Study Japanese in Kyoto, Japan 1-year Japanese Studies in Kyoto University of Foreign Studies (September 2016 August 2017) 1. Aim This is a one-year course in Japanese Studies for foreign students who wish to proceed to a degree program at a university in Japan or to improve Japanese language skills for future educational and career opportunities. More than 80 overseas students, including exchange students from partner universities abroad, study in this course to master language skills and gain knowledge about Japan and its people. 2. Features All required lessons are conducted in small classes and divided into five different Japanese proficiency levels, from level 1 to level 5, and are aimed at integrated skills in all areas of Japanese. The students who have completed this course can be recommended as a candidate for admission into the Department of Japanese Studies of the Faculty of Foreign Languages in the University. A study trip, field trips attending Gion festival and other activities are also scheduled. PBL (Project Based Learning) subjects. 3. Period of study The period of the course is one year from September 2016 to August 2017. Student who has displayed an exceptional motivation to enter a Japanese university and fulfills certain conditions will be permitted to extend a maximum period of one year by the university. 4. Application requirements Applicants must meet the following requirements: a) Must be a non-japanese b) Have studied Japanese Language for a minimum of 150 hours (Equivalent to JLPT N5). c) Must be at least 18 years of age as at 19th September 2016 d) Have completed/expected to complete at least 12 years of formal education before 19th September 2016. This refers to a world-recognized 12-year curriculum up to high school level such as American/Australian high school diploma, Certificate IV (tertiary preparation certificate), or equivalent. Applicants with only "O" level certificate are considered ineligible. e) Must have a valid passport 1
5. Tuition fees Fall Semester Spring Semester Admission Fee Tuition Fee Semester Total 120,000 290,000 410,000-290,000 290,000 Total 120,000 580,000 700,000 6. Application fee 1) A non-fundable application fee of 25,000 JPY + 5,000 JPY is required to process the application. 5,000 JPY is to cover the various fees charged by the bank to process remittance. If the bank fees are more than 5,000 JPY, applicants will be requested to pay the additional cost. 2) All payment must be made in Japanese Yen by bank transfer. Personal check or cash will not be accepted. 3) The application fee paid to the University is accepted on the condition that it is non-refundable. 4) The total payment of 30,000 yen should be remitted under the applicant s name to the following bank account before submission of application. Attached the original bank slip with the application forms for submission. Bank: SUMITOMO MITSUI BANKING CORP., Kyoto Branch Account: Kyoto University if Foreign Studies (Kyoto Gaikokugo Daigaku) Account No: Ordinary Deposit 5440383 Swift Code: SMBCJPJT 2
7. How to apply Please email at wsq@world-edu.com.sg for a set of prescribed application forms as listed below (a) to (c). Applicants may self-collect the forms from office during office hours. Complete prescribed forms (a) to (c) and prepare documents as listed below (d) to (i). All documents must be delivered by hand/courier/registered mail/ems/ before Friday 27 May 2016, 10am. Photocopies of the prescribed forms and application via email are strictly not acceptable. University only accepts the original prescribed forms. WORLD SQUARE (KUFS) 51 Cuppage Road #07-12 Singapore 229469 Office hours are from Monday to Friday 9:30am to 5:30pm, except for public holidays. will not be responsible for mails lost in transit or delayed. Please ensure that you have provided sufficient time for the post to be delivered before 27 May 2016, 10am. a) Application form use only black or blue ball-point pen b) Essay form - complete 2 essay in Japanese describing why the student wishes to apply for the course and his/her study plans and goals c) Certificate of Health form to be completed by the doctor d) Original bank slip for the payment of application fee e) Certified copy of Certificate of Graduation (or prospective graduation) issued by the (senior) high school, Junior college or polytechnic. f) Certified copy of the official transcript of the student s academic record issued by the high school, Junior college or polytechnic. The transcript must have explanations on grading practices. g) A copy of results obtained in the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU), Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) or a document certifying that the applicant has studied the Japanese language for a total of more than 150 hours. h) All pages of passport including the identity page. i) One passport photograph (4 x 3cm) 8. Application deadline All documents must be delivered by hand/courier/registered mail/ems/ before Friday, 27 May 2016 10am. 9. Visa Students who have received the Letter of Admission should obtain a college student visa by completing the necessary procedures as advised later. 3
