Study Abroad Programs - Hirosaki University
Hirosaki University was established in the former castle town of Hirosaki in the northern prefecture of Aomori in 1949. To those who live there, Aomori prefecture reflects the true essence of Japan in its many traditions, festivals, and folk crafts, and the city of Hirosaki is no exception. Hirosaki is well known for the beautiful cherry and apple blossoms that serve as the basis of the annual cherry blossom festival each spring. Hirosaki is located about three hours north of Tokyo by train.
Prerequisites:
Minimum overall GPA 3.0
No Japanese language requirement.
Calendar:
First semester late March – late July
Second semester late September – early February
Academics:
Visiting students enroll in special courses for foreigners in the fields of Japanese Language, Culture and Art. No prior knowledge of Japanese language is necessary. Students can take courses in Japanese at the introductory, intermediate and advanced level. Each semester a course on Japanese culture is taught in English. Supplemental independent study courses may be arranged through the Hirosaki University Faculty of Humanities and Faculty of Education in the fields of literature, communication, art, education, and culture. Visit the website for the International Exchange Courses.
Housing:
Visiting students may apply for accommodation in the International House or may elect to rent an apartment off campus. Accommodations are quite modest by American standards but large by Japanese standards. The Hirosaki University International Student Office assists students in obtaining housing.
The monthly rent for a single room in the International House is 5,900 Japanese yen (about $80) with a 30,000 yen housing deposit (about $380). Students pay their own utilities for electricity and gas. Off-campus apartments range between 30,000-35,000 yen per month (about $380-$430).
Students are encouraged to arrive a day or two early before orientation starts to rest and adjust to the new time zone. Students book and pay for the hotel expenses. Students who receive the JASSO scholarship and will be living off-campus usually stay two-three nights in a hotel before they move in an apartment.
Health Insurance:
International students at Hirosaki University are required to join the National Health Insurance System. The cost f this insurance is about 16,000 yen for one year (about $200). When students present their National Health Insurance card, they pay only 30% of the incurred medical costs.
Extracurricular Activities:
Athletic Clubs (Aikido, Archery, Football, Kendo, Tennis, Racquetball, Cycling, Soccer, Mountaineering, Swimming, Volleyball, Basketball, Baseball, Rugby and others); and Cultural Clubs (Brass Band, Cinema, Drama, Guitar, Choir, etc.). Most visiting students find that participation in a student club provides the easiest means for meeting Japanese students.
Scholarships:
Read the available scholarships website for more information about the JASSO scholarship for Hirosaki University.
Estimated budget for one semester:
- Tuition – 15 credit hours of in-state or out-of-state tuition to UMaine
- Fees – mandatory fees for 15 credit hours to UMaine (Unified fee, Activity fee, Communication fee and Rec Center fee)
- Housing – $800 (International House) – $2,000 (off-campus apartment)
- Food – $2,000-$2,500
- Airfare – $1,500
- Japanese health insurance – $200
- Textbooks – $400
- Transportation – vary
- Japanese visa application fee – $100 and travel expenses to Japanese consulate in Boston
- Personal expenses – vary
- Initial expenses: Students should bring about 100,000 yen (about $1,200) in Japanese cash. Credit cards cannot be used for some transactions.
Helpful Links:
Application process:
Schedule a meeting with the Study Abroad Advisor to start the study abroad process at 207-581-1509.