Tokyo - Sophia University

Q. What does this program offer?
A. MU participates in an exchange program with Sophia University, one of the top 10 private universities in Japan. As a program participant, you will be able to immerse yourself not only in the life of contemporary Japan, but also in the society of people from all parts of the world living and studying in Tokyo. Sophia follows the Japanese academic calendar: Spring semester classes begin in early April (Orientation begins late March) and ends in late July. The Fall semester begins late September and ends in early February which precludes most MU students from attending for the Fall semester only.

Q. What is it like there?
A. Tokyo is one of the world's most exciting cosmopolitan urban centers - a unique blend of ultramodern culture and ancient tradition. With a population of about 14 million, rising to nearly 20 million on weekdays when commuters arrive for work, Tokyo is the quintessential metropolis. Tokyo is clean and safe, easy to get around, and to get things done. The low crime rate is famous, and the efficiency of the city's public transport legendary. Sophia University, founded in 1913, is situated just inside the outer moat of the old imperial city, in Yotsuya. MU students are enrolled in the Faculty of Liberal Arts, including the Japanese Language Institute (JLI). Sophia University enrolls approximately 12,000 graduate and undergraduate students.

Q. What will I study?
A. With the exception of Japanese language, all courses in the Faculty of Liberal Arts are taught in English. Each semester, MU students take one Japanese language course and a combination of Japanese area studies courses and a wide variety of other subjects taught in English. Areas of study include: business & economics, art history, history & archaeology, linguistics, literature, religion, and social sciences. Students choose courses in consultation with their MU academic advisor prior to departure.

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. You may choose to live with a Japanese family, or in a student dormitory. The directors of the Sophia program in Japan will arrange a housing assignment for you. NOTE: The most economical choices are living with a Japanese host family or living in a Japanese-style dormitory. Sophia will require that housing for the semester be paid IN FULL by wire transfer before arrival in Japan.

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. Please keep in mind that in Japan, HOUSING COSTS VARY GREATLY. Because this is a reciprocal exchange program, you will pay MU educational fees, non-resident tuition (for non-Missouri residents), student activities fees, information technology fees, recreation facility fees, and the student health center fee for 13 credit hours per semester. You will also pay a $500 study abroad fee to cover MU administrative costs. Additional expenses for this program include health insurance, int'l airfare, on-site housing costs, 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.

Q. Am I eligible?
A. If you are a sophomore, junior or senior, with a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or above, you are eligible to apply. Additionally, it is preferred that you have completed one year of college-level Japanese courses before participating in the program; however, Sophia University offers beginning Japanese language courses each semester.

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 Sophia University website for more information about the program.