaki enjoys a mild winter climate. Nagasaki College of Foreign Languages is a co-educational, two-year college. Facilities include air-conditioned classrooms, gymnasium, cafeteria, bookstore, and clubhouse.

Q. What will I study?
A. A typical term of study: 1 Japanese Language class (4 credits), 5 Japan Studies classes (2 credits),1 to 2 Seminars (1 credit) and Independent Study Option. Full-time students must maintain enrollment in a minimum of 14 credits from the JASIN curriculum in order to maintain their student visa status. Beginning to advanced levels of Japanese language are offered. Language classes cover conversation, grammar, reading and writing; and meet for 90 minutes, 4 days / week. Proficiency tests given during Orientation will determine placement. Students meet a Conversation Partner, who is a volunteer from among the Japanese students, 2 hours / week.

Q. When can I go?
A. You can participate in this program for any of the following terms:
 Fall Semester
 Spring Semester
 Academic Year

Q. Where will I live?
A. Students choose from homestays, dormitory (all-female only) or boarding houses. Some of the host families live near the college and others may require as much as an hour's commute to campus. The dormitory has 320 single rooms, each with a toilet, bathroom, bed, desk, telephone, chair, air-conditioner/heater, hot plate and a small counter. Facilities include a cafeteria, coin-laundry, lounge, and computer room. Dorms have a 10:30pm curfew. Visitors and overnight stays are restricted.

Q. Will I get academic credit?
A. For each semester of academic work completed abroad, you may earn up to 16 credit hours. Course credit transfers to MU, but your grades will not appear on your MU transcript and are not figured into your GPA. Although you will receive credit for successfully completed courses, you must work with your academic advisors to determine how courses might fulfill specific degree requirements. As part of your pre-departure preparation, you will find what courses are available on the program and meet with your academic advisor to get pre-approval for courses you wish to take.

Q. Can I afford to go?
A. MU attempts to make the costs of studying abroad affordable for you, however this is a fee-paying program, where MU students pay the tuition and fees for visiting students set by the host university. You will pay MU educational fees, non-resident fees (for non-Missouri residents), the information technology fee for 13 hours and a $350 study abroad fee to cover MU administrative costs. In Japan, housing costs vary greatly. Additional expenses for this program include health insurance, on-site housing costs, int'l airfare, and other misc. expenses. Estimated costs for this program are listed below.

Q. Can I get financial aid?
A. Most financial aid that you normally receive for your classes at MU should apply to the cost of the program. If you are not a Missouri resident, you will be billed for MU non-resident fees and so remain eligible for any non-resident scholarships you receive from MU. Additional grants, loans or scholarships may be available to offset the extra costs incurred on this program. Please see the advisor for study abroad financing at the MU Financial Aid Office for more complete information. The International Center offers study abroad scholarships as well. Scholarship applications are included in the MU Study Abroad Application. More information is also available on the MU Financial Aid Office website.

Q. Am I eligible?
A. If you are a sophomore, junior, or senior, with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above, you are eligible to apply. Applicants who have taken one semester of college-level Japanese are preferred.

Q. How do I apply?
A. See the Study Abroad Application Instructions on this web-site for more information.

Q. Where can I find out more?
A. In the Study Abroad Resource Room at the International Center, you will find additional information on this and other overseas opportunities. Peer Advisors will be on hand to answer any questions you may have, and Study Abroad Advisors are available by appointment. You can also visit the Nagasaki University of Foreign Studies (JASIN) website for more information about the program.