Study in Japan
Programs in Japan
Ritsumeikan University
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Eligibility Requirements
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Class standing: Sophomore, junior, senior
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Program Information
Ritsumeikan University (RU) was officially founded in 1900. The name of the university is derived from a passage in the Jinxin chapter of the “Discourses of Mencius” and means, “a place to establish one’s destiny through cultivating one’s mind.” It is founded upon the ideals of “freedom and innovation” and adheres to a core educational philosophy of “peace and democracy.” RU has become one of Japan’s most well-known universities that boasts an enrollment of 36,500 students across its four campuses. RU prides itself on the importance of international education and within the past six years has welcomed over 1,113 international students from Asia, America, Europe, Oceania, and Africa to its campus.
Kyoto was the capital of Japan for nearly 800 years and is renowned for its Japanese art, culture, and beauty. Many UNESCO World Heritage Sites are located near Ritsumeikan, such as the famous temples of Kinkakuji and Royoanji. Its unique location provides students with access to Japan’s rich history, while also allowing them to contrast with modern aspects of society. In the springtime, students can easily enjoy a bike ride throughout the city to enjoy the view of the cherry blossoms, with Kyoto being cited as one of the best cities in the country for cherry blossoms. For more information about things to do in Kyoto, please visit Lonely Planet.
You can also watch this video to learn more about Kyoto and all that Ritsumeikan has to offer.
Students typically elect to take courses from one of three study tracks: Intensive Japanese language (IJL), open study in English (OSE), or the business (BT) track. All students in the Study in Kyoto Program (SKP) also have access to courses within the traditional arts, taught in Japanese, where students can learn more in the areas of calligraphy, ceramics, flower arrangement, etc. For more information regarding courses, please take a look at the study in Kyoto program page.
Students should also be aware that business track (BT) courses are located on the Osaka campus, not Kyoto. If students would like to take courses from both the OSE and BT tracks, they will be based in the campus from where they take the most courses from. The commute between the Osaka campus and Kyto campus is about an hour so it is not recommended to take OSE and BT courses in the same day. Please contact GEO if you have any additional questions about study tracks.
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Housing
Ritsumeikan manages two dormitories for international students, which are located close to the campus. If the international houses reach capacity, students will be placed in an alternative location. For more information regarding housing at RU, please visit Ritsumeikan’s accommodation page.
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Support Services
RU offers a wide variety of student support services that aim to address the anxiety and concerns that can come along with studying abroad. RU provides information for all of its incoming students in the areas of pre-enrollment, the academic system, student life, scholarships, and much more.
Learn more about the array of services available to RU exchange students
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Cost
Financing a study abroad program is one of the most important aspects to consider before applying. Please refer to the budget sheet below to review a detailed cost estimate for the program, which includes costs you are billed for through SUNY Plattsburgh, as well as those you must plan for, but pay directly, such as a flight and accommodation. Estimates are subject to change at any time. If you have questions about the estimate, please contact the Global Education Office.
Financial aid in the form of scholarships, aid (NYS TAP, etc.), and loans, may be applied to study abroad programs. It is important that you visit the financial aid office at your home campus to discuss your eligibility prior to applying. Please share the cost estimate for your program with your financial aid office. Please note that all students participating in a Plattsburgh program are automatically enrolled and billed for a SUNY international health insurance policy through United Health Care (UHC).
SUNY Plattsburgh students are able to apply for various SUNY Plattsburgh scholarships each semester. Scholarship applications can be accessed as an optional component of your study abroad application. Please keep in mind that scholarship and study abroad applications are due at the same time.
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Application Information
In order to apply for this program please be prepared to submit the following materials:
- Study statement of approximately 1,000 words that clearly articulates your interest in the program and how it will relate to your current field of study
- Two letters of recommendation from academic advisors or professors who can adequately attest to your suitability for overseas study
- Official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities that you have attended
- Copy of a current and valid passport
U.S citizens who plan to study in Japan for a period of 90 days or more must apply for a student visa. Applications can be dropped off either in person or sent by mail, depending upon the applicant’s state of residence. For more information regarding the visa application process, requirements, and fees, please visit the Embassy of Japan’s website. It is ultimately the student’s responsibility to find out if a visa is needed for the length of stay and to secure one if needed.