Semester in Japan

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.

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Location

Students study at the campus in Machida, a lively Tokyo suburb. The campus is located 1.5 hours by train from Tokyo’s city center.

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Courses

• Students take 4-5 classes worth 16-20 J.F. Oberlin credits
  • Per J. F. Oberlin, 1 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.  Please be in touch with your home university regarding credit transfer for this program. 
• You are required to take one core Japanese language course, in addition to three or four other courses which can be a combination of English-taught classes and elective Japanese language classes.
• Students will enroll in courses once onsite, so please note that courses are not confirmed or guaranteed until the program has started.
• 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
Humanities & Social Sciences	History Literature Political Science Religious Studies Sociology
International Studies	Asian Studies Japanese Language Kanji
Visual & Performing Arts and Design	Art History Theatre

ENJOY FLEXIBILITY WITH TEAN FLEX

We’ve partnered with Arizona State University (ASU) to help you overcome common study abroad challenges by adding an ASU Online course to your TEAN program. With more than 2,100 courses to choose from, TEAN Flex minimizes academic challenges, like major requirements and limited course options, so you can make the most of your experience abroad. Once you’ve applied, access the Flex form in your TEAN Student Portal for more information on how to add this to your program and enroll in the course you need.

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 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. 

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 technique which Japanese people use gold (usually the lacquer tree fluid) to fix the broken pottery. This technique is founded in the pottery at Jomon period (16,000-2300 B.C.). In the past, the porcelain imported from China was rare, and the price was high. It is a waste to throw away when the porcelain was broken, so people tried to use the Kintsugi technique to fix the porcelain. Even the recent days, this technique is getting popular in Japanese family because people believe it is the virtue to save the money for household. Joining ceramics and Kintsugi workshop is a good opportunity to experience Japanese culture and be creative.  

COMMUNITY SERVICE DAY

A community service day is a great opportunity to contribute to the community. There is opportunity to make friends with local Japanese people and can experience and understand the different perspective of Japanese culture. Students had previously enjoyed the community service like 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. 

 Highlights: 

• • Kimono Experience 
  • Honmaru Goten (Kawagoe Castle Ruins) 
  • Kawagoe Warehouse District 

KAMAKURA 

Explore the evolution of Japan’s old political centers, shrines, temples, and more while visiting the historic city of Kamakura. The first shogun of the Kamakura period established Japan’s first military government in Kamakura run by samurai, highlighting values such as martial arts skills, loyalty, frugality, and bravery. Surrounded by mountains and sea, the beautiful city was also known for promoting Zen Buddhism and is still home to significant temples. 

 Highlights: 

• Zeniarai Bentaizen Shrine  
• Daibutsu  
• Hasedera 

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 Mountain 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, taste the local Yamanashi prefecture noodle dish called houtou, and stay at a hotel on traditional tatami flooring.    

Highlights: 

• Mt. Fuji 
• Tasting of local Yamanashi houtou noodles 
• Traditional hotel experience sleeping on tatami floors 
• Public bath 

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Optional Excursion

SEOUL Excursion

Immerse yourself in the heart of South Korea – Seoul! During this program, students will stay in the center of Seoul for three nights, experiencing the perfect blend of Seoul’s modernity and tradition. Discover the historical charm of Gyeongbok Palace with traditional Korean clothes, Hanbok, and engage in delightful encounters with locals. Explore the city’s modernity by visiting the Seoul Sky Observatory, the tallest building in Korea, and on a Han River Cruise. Last but not least, indulge in the savory delights of Korean cuisine to satisfy your taste buds.

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Application Deadlines

TEAN has a rolling admissions process. We recommend submitting your application anytime from June for Spring applications, and from January for Fall applications. Late applications may be considered. Contact TEAN if the application deadline has passed.

Spring Deadline	Oct 1
Fall Deadline	March 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

Spring Payment Deadline	Oct 15
Fall Payment Deadline	March 15

fall 2024

Arrival	Aug 28
TEAN Orientation	Aug 29 – Sep 2
University Orientation	Sep 3 – Sep 18
Classes Begin	Sept 19
Program Ends	Dec 24

Spring 2025

Arrival	TBD
TEAN Orientation	TBD
University Orientation	TBD
Classes Begin	TBD
Program Ends	TBD

Fall 2024

Tuition, fees and housing: $16,950

Spring 2025

Tuition, fees and housing: $16,950

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What’s Included

• Full tuition
• Guaranteed prearranged, guaranteed housing
• Comprehensive overseas health insurance
• Services of local Resident Director
• Orientation program with meals and transportation
• Included cultural activities and excursions
• Wireless Internet access in housing
• Access to our recommended travel agent to assist with booking flights
• 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. $15-$20 USD/month)

*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 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.