Center for Global Education

Sophia University

UW-W Exchange Program

Location	Tokyo, Japan
Academic Focus	Across the Curriculum
Eligibility	3.0 GPA, All Majors
Language of Instruction	English and Japanese
Terms	Spring, Year, Summer
Partner Website	www.sophia.ac.jp

Sophia University is located in the capital city of Japan, Tokyo, the largest metropolitan area in the world. Founded in 1913, Sophia University has grown to be one of Japan’s leading private universities. Its reputation for excellence in undergraduate education, for outstanding graduate programs, and a competitive research environment have allowed Sophia to maintain its ranking as one of the top Japanese private universities. Sophia University has a population of about 12,000 students, and every year the University hosts approximately 800 international students, including over 200 exchange students.

Academics

Semester and year exchange students are required to take one Japanese language course while studying at Sophia University. Sophia University exchange students may take their other coursework in either English or Japanese, depending on their level of proficiency.

Sophia offers a wide variety of courses in English in areas such as Anthropology, Art History, Business and Economics, History, Literature, Philosophy and Religion, Political Science, and Sociology. Complete 

Accommodation

Sophia University has no on-campus accommodation but reserves accommodation places for exchange students in student residences in reasonably-priced neighborhoods throughout the metropolitan area of Tokyo. Students at Sophia commute from their off-campus housing to campus using Tokyo’s well-developed systems of public transportation.

Housing options offered through Sophia include both dormitory- and apartment-style accommodations. All are within reasonable walking distance of public transportation and offer students a chance to meet other international students as well as Japanese students. All rooms are single occupancy.

If students choose not to live in the accommodation provided by Sophia University, they may also make living arrangements on their own.

Student Life and Surroundings

Tokyo, one of the most exciting cities in the world. Unlike other capitals of developed countries, Tokyo is still growing up dramatically and the enthusiasm that comes from its rapid changing attracts people from all over the world. At over 12 million people in the official metropolitan area alone, Tokyo is the core of the most populated urban area in the world, Greater Tokyo, which has a population of 35 million people. This huge, developed, and fascinating metropolis brings high-tech visions of the future side by side with glimpses of old Japan. Tokyo is a unique and modern city that has something for everyone. Living in Tokyo, students will also have easy access to many other interesting cities and locations throughout Japan.

 

Cost of Attendance, Financial Aid, and Scholarships

Students participating in the Sophia semester/year exchange program are subject to UW-W tuition rates. UW-W tuition, as well as the Global Experiences Application fee and CISI international insurance, are billed to the student’s UW-W account.  Other expenses, estimated in the table below, are paid individually (e.g. airfare, personal expenses) or to the host university (e.g. accommodation).

As with all approved study abroad programs, UW-W financial aid can be used on this program.  Eligible students are encouraged to apply for the Wisconsin Grant for Study Abroad, and UW-W and external study abroad scholarships are available.

Estimated Cost of Attendance (per semester)

	UW-Whitewater	Sophia Exchange
Tuition	$3,789*	$3,789*
Housing	$1,568 - $2,680	$1,800 - $3,000
Meals	$1,600	$2,000
Other Living Expenses	$1,800	$2,500
Global Experiences Application Fee	$0	$275
CISI International Insurance	$0	$170
Travel Documents	$0	$145
Round Trip Flight	$0	$1,500
Total Cost of Attendance	$8,757 - $9,869	$12,179 - $13,379

*2013-14 UW-W tuition for in-state residents. Non-residents are subject to UW-W non-resident tuition rates.  Tuition rates are subject to change each academic year.

 

Passport and Visa Requirements

Students will need a passport to study abroad that is valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of their program.  Students in this program are also required to apply for a  Japanese Student Visa.

Key Dates

Term	Application Deadline	Term Dates
Academic Year	March 15th	Mid September to late July
Spring Semester	October 15th	Early April to late July
Summer	March 15th	June to July or July to August

Contacts

CGE Exchange Coordinator:
Mikaela Auerbach
Center for Global Education
Office: Hyland 1227
Tel:  262-472-5379 (direct)
         262-472-5759 (appointments)
Email: auerbacm@uww.edu

UW-W Faculty Exchange Advisor:
Lawrence Neumann
Department of Sociology
Office: Laurentide 2110
Tel: 262-472-1093
Email: neumanl@uww.edu

UW-W Faculty Exchange Advisor:
Kasumi Kato
Dept. of Languages & Literature
Office: Laurentide 3119
Tel: (262) 472-1241
Email: katok@uww.edu