Tokyo - Sophia University

Q. What does this program offer?
A. For over 45 years Sophia University's Summer Session of Asian Studies has provided the opportunity for both students and teachers to study and reflect on the relation of Japan, Asia, and the world. The Summer Session, started in 1961, is the oldest and one of the most extensive summer program in Japan. Located in one of the many "hearts" of Tokyo, the Summer Session allows participants not only the chance to experience aspects of Japanese culture and society themselves but also to witness the myriad ways in which the cultures of the world are both present and reflected in the maze-like urban landscape of Tokyo.

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. Computerized systems keep the city functioning smoothly; shopping is easy, and information in all languages is readily available. Sophia University, founded in 1913, is situated just inside the outer moat of the old imperial city, in Yotsuya.

Q. What will I study?
A. There is a range of courses from which to choose. More important, however, are the ways the courses are linked with what it is possible to see and do in Tokyo itself. Among the special tours planned are visits to Meiji Shrine and the Edo-Tokyo Museum, It is also possible to experience first hand a range of traditional Japanese arts: Noh, Kabuki, tea ceremony, flower arrangement, and a variety of Japanese arts on display at Tokyo museums.

Q. When does the program run?
A. The tentative dates for this program are July 28 - Aug 16, 2008. Please double-check the program dates with your advisor.

Q. Where will I live?
A. You can choose between local budget hotels: The Asia Center of Japan, Sunshine City Hotel, Toshi Center Hotel, or the World Student Village. Students will be placed in housing in the order of applications received. A cafeteria on the Yotsuya campus serves lunch and restaurants of all price ranges are near campus.

Q. Will I get academic credit?
A. For each summer of academic work completed abroad, you may earn 6 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. Because this is a reciprocal exchange program, you will pay MU educational fees, non-resident tuition (for non-Missouri residents), student activities fees, recreation facility fee, and information technology fee for 6 credit hours per summer session. You will also pay a $350 study abroad fee to cover MU administrative costs. Additional expenses for this program include, int'l airfare, onsite 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. 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 2.75 or above, you are eligible to apply.

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.