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Otemon Gakuin University - Semester Abroad

At a Glance
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  • Location
    Ibaraki, Japan
  • Semester Abroad
    Fall (September to January) or Spring (April to July)
  • Program Host
    Otemon Gakuin University

Spend one or two semesters studying abroad at the prestigious Otemon Gakuin University where you’ll experience Japanese culture firsthand.

Located about halfway between Osaka and Kyoto, this international university campus offers a welcoming environment with new adventures waiting for you every day.

Apply through CGE

Program Highlights

Popular

Several Snow College students head to Otemon every semester, so you’ll always have a familiar friend nearby! We also host students from Otemon every year in Ephraim, so you can make friends with Japanese students before or after you go to Japan.

Convenient

Due to our 10+ year partnership with Otemon, students from Snow College are able to pay their normal tuition fees to Snow and only need to budget for housing, daily living expenses, and travel to Japan.

Exotic

Osaka is rich in tradition yet bursting with energy. Living in this city of contrasts will enable you to truly understand how Asia effortlessly balances its past with the future.

 

This is a great match for students who...

  • Have completed a minimum of 15 credits before they go abroad.
  • Have taken at least 1-2 semesters of beginner Japanese language courses (but this is not required).
  • Are interested in Asian culture and history, Japanese food, anime, international business, and Japanese language.
Academics Application Tuition Housing

Academics

 

  • Snow College students will take a selection of academic subjects specifically designed for exchange students to learn about Japan.
  • Taught in English, you will experience hands-on learning of several facets of Japanese literature, culture, society, and business.
  • You can also enroll in 12 credits of Global Inquiry Abroad. Japanese language classes for beginner and intermediate learners are also available via Otemon.
  • Learn more about the support offered to help you get more comfortable with the language, such as English-Japanese cafes and language partner programs.
Important! Students must pass all coursework and complete a reflection project upon returning to the USA.

Application Process, Preparations and Deadlines

Requirements:
  • Students must apply and be selected for the semester or year.
  • Students should have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75.
  • Students must not have any disciplinary sanctions either at Snow College or at another institution of higher learning.
  • Students under the age of 18 will not be allowed to participate.
  • Students are responsible for acquiring the necessary documents such as a passport and international travel and health insurance.

Inquire now for more information about the program and how to apply at the Center for Global Engagement (CGE).

Contact CGE to apply

Important Dates:
  • Admissions deadlines are typically the end of September for a spring start, and the end of February for a fall start.
  • Orientation dates, departure and return dates are determined annually. See the Otemon Academic Calendar for approximate dates and be sure to speak with your Study Abroad Advisor for details.

Tuition and Funding

For your convenience, tuition payments for this study abroad program can be made to Snow College. Housing and other additional fees can be made directly to Otemon Gakuin University.

Using financial aid and applying for a scholarship or grant:

Talk to your advisor to learn if you are able to apply your FAFSA funding for studying abroad.

You may be eligible for a language scholarship from Otemon, and the university also has jobs available on campus for exchange students. 

Housing and Life Abroad

There are several housing arrangements to choose from including dormitories, apartments and homestays.

Otemon Gakuin University is located in Ibaraki City between Japan's third largest business metropolis of Osaka and the ancient capital of Kyoto.

View our study abroad resources for more helpful guides and support before you depart.

Study Abroad Resources

Take a virtual tour

The video below gives you a bird’s eye view of the impressive, modern university building. Visit their site to see inside all their facilities and take a virtual tour of the whole campus.