Tokyo, Japan
Keio University

Where?

Established in 1858 by Yukichi Fukuzawa, Keio University is the oldest and one of the most well renowned private universities in Japan created originally as a School for Western Studies. Still today, Keio University remains committed to its founding philosophy of internationalization through student exchanges and global partnerships.

Keio University is located in Tokyo, Japan on the eastern side of the main island, Honshu. With a population of over 8 million people, Tokyo is home to the Imperial Family, the seat of the Japanese Government and the Nikkei Index. Keio University has 6 different campuses spread throughout the 23 different wards that make up Tokyo. Students participating in the Keio University Program will be enrolled in courses at the International Center on the Mita Campus in Minato-ku.

The Academic Program

Two different study tracks are available at the International Center at Keio University. Accepted students can choose to enroll in either the Keio University International Program or the Japanese Language Program.

The Keio International program offers core courses taught in English in combination with Japanese Language Courses intended to improve students' speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. Over 90 courses are offered in English each year and include subject areas such as Economics, Politics, History, Literature and Area Studies. A Language proficiency test will be given at the start of each semester to determine language course levels.

The Japanese Language Program is intended for those students interested in developing or improving their Japanese language skills while learning more about the society and culture of Japan. Even complete beginners may be accepted into the program. Based on language proficiency tests at the beginning of each semester, students will be able to choose from a wide variety of courses taught in Japanese like conversation and grammar to reading and writing as well as content courses. Elective courses in English are also available for the Japanese language track.

An academic year at Keio University is composed of two semesters: Fall Term (September-February), and Spring Term (early April to late July) and during each term, students are able to take a combination of both English and Japanese depending on their study track. Allegheny students participating in this program will be enrolled at Keio University for the entire academic year from September to July. Spring semester students (April-July) may also be considered on a case by case basis.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Keio University program, students must normally have a 3.5 GPA at the time of application and have completed four semesters at Allegheny by the time of participation. Students must also commit to a full year program. Previous coursework related to Asia or Japan in particular is strongly recommended but not required. Keio University will accept one student from Allegheny per year and retains final approval of all applicants.

Student Life

As a large university, Keio University provides a warm and welcoming environment for students through a variety of social activities including many traditional and cultural events. Students can is easily filled their time by studying at one of the four libraries (media centers) which house over 4 million books and periodicals or by exercising in one of the campuses fitness centers. Students can also get a taste of Japanese culture by joining one of the many student clubs on campus like sports, music and drama clubs. Keio University offers some off-campus housing and exchange students have priority access to a room in these apartments during their stay in Tokyo. These residences are typically one hour away from the main campus where students will study. Meals are available in the campus cafeterias or at local eateries surrounding the campus or residences.

Application Process

Allegheny students must first be approved to study off-campus before applying to their chosen program. The approval packet consists of a completed interest form and application, personal statement, a letter of recommendation from the student's academic advisor approving the year abroad, and unofficial transcripts. Application forms are available in the International Office or on-line http://www.allegheny.edu/ accel/international/studies/guidelines.php . Nominated students should receive a response from Keio University by mid to late April. Deadlines to submit the approval packet are February 20 for the academic year program and September 20 if the spring program is available.

Costs

Students are charged Allegheny tuition and the $300 off-campus fee. Allegheny aid, except work-study, will be applied to program costs. The program fee covers tuition and fees at Keio Univeristy; room expenses; and international airfare. Additional costs include passport and visa fees, local transportation costs, some meals, and personal expenses.