University of the Ryukyus
|
Semesters Offered:
|
Winter, Academic Year*
|
|
Subject Areas:
|
Japanese Language, Japanese/Asian Culture and more |
|
Credits:
|
12–16 per semester
|
|
Eligibility:
|
Sophomore standing or above with a minimum GPA of 3.0.** Students should have an interest in Japanese and culture. Preference will be given to Japanese majors. Must be at least 18 years old at time of travel.
|
Program Overview
The Ryukyus International Student Exchange (RISE) Program is an arrangement made between the University and our partner universities abroad that enables students to experience student life at our campus while conducting research and taking classes related to students’ majors. This program provides students with a deeper understanding of both Okinawan and Japanese culture and customs. It also gives students the opportunity to return to Japan in the future to pursue graduate studies or research.
Currently, the University composes 7 faculties and 8 graduate schools and has more than 8,000 students. The University of the Ryukyus includes the University Library, the University Hospital, the Tropical Biosphere Research Center, the Global Education Center, the Lifelong Education and Research Center, the University Education Center, the Subtropical Fields Science Center, and a University-affiliated junior high school and elementary school.
University of the Ryukyus is located in Okinawa Prefecture. Okinawa Prefecture, the southernmost prefecture of Japan, comprises approximately 160 islands. The prefecture's main island, the island of Okinawa, has a population of about 1.4 million. Formerly known as the Ryukyu Kingdom, Okinawa has a history of intimate cultural exchange with China, Oceania, and countries in Southeast Asia, leading to the creation of a distinctive culture rich with unique arts, rituals and cuisine. Today, Okinawa continues to take advantage of its historical and geographical position to encourage economic, cultural, and educational interaction in Asia and the Pacific region, fulfilling an important role in international exchange as the "southern gate to Japan."
As the only subtropical region in Japan, Okinawa is blessed with a warm climate throughout the year and experiences relatively low seasonal and day/night temperature variation. Okinawa is known both within and outside of Japan as a place with a brilliant range of flora and fauna, emerald-blue seas, white beaches and amazing coral reefs. It is home to many endemic plants and animals and is recognized as an international tourist destination, with increasing numbers of visitors each year.
Financial Support: Students who have been selected to receive the following scholarships will be notified when they are informed of their acceptance into the RISE program. However, those who have not been selected for the scholarship are eligible to participate in the program as privately-funded students.
Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) Scholarship
JASSO’s purpose is to provide support to international students in order to improve standards of education and research, as well as to promote mutual friendship and goodwill. Total monthly stipend: 80,000 yen, up to 11 months (depending on the period of acceptance)
Applicant Qualifications and Conditions:
To be eligible to apply for the JASSO scholarship, students must be in regular enrollment at their respective home universities. The following criteria must also be met.
(1) The applicant must hold nationality of a country that has diplomatic relations with Japan.
(2) The applicant must not be a citizen of Japan at the time of application.
(3) The student's home university must have an exchange program agreement with the University of the Ryukyus.
(4) The student is of good character and possesses outstanding academic performance at his/her home university.
(5) The student has difficulty funding his/her studies in Japan for financial reasons.
(6) The student will resume his/her studies or be conferred an academic degree at his/her home university after concluding his/her period of study in Japan.
(7) The student must be able to attain “Student” visa status for his/her period of study in Japan.
(8) If the student is due to receive financial aid and/or scholarships from other organizations while in Japan, the total amount of such financial aid must not exceed 80,000 yen per month.
The University of the Ryukyus QUEST Scholarship
This scholarship’s purpose is to provide support to exchange students in order to encourage student exchange and collaboration between the University and its partner universities. Total monthly stipend: 80,000 yen, up to 11 months (depending on the period of acceptance).
The University of the Ryukyus Foundation Scholarship
The purpose of this scholarship is to provide support to exchange students in order to improve and enhance international relationships between the University and its partner universities. Total monthly stipend: 60,000 yen, up to 10 months (depending on the period of acceptance).
Housing and Meals
As a general rule of the University, international exchange students will be allocated residences in either the International House or the Senbaru Student Dormitory. Although preferences are taken
into consideration, students may not be allocated with their desired room types as allocation is based on room availability. Students may choose to live in off-campus apartments if allocated
rooms do not meet with their requirements.
More information
For more information about the program, please click on the link below and scroll down to see a link to the English version of the program information.
https://ges.skr.u-ryukyu.ac.jp/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ENG_RISE-Application-Guidebook-2024-2025.pdf
Visa Requirements
Upon acceptance to the program the University of the Ryukyus will provide you with the materials necessary to apply and obtain a student visa. Be sure to review visa guidelines for studying in Japan before you apply. Be aware that you may be required to obtain your visa in-person from the nearest consulate.
Application Notes
This program requires a dual application process in which both EMU and the University of the Ryukyus must approve students to participate. You will receive notification to complete the University of the Ryukyus application upon approval from EMU.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
In addition to the opportunities above, financial aid and many EMU scholarships may be applied to the tuition and fees for this approved program. Visit the Office of Financial Aid for more information on how to use your financial aid and scholarships to help cover the costs of studying abroad. Find information on national and EMU scholarships specifically for students that wish to study abroad at emich.edu/abroad/financialaid/scholarships.
*Dates listed are subject to change based on information provided to us by the partner institutions.
**Students must have completed at least one semester at EMU within the last 12 months and be in good academic standing to be eligible to apply for semester/year programs.