Japanese Language / Studies Archives

Program Details

Orientation

Get to know your new home and connect with other TEAN students during your comprehensive TEAN Orientation designed to set you up for a successful term abroad, both academically and culturally.

Housing

You will be placed in a single room in an off-campus hotel with other TEAN students. All housing is equipped with bedding, standard furniture, a private bathroom, and wi-fi. Housing is conveniently located near public transit routes – it takes about 30-40 minutes to get to campus by train.

TEAN Staff

Our team works with you from start to finish throughout the study abroad process. Our program staff will help guide you through the application process to go abroad. Then, upon arrival in Japan, you’ll meet our team who will provide in-country assistance with any academic, social, or cultural questions or issues that you may face during your time abroad. Throughout the semester, you will also meet with the Japan Resident Director for excursions and cultural activities.

Meet the Team

University

About J.F. Oberlin University

J. F. Oberlin University is a private four-year university located in Tokyo’s Machida suburb.
Founded in 1946 by Reverend Yasuzo Shimizu, the university enrolls around 9,000 students offering a College of Arts and Sciences, four professional colleges, and a graduate division.
The university is also recognized for its immersive study abroad and exchange student programs, providing international students with a comprehensive language learning environment.

Location

Classes will take place on the Shinjuku Campus which is located in the center of Tokyo. You can enjoy easy access to famous spots such as Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Shibuya, Harajuku, Tokyo, Ginza, and other tourist destinations during your free time.

View Map

Courses

Students take one 4-credit class
Credit transfer: One JFO credit is equivalent to 15 contact hours. Based on this information, TEAN recommends 1 JFO credit = 1 U.S. semester credit/1.5 quarter units. Many courses at JFO are 4 credits and these may transfer back as 3 or 4 U.S. semester credits. Be sure to check with your home university regarding credit transfer for this program.
Courses are available in the below disciplines. For detailed instructions on how to find courses and to see a list of available courses, please see our course selection instructions

Course Selection

Discipline	Subject Areas
Communications & Media	Anime and Japanese Popular Culture
Language	Japanese Language A Japanese Language B

Eligibility

2.5 GPA
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 staff arranges cultural activities during the program designed to help immerse you in the local culture. Also, if you have a specific interest or hobby, your Tokyo-based TEAN Resident Director will be able to point you in the right direction.

Program Dates

Application Deadlines

TEAN has a rolling admissions process. We recommend submitting your application anytime before October for winter applications. Late applications may be considered. Contact TEAN if the application deadline has passed.

Winter Deadline

Oct 1

PAYMENT DEADLINES

Your signed program contract and full payment for the program are due by the program deadline. Please note we do have options for using financial aid and enrolling in a payment plan if you cannot make full payment by the payment deadline. You can find more information about funding your program here.

Winter Payment Deadline

Oct 15

winter 2024

Arrival	Jan 3
TEAN Orientation	Jan 4
University Orientation	Jan 4
Classes Begin	Jan 6
Program Ends	Jan 18

Fees & Inclusions

winter 2024

Tuition, fees and housing: $3,995

What’s Included

Full tuition
Off-campus student accommodation
Comprehensive overseas health insurance
Services of local Resident Directors
Orientation, accommodations and transportation
Access to our recommended travel agent to assist with booking flights
Cultural events and TEAN catch ups during the semester
University and course selection advice
Official academic transcripts from host institution
Credit approval and transfer assistance
Academic advising
Help with student visa preparation
Financial aid transfer planning
Host university orientation
Bedding Package
A truly one of a kind adventure!

What’s Not Included

International airfare ($2,000)
Airport pick-up and drop-off ($70)
Books ($200)
Meals during the semester ($5 – $20 per meal)
Travel insurance ($350)

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

PASSPORT

All students must submit a current passport valid for their entire program duration in order to be accepted. 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 US citizens participating in the summer Japan program are not required to apply for a visa to enter Japan, since the program is less than 90 days. You may enter Japan without a visa as long as you have a valid passport with at least one blank page. At the airport, they will stamp your passport with a tourist visa good for a 90-day stay. This visa is not extendable.
If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will need to contact your local embassy or consulate to verify entry requirements. Please refer to this list to find out if your citizenship will allow for the exemption of visa during short-term stay. As visa requirements vary based on citizenship, non-U.S. citizens may not be permitted to travel to Japan without a visa or outside of their visa dates. Also, visa fees for non-U.S. citizens may differ, so please be sure to check your specific consulate’s website for the most up to date information.

We Love Tokyo

Alana Ladd

Program Manager

Japan

While growing up in South Florida, Alana had the opportunity to study abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina the summer between her Sophomore and Junior years of high school. This trip abroad led her down the path of wandering all over the world while pursuing a BA in Spanish at DePaul University in downtown Chicago. During college she traveled to Peru, Chile, Turkey, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, the UK, Greece, and Japan. She then lived in the Basque region of Spain upon graduation to work as a certified English teacher. She then moved to Napa Valley to follow a passion for wine making which she had discovered while working at a winery in Tuscany. She moved to Austin in 2021 to be closer to family while she taught English to Spanish speaking professionals. In her free time, she is always making travel plans whether it be domestically to a national park, or abroad to continue to wander about world. Alana loves the quote “Not all those who wander are lost.”

