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Nihon University, Japan

Nihon University is one of Japan's largest private universities and was founded in 1889. Located in Tokyo, Japan, students who attend Nihon University will have easy access to the multitude of cultural sites and bustling city activities of this metropolis. The Nihon University campus where the exchange program is held is located in Kanda Jinbocho (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo), a central area for Japanese business and commerce. This modern university campus, home to some of the friendliest students in Japan, is a short walk from the train station. Recently opened in 2012, a major new building serves as a second convenient site right by the Shinkansen (high-speed train) terminal. Tokyo Dome, Korakuen amusement park, and other well-known sites are located nearby. Within a 15-minute train ride from campus, students can access Akihabara's electronics quarter and Shinjuku-Fukutoshin sub-center. 

This program offers Summer term only for students seeking to take Japanese language and cultural studies courses.

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Location

Tokyo, Japan

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Term

Summer

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Housing

Dormitory

Program Highlights

The Nihon University exchange program is ideal for students who are interested in completing up to 15 credit hours of Japanese coursework during the summer term. As part of the program, students are required to participate in the Intercultural Experience course, which includes elements such as a visit to the Life Safety Learning Center, a study tour (field trips that promote learning about Japanese history and nature), and seeing a Kabuki performance. 
 

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Program Contact Information

Molly Papay

Assistant Director, Education Abroad

Email: mpapay1@kent.edu

Office Phone: 330-672-3067

Important Dates

Application Deadlines

  • Summer 2026: February 1, 2026

Program Dates

Program dates vary each year based upon the host institution's academic calendar, but the following are general guidelines:

  • Summer: Early May - Late July

Please note that this program typically begins immediately after the KSU spring semester concludes. 

Eligibility

Eligibility

  • Full-time, degree-seeking student at Kent State
  • Any major; Japanese minor preferred but not required
  • Minimum cumulative GPA: 2.5 or higher
  • Completion of Elementary Japanese I at minimum
Application Process

Students will be required to complete two applications:

  • an internal Kent State Education Abroad application,
  • and a partner university application.

These quick steps will help walk you through the process.

1. Start an Education Abroad Application

When you click the "Apply Now" button (located towards the top and bottom of this page), you will be brought to the Education Abroad application system where you can view program costs and start an application. Be sure to submit your application before the deadline!

2. Wait for Acceptance

Once you have submitted your application, it will be reviewed by an Education Abroad Advisor. Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis. Please note that acceptance to the program by Kent State University does not serve as final approval. The host institution or program provider grants final approval for each applicant.

3. Complete the Host University Application

Once your Education Abroad application has been accepted, you will be nominated to the host university. You will complete the host university’s application and wait for official acceptance to the program. 

Academics

Academic Programs

The exchange program with Nihon University is designed for students to practice Japanese language skills and to learn more about Japanese culture, history, and society during the summer semester as part of the Japanese Language and Japan Studies Program (JLSP). While students from any major may participate in this program, preference is first given to those who are pursuing the Japanese minor.

In the JLSP, international exchange students undergo intensive Japanese language and cultural education in three academic areas:

  • Japanese Language - Elementary through advanced levels
  • Japan Studies - Taught in English with topics such as culture, economy, and politics
  • Intercultural Experience - Interact with your surroundings to build intercultural literacy through a study tour to Japanese temples and historical landmarks, see a Kabuki performance, or visit the Life Safety Learning Center

Upon arrival at Nihon University, students will complete a placement exam to determine at which level of Japanese language they will study.

Transferring Credits

Transfer Credits

With this program, students enroll in courses at a partner (host) institution. You will need to transfer the credits you earn abroad back to Kent State University.

Upon successful completion of the program, the host institution will issue you an official transcript, which will be needed for the credit transfer process.

You must earn passing grades on the courses you take abroad for the credits to transfer. 

Prior to departure, students will meet with their academic advisor to complete a Transfer Course Planning (TCP) Form, which will outline the courses you plan to take while abroad and how the courses will transfer to Kent State University. 

Some courses have already been pre-approved for transfer to Kent State and can be viewed on the Transfer Credit Guide. Please note that this is only a guide and is NOT a comprehensive list of courses available at each partner institution.

Credit Approval

Prior to departure, it is your responsibility to meet with your academic advisor to discuss the courses you plan to take while abroad.

