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	Semester, Year, Summer
Partner Website	Click Here

Sophia University is located in Tokyo, the capital city of Japan and 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-long exchange students are required to take one Japanese language course while studying at Sophia University. Sophia University exchange students may take the rest of their 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. For course information, click here.

Accommodation

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

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.
 
For more information on accommodation, click here.

Student Life and Surroundings

Tokyo is 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)

 

Billed by UW-Whitewater
Tuition*	3,800
Administrative Fee	225
Contingency Fee	50
CISI Insurance	140
Subtotal	$4,215
Additional Estimated Expenses
Passport and passport photos	150
Accommodation**	2,800
Meals	2,200
Japanese Personal Accident Insurance (800 JPY; mandatory)	10
Japanese National Health Insurance (1500-300 JPY per month)	75
Personal/Miscellaneous	2,000
Commuter Pass (in Japan)	400
Japanese Student Visa	50
Books/Supplies	450
Round-Trip Airfare	2,000
Subtotal	$10,135
Total***	$14,350

*2019-20 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.
**Accommodation is an estimate; individual options may vary.
***For comparison, the UW-W Financial Aid office estimates the cost of attendance on the UW-W campus for one semester to be $7,400.
 

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	April 1	Mid September to late July
Spring Semester	October 1	Early April to late July
Summer	April 1	June to July or July to August
Fall	April 1	Mid September to Late January

 

Contacts

Office of Global Experiences
Office: McCutchan 204
Phone: 262-472-5759
Email: studyabroad@uww.edu

UW-W Faculty Exchange Ambassador:
Dr. Marjorie Rhine
Department of Languages & Literatures
Office: Laurentide 3122
Tel: 262-472-1081
Email: rhinem@uww.edu