Riki Komemoto

Resident Director - Tokyo

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, Riki returned to Japan when he was 18 years old to attend university in Japan. After graduating with a degree in Tourism, he worked with a travel agency for three years. His experience in the travel industry has driven Riki to be very passionate about intercultural excursions. Riki is excited to share his passion for travel and Japanese culture with TEAN students. In his free time, Riki enjoys outdoor activities such as mountain climbing, camping, and hiking.

Pronouns: He/Him

Leina Hoshi

Student Services Coordinator - Tokyo

Leina was born in Japan but spent her early years living in other countries like Singapore, France, Romania, and Thailand. She came back to Japan at the age of 10 and then studied in New Zealand during high school to learn English. After getting a Bachelor’s degree in Japan, Leina worked at a local company for two years before joining TEAN. During her free time, she loves singing, playing the guitar, and watching anime. Leina is enthusiastic about sharing her study abroad experiences and supporting TEAN students during their time in Japan.

From the Blog

May 20

Winter in Japan

Jul 24

University of Sydney

The University of Sydney boasts a beautiful campus with grassy courtyards and dramatic sandstone buildings in the middle of the city’s most artistic neighborhood. Featuring a multitude of courses covering a variety of subjects, the university is also considered one of the top three universities in the country. Students have the added option of completing a professional internship, to further boost their education and resume, and access to guaranteed living arrangements in our high-quality apartments.

Jul 10

Bond University

As one of the only universities in Australia with an academic calendar similar to that of the U.S., Bond University allows students with difficult schedules to spend a semester abroad in one of the most beautiful parts of the country and still be back in time for summer obligations.

Dec 07

Semester in Japan

Dec 07

Queensland University of Technology (QUT)

Originally the Brisbane School of Arts, Queensland University of Technology (QUT) boasts an impressive array of courses to choose from and emphasizes a practical, hands-on approach to courses in addition to a theoretical education. With leading programs for e business, education, communications and media, QUT’s graduate employment rates are among the best in the country. Students can also take advantage of the school’s unique position within this charming city and easily explore theaters, galleries, cafes and more along the riverfront.

Nov 02

Summer in Japan

Live and study in Japan for the summer while surrounding yourself in the country’s unique culture. This four-week summer program features private housing and expert instruction from the J.F. Oberlin University, located in Tokyo’s Machida suburb. Enjoy a range of engaging cultural activities, excursions, and even overnight trips, all included in the program price. This program is great for Global Studies, International Relations, Visual and Performing Arts, Japanese Language, and East Asian Studies majors. Outside of class, you can take advantage of being close to the center of Tokyo (but with a lower cost of living!) and practice speaking and interacting with the local community on a daily basis.

Oct 02

University of Otago

Dunedin is home to the oldest university in New Zealand, the University of Otago, and literally grew around the university – 85% of the university’s students living within a 15-minute walk of campus. With a focus on the traditional arts and sciences, the university offers a broad spectrum of courses for study abroad students paired with an unbeatable location from which to explore the incredibly beautiful South Island of New Zealand. Queenstown and the Southern Alps are only a few hours away, and the wildlife and beautiful landscapes of the nearby Otago Peninsula and surrounding region are easily accessible.

Nov 10

University of Auckland

As New Zealand’s largest university, the University of Auckland is also the country’s highest ranked institution as well. While academics here are of the highest standard, the school’s incredible location allows students not only to focus on their studies but explore all the country has to offer as well. With big city attractions just steps away from campus and gorgeous natural surroundings perfect for hiking and spending the afternoon at the beach just a short drive or ferry ride away, there’s always something to do!

Jun 08

Bond University, Full Degree

Mar 03

Master’s Programs Abroad

Oct 09

Pusan National University

Study abroad in one of South Korea’s most charming cities, the seaside town of Busan, for a culture-rich and community-focused semester. With beautiful beaches and mountains, Busan provides a welcoming base from which to dive into Korean culture while studying at a leading school, Pusan National University (PNU), ranked as one of the top 100 universities in Asia. Here students can choose from global studies, Korean and East Asian studies, and business courses, while taking advantage of PNU’s inclusive campus. Rated highly by both students and advisors, this budget-friendly program also features an orientation in Seoul, cultural excursions – including an overnight trip to Japan – and included meal plan for a comprehensive semester abroad.

Sep 07

Semester in Thailand

Experience the thrill of studying and living in Bangkok, Thailand’s sprawling capital city and a global hub of culture, commerce and cuisine. Though Bangkok is a major metropolis, this semester program is the least expensive of all TEAN offerings and offers students a surprisingly affordable cost of living. Study at Mahidol University International College (MUIC), the English-speaking arm of the esteemed Mahidol University, taking a variety of classes in English along with your Thai peers. Often considered the gateway to Asia, Bangkok is a great jumping off point to explore further afield in neighboring countries such as Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar and more. Of course, the incredible Thai street food, unique culture and varied landscape may have you wanting to just stick around the Land of Smiles!

TEAN Blog

Program Details

Orientation

Housing

TEAN Staff