About the Program
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.
Deadline to Apply for Spring 2025
Tuesday, October 15, 2024
Deadline to Apply for Fall 2025
Thursday, March 13, 2025
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
Best Suited Majors
Other Majors
Estimated budget for one semester at Hirosaki University.
First semester
late March – late July
Second semester
late September – early February
Minimum GPA Requirement: 3.0
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.
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.
When you study in Japan under a student visa, you are permitted to work for up to 28 hours each week. During extended breaks like those during the summer, you may work for up to 40 hours per week.
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.
| Hirosaki Letter Grade | Hirosaki Percentage Grade | UMaine Grade |
| S | 90 – 100 % | A |
| A | 80 – 89 % | A |
| B | 70 – 79 % | B |
| C | 60 – 69 % | C |
| D | 0 – 59 % | No transfer credit |
Campus
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.
Cultural Activities
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.
Student Favorites
Learn More About an Education Abroad at Hirosaki University
Erika Clement
Assistant Director of Education Abroad
5775 Stodder Hall RM 300
University of Maine
Orono, ME 04469
207. 581.3437 | studyabroad@maine.edu
Yijie Ren
Education Abroad Advisor
5775 Stodder Hall RM 300
University of Maine
Orono, ME 04469
207. 581.3437 | studyabroad@maine.edu