JAPAN
Hosted by Sophia University
www.sophia.ac.jp/home.nsf/E/home
Curriculum
Arts and Sciences
Requirements:
None
About Sophia University
Since its founding in 1913, Sophia University has been preparing generations of students to play an active role in
both Japanese society and the world.
More than fifty nationalities are represented in Sophia University’s student body of 11,000, and the teaching staff of
1000 is made up of scholars from 21 countries. Sophia University offers a choice of seven schools and 30
departments, and a graduate school with seven divisions and 26 programs. The curriculum is designed so that
students may receive a solid foundation in one particular specialization as well as a broad general education. SU’s
tradition of academic excellence has its roots in the Jesuit educational ideal of placing importance on each individual
student. This tradition was introduced into Japan in 1549 with the arrival of Francis Xavier.
In an era when Japanese universities are being challenged to define their outstanding characteristics, Sophia takes
pride in its traditions of high academic standards, a humanitarian worldview based on Christian principles, and
international awareness.
The City of Tokyo
For decades mainly businessmen and women visited Tokyo, connected with Japan’s booming electronics and car
manufacturing industries. Today, more and more people are coming to this huge exciting megalopolis in order to
enjoy its vast array of attractions and to experience a little of the almost “other-worldly” culture which Japan offers
visitors from overseas. Tokyo’s infinite charms include temples, palaces and gorgeous, intricate gardens as well as
nightlife second to none. As for shopping, Tokyo is world famous for its boundless variety of shops and stores.
Visitors in spring can enjoy the special bonus of seeing the fabulous cherry blossoms that attract vast crowds to the
city parks. A trip to Tokyo at any time is guaranteed to be a profoundly interesting and enjoyable experience.
Housing
There are two off-campus dormitories for Sophia women and one on-campus men's dormitory. All rooms are fully
furnished and provide compact but comfortable accommodation, while dormitory life is a great way to meet and
interact with students from around Japan and overseas. The university can also assist students in finding private
dormitories, etc.
-Sophia University Dormitory (Men)
Located on the Yotsuya Campus, this men's dormitory houses 240 students in twin rooms (16m2). In principle, all
overseas students are paired with a Japanese student. Residents take an active part in organizing festivals and a
Christmas Party.
-Sophia Enoki Dormitory (Women)
Seven minutes walk from Kagurazaka Station on the Tokyo Subway's Tozai Line, and 30 minutes walk from the
university, this women's dormitory accommodates 62 students in single rooms (11m2).
-Help with Apartments, Part-Time Employment, etc.
The Office of Student Affairs assists students seeking private apartments, etc., by introducing affordable and
conveniently located accommodation that can be rented annually. Generally, introductions take place two months
prior to the student's entry into the university. In addition, the Office of Student Affairs offers information to students
seeking part-time work as a home tutor, interpreter, translator, etc., or general work that does not interfere with the
student's university activities.
Terms:
Fall Term: late September – early February
Spring Term: mid April – late July
Cost
UVA Students will pay their regular tuition rate to UVA for
the term they are on a UVA Exchange Program.
Students are additionally responsible for room and board,
transportation, and personal expenses while on a UVA
Exchange Program. Students will pay the host institution or
make their own arrangements for accommodations. Check the
host institution web site for accommodation choices, cost, and
application procedures.
Students are responsible for booking and paying for their own international airfare.
UVA students are required to purchase the ISIC: International Student ID Card, which provides medical and accident
insurance while abroad. For more information go to http://www.istc.org/ OR STA Travel in Newcomb Hall or Peace
Frogs Travel in Barracks Road shopping center.
Expected Expenses:
-UVA Tuition and Fees
-Host institution Room and Board
-Airfare
-Insurance and ISIC Card
-Books and Supplies
-Local Transportation
-Passport and Visa
-Personal Expenses
Application:
This program is a UVA Exchange Program. All UVA Students who want to participate on a UVA Exchange
Program should obtain the UVA Exchange Program Application Form from the Study Abroad Library, 216 Minor
Hall.
PLEASE CONTACT THE INTERNATIONAL STUDIES OFFICE
FOR DEADLINES
Exchange program information, requirements and conditions change regularly.
It is the student’s responsibility to check that the information in this flyer
is accurate and up-to-date.
UVA Study Abroad Office 216 Minor Hall 982-3010 studyabroad@virginia.edu www.virginia.edu/iso