10. Requirements for completion of the course 1) Students must be registered for 1 year 2) Students should obtain at least 20 credits from the required subject and at least 10 credits for the elective subject. 3) See 13. Subject and Credit for details. 11. Subject Required subject: Basic Japanese has five levels, from level 1 to level 5, which are based on the student's proficiency in speaking, listening, reading and writing. While the Introductory level integrates all four skills in one class, other levels combine speaking and listening skills in one class, and reading and writing skills in the other. See 12. Basic Japanese for details. Elective subject: 1) Composition, Kanji and Grammar are divided into introductory, intermediate and advanced levels. They are designed to supplement the required subject. 2) Special Japanese aimed at strengthening the listening comprehension skills. 3) Japanese for Certified Test provides students with sufficient knowledge to pass the Japanese Proficiency Test. 4) Tradition & Culture, History, Literature, Politics, Economy and Calligraphy are designated to deepen understandings in the current affairs of Japan. 5) Mathematics, English, Japan & the World prepare students with preparatory study for Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) entering undergraduate or graduate courses of Japanese. 4
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14. University life with foreign exchange students In Japanese Studies Center for International Students (known as Bekka ) in Kyoto University of Foreign Studies, you will study Japanese language and culture together with foreign exchange students from over 20 countries across Europe, north and South America, Asia, and Oceania. This unique environment aims to make your foreign studies in Japan a fulfilling experience. Entrance ceremony conducted at Morita Memorial Hall Welcome Party In the spring and fall semesters, all new foreign students are invited to a welcome dinner hosted by Dr. Yoshikazu Morita, Chancellor and Chair of the Board of Directors. 11
Student Cafeteria/Cafe Foreign and Japanese students communicate in Japanese or other languages over coffee or a meal. Graduation Ceremony This is a photo of the Graduation Ceremony. Please come back to visit Japan again in the near future! 12
15. Traditional Japanese Culture lessons In addition to Japanese language classes, traditional Japanese culture such as tea ceremony, calligraphy, Noh-Kyogen and project curriculums centered on hands-on experience with Japanese students in the university offer an enriching experience. Depending on Japanese proficiency level, students may also participate in other courses in the University. Japanese Calligraphy Students learn the art of using strokes, lines and dots in writing beautiful kanji characters. 13
Japanese Tradition & Culture (Tea Ceremony) Students deepen their understanding of Japanese culture through one of the oldest tradition, the Japanese tea ceremony, which has come to encompass many artistic elements throughout its development. Yukata A project-based learning class offers lectures on Japanese culture which includes the art of wearing a kimono and a practical lesson on how to wear the summer kimono called "yukata." 14
16. Learning outside the classroom Foreign students will have many opportunities to learn about Japan outside the classroom. Joining clubs, going on study tours twice a year, observing the Gion and Jidai festivals, cultural exchange programs with elementary schools in the area, etc These are just some of the cultural exchange activities that will deepen your understanding of Japan and Japanese people. Spring and Fall School Trips There are two school trips prepared for students: an overnight trip in the spring and a day trip in the fall. Foreign students can get to know each other better, and also gain hands-on experience with traditional Japanese culture. 15
