Categories of Student Exchange in Japan

	Short-term study refers primarily to studying abroad while still enrolled at a university in one’s home country on the basis of inter-university exchange agreements. The objective is not necessarily to obtain a degree but rather acquire a foreign language, experience a foreign culture or study at a university, etc. in a foreign country or region. The student receives education for a semester or several semesters within an academic year, acquiring credits or receives research guidance. Classes are carried out in the language of the country where the educational facility is located or in a foreign language. Student exchange refers to a university dispatching a foreign student to another university with which it has an inter-university exchange agreement and having the other university accept the student. Credit acquired at the university where the exchange student is studying is generally calculated into the credits earned at the university where the exchange student is originally enrolled. Depending on the number of credits earned, it becomes possible for the student to graduate from the university where he/she is originally enrolled when the standard number of years necessary for acquiring a degree is reached. Tuition is ordinarily paid to the university where the exchange student is originally enrolled. However, there is a need to confirm how tuition should be paid while abroad as an exchange student or how credits are handled as they may differ from university to university.    Almost all Japanese universities have an inter-university exchange agreement with a foreign university. Students desiring to become an exchange student at a Japanese university need to select a university from among the Japanese universities with which his/her university has an inter-university exchange agreement. S/he then makes an application for student exchange with the university in which s/he is enrolled. After going through a screening at his/her university, an application is then made to the university s/he wants to study at as an exchange student. This application is made through his/her university. Going abroad to study as an exchange student becomes possible when agreement is obtained from the university that s/he has chosen. Please keep in mind that even if there is an inter-university exchange agreement with the university, not all credits necessarily become object to exchange. 1.You make an application to the university you are enrolled in for a short-term exchange program. The timing differs from university to university.
2	The university you are enrolled in makes an application for acceptance to the department at the Japanese university in charge of foreign exchange students.
3	The department at the Japanese university in charge of foreign exchange students inquires with the relevant undergraduate or graduate school regarding acceptance.
4	The undergraduate or graduate school responds to the department in charge of foreign exchange students regarding acceptance. If accepted, an enrollment permit is issued and an application is made for a student dormitory.
5	The Japanese university responds to the university you are enrolled in regarding acceptance. If accepted, an enrollment permit and documents related to student visa application are sent to your university. Around May to July for students enrolling in October Around January or February for students enrolling in April
6	The university you are enrolled in responds to you regarding acceptance. If accepted, an enrollment permit and documents related to student visa application are sent to you.
7	Communication is made regarding going to Japan. Around July to September for students enrolling in October Around February or March for students enrolling in April Adjustment of your arrival schedule Sending of syllabus, etc. Pickup at airport, etc.
8	You arrive in Japan.