Winter in Japan

Live and study in Japan, surrounding yourself in the country’s unique culture while developing your Japanese language skills in an immersive language-learning environment. This comprehensive J-term program features private housing and expert instruction from the J.F. Oberlin University in Tokyo’s Machida suburb, along with a range of engaging cultural activities, excursions, and even overnight trips, all included in the program price. This program is ideal for Global Studies, International Relations, Japanese Language, and East Asian Studies majors. In addition to a Japanese language course, you’ll have the option to take an additional class in English. 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.

Snapshot

Winter Program

J-Term

Application Deadline:
Oct 1

2.5 GPA to apply

Explore Courses

Off-Campus Student Housing

Overview

Experience all that Japan has to offer from an ideal location in Tokyo. Students stay in the bustling Shinjuku neighborhood and will have easy access to many of Tokyo's famous sights.

Accelerate your language skills with engaging Japanese classes.

Stay in your own private room off-campus, which is included in your program price.

Learn about famous Japanese anime and Japanese pop-culture.

Shinjuku City in Tokyo is known for its buzzing nightlife as well as its many galleries, theaters, and bookstores populated by local students.

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

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

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.