17. About Kyoto Kyoto is a big city surrounded by mountains like Higashiyama, Kitayama and Nishiyama. Kyoto was established in 794 as the capital of Japan and it developed into a historical and cultural city over 1000 years. Kyoto has managed to preserve its history and culture and is known as the cultural capital of Japan, both at home and abroad. Kyoto has not limited itself to the old; it continues to make efforts in developing new art, culture and traditions. This combination of the old and new, and the artistic atmosphere of Kyoto, is in sharp contrast to other cities in Japan. Many traditional industries such as Nishijin-ori, which originated in Kyoto, are still kept in accordance with tradition, while high-tech industries have been established in recent years. As for the population, about 10% of the 1,464,018 people living in Kyoto City are college and university students. The statistics show that Kyoto is the No. 1 University City in Japan, which is an indicator of its academic quality and vitality. Monthly Average Humidity (%) JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUN. JUL. AUG. SEP. OCT. NOV. DEC. AVERAGE 64 63 62 51 55 62 68 64 65 65 64 61 62 Monthly Precipitation (mm) JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUN. JUL. AUG. SEP. OCT. NOV. DEC. TOTAL 38.5 55. 84.0 33.5 94.5 73.0 198.5 102.0 91.5 107.5 37.0 39.5 954.5 Monthly Average Temperature ( ) JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUN. JUL. AUG. SEP. OCT. NOV. DEC. AVERAGE 4.5 4.9 7.7 15.3 18.5 24.6 26.8 28.2 25.3 18.8 11.8 3.9 15.9 16
18. Housing, living expenses and insurance Housing Students are expected to make their own arrangements. The university will assist students in finding accommodation. Here is some information on the types of housing available in Kyoto. A) Room types <Apartment> There is usually a kitchen, toilet and bath in every apartment. There are also apartments available where a tenant may rent only a room and share the kitchen, toilet and bath with other tenants. Most students staying in the latter type of apartment go to nearby public bath houses. <Condominium ("One-Room Apartment")> One room with a kitchen and a bath and toilet unit. The rent is higher than that of an apartment room, since the buildings are made of ferro-concrete and rooms are furnished with bedding, and some other conveniences, and are air-conditioned. The more equipment the room has, the more expensive the rent will be. Many apartments in Japan are unfurnished and not air-conditioned, and students will need to provide themselves with daily necessities. The typical room size in Japanese houses is 6 tatami mats (9 sqm). A tatami mat is about 180 by 90 centimeters. The size of Japanese rooms is usually measured by the number of tatami mats it contains. B) Cost <Monthly rent> Rent is normally paid on a monthly basis. The following shows the average monthly rent in Kyoto City. Common service fees are fees for facilities shared by tenants. 17
<SHIKIKIN REIKIN> When the contract to rent a room is signed, the tenant must pay a lump sum of money known as SHIKIKIN and REIKIN to the landlord. SHIKIKIN (key-money and/or deposit): a sum of money to be paid to the landlord as security money for possible damages. SHIKIKIN will be refunded upon vacating the room after a check has been made for any delinquency of rent and/or damage to the property. REIKIN (remuneration): a non-refundable fee to be paid to the landlord when the contract is signed. SHIKIKIN and REIKIN combined amounts to around 2 to 6 times the monthly rent. Living expenses The average monthly living cost in Kyoto is estimated at about 150,000 JPY, including rent. Therefore, approximately 1,800,000 JPY will be needed for to stay in Japan for one year. Applicants should keep this in mind when making plans for study in Japan. Health Insurance <National Health Insurance (Compulsory)> National Health Insurance is administered by the city, town or village. All foreign nationals are required to enroll in this program. The insurance covers 70% of all kinds of medical expenses, which means that the patient pays only the remaining 30% at a hospital or at a dental office, for example. The premium for this insurance varies slightly depending on the place one lives and the person's income during the previous year. It costs foreign nationals who hold a College Student visa approximately 18,000 yen to enroll in this program. <Student Accident and Injury Insurance (Automatic)> This insurance covers medical costs paid for the treatment of injuries sustained in class or during extra-curricular activities. <National Health Insurance Subsidy> The Kyoto City International Foundation provides this to foreign students of universities and junior colleges within Kyoto City.To be eligible, the student must be a resident of Kyoto City and must enroll in the National Health Insurance in advance. It costs 700 yen per month. 19. Part-time jobs in Japan Students holding a College Student visa are allowed by the Japanese Government to engage in a part-time job on condition that the working hours should not exceed 28 hours a week and permission from the Immigration Bureau is required. However, students are not granted absences from classes to attend part-time jobs. Foreign students should come to Japan with adequate financial support. For applications or inquiries, please email wsq@world-edu.com.sg 18