TEAN Blog

About YAMANASHI GAKUIN UNIVERSITY

• Yamanashi Gakuin University (YGU) is a private institution founded in 1946. The university student body totals over 4,000 students across the undergraduate and graduate faculties. 
• TEAN students will be enrolled in The international College of Liberal Arts (iCLA) at Yamanashi Gakuin University, which is a four-year, liberal arts college where the primary language of instruction is English. 
• iCLA offers one of the most diverse programs in Japan with over 60% international faculty and more than 50 different student nationalities.    

Location

Students will attend classes at the campus located in Kofu, the capital of Yamanashi Prefecture. 

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Courses

• Students may take 4-6 classes worth 12-18 credits. 1 credit = 45 study hours per semester. Study hours refer to the sum of course hours and independent study.  
• With the exception of Japanese Language courses, most courses at the Yamanashi iCLA are taught in English and worth 3 credits each; workshops are worth 1 credit. 
• Students may take a maximum of 1 Japanese Language class per semester. 
• Credit transfer is dependent on your home university. If you have concerns about credit transfer please reach out to your home university’s academic advisor. 
• Courses are typically offered in the following disciplines but are subject to change: 
  • Global Business & Economics 
  • Political Science 
  • Psychology 
  • Interdisciplinary Data Science 
  • Interdisciplinary Arts
    • Language Arts 
    • Arts 
    • Performing Arts 
    • Music 
  • Japan Studies: 
    • Japanese Language 
    • Japan Studies 
  • Quantitative Reasoning & Natural Sciences 
  • Health & Physical Education 
  • Sociology

You can view the most recent list of available courses here.

Eligibility

• 3.0 GPA
• At least one academic year completed at your home university. 
• You must be enrolled as a full-time degree-seeking student in a U.S. college or university.
• Gap students are eligible to apply but must provide an official acceptance letter proving their enrollment at a U.S. institution for the semester immediately following the program.

Events & Excursions

Our local team arranges various activities during the semester designed to help immerse you in the local culture. These activities are included in your semester program. Additionally, if you have a specific interest or hobby, your Tokyo-based TEAN Resident Director will be able to point you in the right direction. 

Below are examples of previous activities arranged for students. Note that activities change each semester. 

japanese cooking lesson

Japanese cuisine is world-famous, but there is so much food in Japan to try! Traditional Japanese cuisine uses locally sourced fresh ingredients and utilizes special cooking techniques and utensils to bring out the natural flavors. The combination of steamed white rice with miso soup and seasonal dishes is the most common and traditional style of Japanese cuisine. Of course, many of us also know of sushi, tempura, and ramen. Practice making your own Japanese meal while learning more about Japanese food, culture, and table manners. The menu will vary based on the season but will most certainly be delicious.  

MT. FUJI VIEWING FROM CHUREITO PAGODA

Visit the iconic Chureito Pagoda at Arakurayama Sengen Park, one of Japan’s most stunning viewpoints of Mt. Fuji. Especially breathtaking during cherry blossom season and autumn foliage, this experience includes a short hike, historical context of the shrine and pagoda, and quiet reflection time while taking in the panoramic views of Yamanashi’s most famous landmark.

Traditional Tea Ceremony 

Learn teahouse etiquette – greetings, walking on tatami floors, drinking a bowl of tea. The tea ceremony (called sado, chado, or chanoyu) is one of Japan’s most important cultural activities, and it involves preparing powdered matcha in a very specific, careful manner. The concept of omotenashi, or Japanese hospitality, also plays a central part of the experience – the host carefully prepares the tea in front of you then beautifully presents it.  

CERAMICS OR KINTSUGI WORKSHOP 

Kintsugi is an old Japanese technique that uses gold from the lacquer tree fluid to fix the broken pottery. This technique dates back to the Jomon period (16,000-2300 B.C.) when importing porcelain from China was rare and expensive. Considered a waste to throw away broken porcelain, people tried to use the Kintsugi technique to fix the piece instead. Even today, this technique has gained popularity among Japanese families who consider it a virtue to save money. This workshop is a great opportunity to experience Japanese culture and get creative.   

COMMUNITY SERVICE DAY 

A community service day is a great opportunity to contribute to the local community. During the activity, you’ll interact with locals and get an inside look at Japanese culture. Students have previously enjoyed activities such as beach clean-up, reading English books to local elementary students, and serving at a food pantry to the homeless community.    

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Included Excursions

During your time in Japan, you’ll be busy both in and out of class exploring the Japanese language, culture, and local area. Read on for a taste of what’s included throughout your semester!

