Hirosaki University - Education Abroad

UMaine Alert

Posted: April 19, 2024 - 1:32 PM

At approximately 9:24 a.m. on Friday, April 19, a University of Maine graduate student was struck by a university vehicle on Long Road at the University of Maine campus in Orono. The student reports that they are at a local hospital with minor injuries.

Emergency services, including the Orono Fire Department, University Volunteer Ambulance Corps, University of Maine Police Department, Orono Police Department and Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene.

The university vehicle involved in the incident was a Chevrolet Express van. It was being operated by a university employee.

Counseling services and support are available for students, faculty or staff who may have been affected. The Counseling Center can be reached at 207-581-1392 and the Dean of Students Office can be reached at 207-581-1406.

The scene has been cleared and Long Road is now accessible. An investigation is being conducted by the University of Maine Police Department with assistance from the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Unit. Any witnesses to the incident are encouraged to contact Lt. Noel Santiago at noel.santiago@maine.edu.

Hirosaki University

About the Program

You’ll spend your time living in the Aomori prefecture in Hirosaki, a former castle town. Located at the Northern tip of Japan, you’ll have some of the best onsen (hot spring) choices possible. Or, perhaps you’ll spend your time perusing Japan’s biggest apple harvest while viewing the country’s oldest cherry blossom tree. Take a train and spend the weekend in Hokkaido or travel down to Tokyo to explore the city.

At Hirosaki, you’ll have ample chance to practice your Japanese skills and learn more about the gorgeous and intricate culture of Japan. Get ready to live in a location that reflects the true essence of the country in the forms of its many traditions, festivals and folk crafts.

Apply to Hirosaki University

Dates and Deadlines

Requirements

Minimum GPA 3.0

Subjects

Best Suited

Anthropology	Art
History	International Affairs

Other Subjects

Language

Culture

Course Load

6 classes

Academic Calendar

First semester late March – late July

Second semester late September – early February

Full-Time Enrollment

UMaine students must be registered for at least 12 credits each semester. Students are not encouraged to register for more than 15 credits each semester.

Scholarship

Read the available scholarships website for more information about Scholarships for Japan, and specifically the JASSO scholarship for Hirosaki University. You can find others on our Scholarships page.

Budget

Estimated budget for one semester at Hirosaki University.

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 (under Part II: Curriculum).

Transfer Credits:

1 Hirosaki credit= 1 UMaine credit

Health Insurance

International students at Hirosaki University are required to join the National Health Insurance System. The cost f this insurance is about 20,000 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.

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. More information on utilities and services provided.