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FUKUOKA, JAPAN
Academic Year Exchange Program
THE LOCATION: Fukuoka, also known as Hakata, is on the west coast of the
island of Kyushu in southwestern Japan, two hours by bus from Nagasaki.
The city of 1,305,000 has been an international city since ancient times
and is closer to Seoul than to Tokyo. The Fukuoka area is known for its
natural beauty, its traditional crafts & goods, and its many festivals.
Fukuoka is the region's largest port and transportation center, with an
international airport and ferry and the southern terminus of Japan's
famed bullet train.
THE HOST INSTITUTION: Seinan Gakuin University was founded in 1949 by
Baptist missionaries. Today there is complete religious freedom, in
conformity with the Japanese constitution and the atmosphere of a
university. The enrollment is 7000 in five undergraduate departments
(commerce, economics, law, literature, and theology) plus the graduate
school. SUNY-Oneonta and Seinan Gakuin University have exchanged
undergraduate students since 1971.
THE INTERNATIONAL DIVISION: The International Division was founded in
1973 to accommodate international students. The academic year of the
International Division begins in September and ends in May. The
International Division welcomes exchange students from the US, Canada,
China, France, and the United Kingdom, as well as independent
international students.
Last year, 80% of the exchange students at Seinan
Gakuin University received generous scholarships from the Association of
International Education, Japan.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM: The International Division's program offers
international students Japanese and Japan-related subjects. All courses
are taught in English, in most cases by Japanese professors. Students
benefit from a low faculty-student ratio in the International Division.
Students with satisfactory proficiency in Japanese may have the
opportunity to audit Seinan Gakuin's regular courses.
COURSES IN THE INTERNATIONAL DIVISION: Beginning, Intermediate, &
Advanced Japanese; Japanese Literature in Translation; History of Japan;
Comparative Religions; Traditional Culture of Japan; Japanese Psychology
& Society; Natural World of Japan; Intercultural Communication;
Traditional Japanese Sports; Japanese Business Management; Japanese
Economy; Japanese Politics & Foreign Policy.
CLASS STRUCTURE: All classes meet once a week for an hour and a half,
with the exception of Japanese language classes which meet every day.
Classes are composed of international students with some Japanese
student auditors. Examinations are given at the end of each semester;
instructors may also give mid-terms or require research papers or other
projects. Some classes include field trips and guest speakers.
UNIVERSITY FACILITIES: Seinan Gakuin University is well-equipped with
modern facilities to meet the demands of rapidly changing scientific,
technological, and informational needs. Facilities include a computer
center, language laboratory, library, the largest gymnasium in western
Japan, and the student union.
HOUSING: Seinan Gakuin University assists international students in
finding housing. The apartments are very reasonably priced for Japan.
Most apartments are furnished, and are within a ten-minute walk to the
campus. Short-term homestays can be arranged through the Seinan Gakuin
International Office so that international students have the opportunity
to experience Japanese family life.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: Clubs and societies play a major part in the
Japanese student's college career. Students generally belong to one club
or society that meets frequently and becomes a close-knit group. All
clubs are open to international students and they are encouraged to
join. There are clubs for judo, karate, volleyball, fencing, yachting,
soccer, swimming, tennis, brush writing, drama, Japanese chess,
photography, the tea ceremony, etc. The International Office sponsors
and arranges field trips in the fall and spring semesters. These trips
are great opportunities to see local sites as well as other parts of
Japan, such as a five day trip to Kyoto and Nara. Additional fees may be
required to participate, but the cost is generally much cheaper than
travel on your own.
For further information or to apply, contact the SUNY Oneonta Office of
International Education.
To visit the
Seinan Gakuin University home page, click here.
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