| Academics |
Academic Program
Waseda University offers a wide range of courses for undergraduate students. Through Waseda University’s exchange program, you can comprehensively study the Japanese language through various courses provided in different levels and themes at Waseda University's Center for Japanese Language. The Japanese courses (Intensive Japanese, Japanese Theme Subject, and Open Lecture) are divided into eight different levels.
Course Descriptions and Syllabi
Waseda University's Academic Calendar:
Spring Semester
Early April - Early August
Fall Semester
Late September - Early February
There are several program options from which to choose at Waseda University:
- Center for Japanese Language (CJL)
Please note: CJL courses are taught in Japanese, not in English, even at the beginner’s level. Without basic knowledge of Japanese,
you may find it extremely difficult to follow the classes. We strongly recommend you to at least be able to read and write
hiragana and katakana before arriving in Japan.
2. Political Science and Economics
3. School of International Liberal Studies (SILS) (English-based program with required Japanese language classes)
4. Transnational and Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Innovation (TAISI) - Social Science
The Syllabus Search is also a useful tool, as some courses may be offered in more than one department.
Review Waseda University’s website for more information regarding course offerings.
Please see the Waseda University Application Timeline for more information regarding the complete application process.
General Education Information for UAlbany Students
Credits earned on this program will automatically satisfy the International Perspectives requirement. Three credits of foreign language study will satisfy the Foreign Language requirement. No additional approval is required for you to earn these general elective credits.
Major/Minor Information for UAlbany Students
Courses may also satisfy major and minor requirements, upon approval by the department.
Transcript
All courses taken abroad count towards UAlbany General Elective credits. Credits and grades will appear on your UAlbany transcript. You may file a request to have additional courses approved for equivalency as necessary.
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| Faculty |
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| Accommodations |
Housing
There are three off-campus dormitories specifically for exchange students at Waseda University. They are all within a 15-minute walk to campus. Single and double occupancy rooms are available. Most rooms include a desk, chair, closet, a bookshelf, lamp stand, refrigerator, air conditioning, and a sink. Some rooms have private bathrooms. The facilities include a kitchen, lounge, a shower room, and coin laundry.
Meals
There is no meal plan for this program. You may choose to purchase meals in the cafeteria, cook, or eat out at local restaurants.
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| Costs |
Estimate of Costs
Review this program’s most recent Estimate of Costs. Note, there may be several tabs in the Estimate of Costs. Please be sure that you are reviewing the tab for your anticipated term abroad.
More Information
Click for more information on Program Costs and Financial Aid.
Remember to speak with the Office of Financial Aid at your home campus to determine how your aid package could apply towards your program abroad.
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| Eligibility |
Academic Requirements
Sophomores, juniors, and seniors with at least a 3.0 GPA are eligible to apply. If you have a lower GPA, your application will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Graduating seniors are not eligible for this program. You must have at least one semester remaining at UAlbany upon return from Waseda University.
This study abroad option is only open to UAlbany students. If you are a transfer student, you must have at least one semester of grades from UAlbany at the time of application.
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| Excursions |
Experiential Learning
University-arranged excursions are not included in this program, but you may enjoy tourist attractions and events off campus, on your own.
Student Clubs and Organizations
Waseda University’s Intercultural Communication Center (ICC) organizes various events and programs that will give you opportunities to enjoy extra-curricular activities beyond consideration of period of study. This includes several organized field trips and tours. It is highly encouraged for you to use these opportunities to participate in exchanges with international students and Japanese students. |
| Scholarships |
Funding Opportunities
Most financial aid and academic awards will apply to semester programs.
External scholarships, listed on our website, are a good way to partially fund your study abroad experience. In addition, the Center for International Education and Global Strategy offers two scholarship programs for UAlbany students studying abroad on UAlbany or 4-year SUNY programs.
More information on applying to these scholarships is located on the Scholarships web page.
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| Testimonials |
In Their Own Words
"Waseda University is a beautiful campus located right next to a bustling town within Tokyo known as Takadanobaba. The campus is surrounded by shops large and small, restaurants, convenient stores and parks. There are numerous "Kokusai Kouryuu" clubs on campus, whose main objective is the sharing and exchanging of cultures and are always looking for exchange students to join their ranks! This has made meeting people on campus a lot easier!
If you have studied Japanese at UAlbany, or any of the assorted history classes offered, adapting to the culture shouldn't be too difficult. However, just like anywhere else, treat people the way you wish to be treated.
My only recommendation is to make sure to keep yourself busy while here. If you don't have school, classes, or homework, I guarantee you won't just want to sit around in your room all day. Tokyo is a beautiful city with a lot of things to see and do, a lot of which can be done extremely cheaply."
Joshua Capra, Computer Science/Japanese Major
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| Contact |
Speak with an Advisor
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| Location |
About the City
Waseda University is located in Shinjuku, the center of Tokyo. Even within bustling Tokyo, Shinjuku marks a clear center for business, shopping, and entertainment, and is an active and exciting city hub through which people flow day and night. In particular, the direct vicinity of Shinjuku Train Station is known as Japan's biggest entertainment district. Shinjuku has been called the center of Tokyo since the Metropolitan Office moved there from Marunouchi in 1991.
Travel Documents
A valid passport is required to participate in this program. If you are a U.S. citizen, you are required to obtain a visa to enter Japan.
For all other nationalities, please check with your government and the Consulate General of Japan website to determine whether you are required to obtain a visa for this program.
More information regarding the visa application process is available upon acceptance to the program.
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| Duration |
Application Availability
Applications become available online one semester before the program start date, based on the following timeline:
- Spring/Winter/Spring Break programs: July
- Fall/Year/Summer programs: December
Program Dates
Academic Year 2023-2024
9/15/2023 to 8/2/2024
Fall 2023
Due to the host university’s academic calendar, a Fall semester program is not offered.
Spring 2024
April to August (specific dates forthcoming) |
| Overview |
About the Program
Founded in 1882, Waseda University is located in the center of Tokyo, the capital of Japan, and has become one of the most popular destinations for students like you, who want to study in Japan. The students from more than 100 countries currently studying at Waseda University create an intercultural atmosphere across the campus, leading each student to interact with people from diverse backgrounds on a daily basis.
The various undergraduate schools of Waseda University seek to impart not only contemporary knowledge and theory, but also the ability to apply this learning in practical and meaningful ways. You will have the opportunity to fully immerse yourself into Japanese society and culture as you take the same courses as local Japanese students. This type of education prepares you to actively participate in and contribute to modern society.
Program Orientations
Upon acceptance to the program, you will be required to attend a mandatory pre-departure orientation. During this time, you will have the opportunity to meet other program participants, discuss in-depth the details of your program, and prepare of the overall education abroad experience. The fall semester pre-departure orientation will be conducted the Saturday before the end of Spring UAlbany classes and in late November/early December for the spring term abroad.
Upon arrival at Waseda University, you will attend a mandatory program orientation. This is an important and informative set of sessions organized by International Office of your host university.
Support Services
UAlbany’s Office of Education Abroad staff assists you during the application process, in your preparation to travel abroad, and on-site if necessary.
Waseda University's International Office staff serve as an experienced resource for resolving issues that you may encounter in while abroad.
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