If a course needs to be evaluated for transfer, you are responsible for working with your education abroad advisor to obtain the syllabus and have it reviewed by Kent State faculty. 

Location & Transportation

Tokyo, Japan​​​​​​​

Tokyo is a city that is the capital of Japan. The city has a population of fourteen million people. The most commonly used language in Tokyo is Japanese.

Japan is an island country located in East Asia in the Pacific Ocean. Students in Tokyo can enjoy the Tokyo National Museum, the country’s largest museum, and the National Museum of Nature and Science.

Tokyo is known for its unique culture. It is the frequent setting of Japanese films, shows, and manga, also serving as a popular setting in many western films and shows. 

Many architectural landmarks will catch students' attention in Tokyo. These include (but are not limited to) the Yoyogi National Gymnasium and the National Art Center.

Different activities are also available to students in Tokyo. Tokyo is well known for its abundance of national parks, with the parks covering 36% of the total land area of the city. Some of these parks include Sayama and the Ogasawara National Park.

Transportation

Airports

The two major airports in Tokyo are Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND). Students can fly into either airport from the United States and then take public transit or an airport bus to Nihon University's campus.

Local Transit

Students will have easy access to all forms of public transit while living in Tokyo. Taxis are oftentimes quite expensive, but students will quickly become accustomed to using the network of train, subway, and bus lines. Be sure to try the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) to travel at a very fast pace!

Housing & Meals

Accommodations

JLSP students are provided with dormitory accommodations approximately 30 minutes by train from campus. Accommodations include furniture, telephone, Wifi, and shared restrooms. Breakfast and dinner in the dormitory are provided daily, except for on Sundays and public holidays.

Financial Aid & Scholarships
Health & Safety

Pre-Departure Orientation

Prior to your study abroad experience, you will participate in a mandatory pre-departure orientation hosted by the Office of Global Education. During this orientation, you will be provided with information including but not limited to:

  • international travel procedures;
  • in-country resources;
  • health and safety resources and information;
  • culture shock and resources to help prepare for living abroad.

All students are encouraged to register with the Safe Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) prior to departure.

You can also review a wide variety of resources we’ve pulled together for you on our “Before You Go” page.

Country Profile

You can learn more about your destination(s), including travel advisories, through the U.S. Department of State website.

In addition, we encourage you to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel page for information about any vaccinations you may need or health and safety tips for traveling to your destination(s).

If vaccinations or medications are needed according to the CDC, you should make arrangements for appointments with your healthcare provider or the DeWeese Health Center as soon as possible. Appointment openings at the DeWeese Health Center are limited and vaccines may need to be ordered, which takes time. Please note that not all immunizations are available at the DeWeese Health Center. 

Visa Information

A visa is a document required by many countries, in addition to your passport, that allows you to enter the country for a certain purpose (whether that’s to stay, transit, or exit). Essentially, it is the country's government giving you legal permission to enter their country to travel, study, work, etc.

Please note, it is solely the responsibility of the student to: 

  • determine the entry, transit, and stay requirements for the country or countries to which they will travel,
  • and to apply for any necessary visas, stay permits, or any other immigration requirements of the host nation(s).

It is also the responsibility of the student to:

  • verify the correct documentation required to apply for the required visa(s), 
  • apply for the visa(s) early enough to ensure there is enough processing time,
  • and pay any fees associated with obtaining the visa(s).

Kent State University's Office of Global Education is available to provide general guidance regarding student visa requirements and procedures; however, each student who travels abroad is expected to manage their own legal obligations regarding international travel.

It is strongly recommended by the Office of Global Education that you carefully review the appropriate consulate or embassy website for the nation(s) you plan to visit in order to determine current entry/study/exit visa requirements.

Fact Sheet

Your host, Nihon University, has prepared an overview document for you to download and keep as a handy reference.

Download Fact Sheet

Costs and Funding

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Costs for the program will differ for every student. You can use our Cost Calculator to get an estimate of what you might expect for your program.

We also encourage you to meet with your Education Abroad Advisor and reach out to Financial Aid the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center to see how your aid may apply to an international program.

Get Cost Estimate

 

Shibuya neighborhood at night, light signs.
Christian Bell
Chemistry

"I got the chance to actually use what I learned outside of a classroom environment, learning what is commonly used, what is understandable, and what can be used to get by in Japan. While I was there, many other students from multiple different universities and countries were also present learning Japanese and Japan's culture."

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