Kawagoe 

Experience Japan’s traditional side by strolling through Kawagoe’s streets, sampling local sweets, taking in the traditional setting, and even trying on authentic kimono. Now called “Ko-edo,” or “Little Edo,” Kawagoe was a flourishing castle town during the Edo Period and is known for its well-preserved architecture. Along with picturesque warehouses from the Edo Period, the town’s Taisho-Roman Street brings the Taisho Period to life with its retro atmosphere created by a mix of Japanese machiya buildings, granite stone pathways, and Western-style architecture.  

FUJI & KAWAGUCHIKO (2 DAYS) 

Mt. Fuji is the tallest mountain in Japan and is a UNESCO natural heritage site that attracts many domestic and foreign visitors to climb. Kawaguchiko Lake is one of five natural lakes surrounding Mt. Fuji and where you can enjoy some of the best views of the mountain. This excursion will take you around the Kawaguchiko area to visit some of the temples and shrines and taste the local Yamanashi prefecture noodle dish called houtou.     

HAKONE

Discover the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Hakone, a scenic town known for its hot springs, stunning views of Mt. Fuji, and historical significance as a checkpoint during the Edo period. Long considered a retreat for travelers and samurai alike, Hakone offers a blend of traditional inns, volcanic landscapes, and artistic attractions. Its rich history and serene environment continue to make it a favorite getaway from Kofu. 

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Optional Excursion

SEOUL, south korea

Immerse yourself in the heart of South Korea – Seoul! During this 4-day/3-night excursion, students will stay in the center of the city and experience the blend of modernity and tradition that Seoul has to offer. Discover the historical charm of Gyeongbok Palace with traditional Korean clothes, Hanbok, and engage in delightful encounters with locals. Then explore the city’s modernity by visiting the Seoul Sky Observatory, the tallest building in Korea and embark on a Han River Cruise. Last but not least, indulge in the savory delights of Korean cuisine to satisfy your taste buds. 

Application Deadlines

TEAN has a rolling admissions process. Contact TEAN if the application deadline has passed as late applications may be considered.

Spring Deadline	October 15
Fall Deadline	March 15

PAYMENT DEADLINES

Your signed program contract and full payment for the program are due by the program deadline. We offer options to use financial aid, as well as payment plans. You can find more information about funding your program here

Spring Payment Deadline	November 1
Fall Payment Deadline	April 1

Spring 2026

Arrival	Late March
TEAN Orientation	Late March
University Orientation	March 26-31
Classes Begin	Early April
Program Ends	Early Aug

FAll 2026

Arrival	Late Aug
TEAN Orientation	Late Aug
University Orientation	Late Aug
Classes Begin	Early Sept
Program Ends	Late Dec

 

Spring 2026

Tuition, fees and housing: $18,450

Fall 2026

Tuition, fees and housing: TBD

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What’s Included

• Full tuition, up to 18 credits 
• Guaranteed, prearranged housing 
• Comprehensive overseas health insurance 
• Services of local Resident Director 
• On-site orientation in Tokyo, Japan
• Transportation from Tokyo to Kofu
• Included cultural activities and excursions 
• Wireless Internet access in housing 
• University and course selection advice 
• Official academic transcripts from host institution 
• Credit approval and transfer assistance 
• Academic advising 
• Help with student visa preparation 
• Airport pickup and reception 
• Host university orientation 
• A truly one-of-a-kind adventure! 

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What’s Not Included

• International airfare ($1,500) 
• Books ($200) 
• Meals during the semester ($2,250) 
• Airport transfer at end of semester ($30) 
• Travel insurance ($350) 
• National Health Insurance required by Japanese government (approx. $100) 

*Numbers are estimated based on previous student experience and budget. Actual amounts will vary depending on the student.

PASSPORT

University of Yamanashi iCLA requests all applicants have a passport that is valid for at least one year from your program start date. 

If you plan on traveling to other countries during your program, we strongly recommend having a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after your program end date. Your passport must have at least one blank page for a visa stamp. 

If you do not currently hold a valid passport, please apply for one immediately as processing times can be very lengthy. 

VISA

All students participating in a semester program are required to obtain a Long-Term Student Visa to study in Japan. Japanese passport holders do not need a student visa if they enter the country on their Japanese passport. Students can apply for their student visa once required documents are received from the university in Japan. Typically, documents are received 4-6 weeks prior to departure.  Therefore, it is important you do NOT plan any international travel in the 6 weeks leading up to your program.  You will need to submit your physical passport to the Japanese consulate as part of the visa application process. 

• Fall Semester visa application will start in July 
• Spring Semester visa application will start in February 

You cannot apply for your visa until you receive the required documents from your Program Manager. Once documents are received from the university in Japan, your Program Manager will email you the documents along with step-by-step instructions. 

The Program Manager will assist with the visa steps, but it is the student’s responsibility to apply and receive their student visa.