J.F. Oberlin University
(formerly Obirin University)
University of Missouri-St. Louis Exchange Program in Japan
| J.F. Oberlin University
J.F. Oberlin University (formerly "Obirin University") is a great choice for students with zero to four semesters of Japanese coursework. Located in a lively Tokyo suburb, it's a great place to experience Japanese culture. |
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What is it like there?
Machida City, the Tokyo suburb where J.F. Oberlin
University is located, is a lively, upbeat town, which is neither
too big nor too small. In Machida there are upscale department stores, high-volume
discount shops, and an eight-story "do-it-yourself " store.
Nearby are small shops selling tea, farming instruments, or kimonos; quiet
coffee shops for meeting friends; and a pizza parlor that features "all-you-can-eat"
lunch hours. Machida is a young city and its economy is geared towards
young people. Machida is also convenient in terms of location. Well served
by trains, it provides easy access to Tokyo proper and also to nearby
mountains and beaches.
Oberlin University has undergraduate and graduate programs focusing on the liberal arts. It was fomerly called "Obirin" which means "beautiful cherry orchard" in Japanese, and is derived from the cherry trees that bloom on campus in early spring.
What will I study?
UM-St. Louis students will take part in the Reconnaissance
Japan Program. The program offers Japanese language skills and training
courses from the introductory to advanced levels.
A wide variety of culture and civilization courses on Japan (taught in English) are also offered each semester. See the website for course offerings. Reconnaissance Japan allows students from other countries to learn about and experience Japan within the supportive environment of Oberlin University's Center for International Studies.
What is the language of instruction?
English and Japanese.
Where will I live?
Participants in Reconnaissance Japan Program can choose to live in a homestay
with a Japanese family, live in an apartment arranged by Oberlin, or make
their own living arrangements.
The charge for university-sponsored homestays is ¥60,000/month. The
fee includes commuting expenses to and from school and all meals except
for weekday lunches. A homestay is ideal for students who want to truly
immerse themselves in Japanese language and culture.
The room fee for Oberlin arranged apartments vary from ¥55,000 to ¥65,000
per month (single occupancy). This fee includes air conditioning, lighting,
gas, and water, but not meals or commuting expenses. Each room has a kitchen, refrigerator, washing
machine, bathroom, bed, desk, and chair.
When can I go?
Students may go to J.F. Oberlin University for the fall semester, winter semester,
or academic year. If a student goes for the fall semester only, the he/she
must stay through the first week of January and return to St. Louis just
before Winter semester starts here.
The academic year at Oberlin consists of two fifteen-week semesters. Spring Semester begins in mid-April and concludes in late July. Fall Semester begins in mid-September and concludes in late January. There is a two-month summer vacation between the two semesters, a three-week winter vacation in late December through early January, and a three-month spring vacation after the conclusion of Fall Semester in January.
What are the eligibility requirements?
Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75, be a sophomore, junior,
or senior. No previous knowledge of Japanese is required, but is recommended.
How can I learn more?
Visit J.F. Oberlin University's website or stop by the Study Abroad Office in 261 MSC to browse their catalogs.
You can also make an appointment to discuss this program with a study
abroad advisor; call 516-5229.
How much does it cost?
Below are the 2009-2010 estimated costs for one semester (4 months) at Oberlin
compared to a semester at UM-St. Louis. When you participate in a UM-St. Louis exchange program, like Oberlin, you continue to pay UMSL tuition and may use your financial aid. In addition to CIS scholarships, there are many outside scholarships
available for study in Japan; see the scholarships
page for more information.
J.F. Oberlin University |
UM-St. Louis | |
| Educational Fees1 | $2,947.20 | $2,947.20 |
| Information Technology Fee | $146.40 | $146.40 |
| Student Facility, Activity, & Health Fee | $0.00 | $418.68 |
| Housing2 | $2,900.00 | $2,805.00 |
| Meals3 | $2,000.00 | $1,698.00 |
| Airfare | $1,350.00 | |
| Books | $350.00 | $400.00 |
| Miscellaneous4 | $1,200.00 | |
| Total Estimated Cost5 | $10,543.60 | $8,415.28 |
1 Educational fees are based on 12 credit hours. Non-resident fees may apply.
2 Housing cost based on single room.
3 UMSL cost based on Option 3 Plus Meal Plan. Meals are included
with homestay.
4 Includes transportation and mandatory insurance.
5 Please note that expenses are ESTIMATES. Costs vary depending on the exchange rate, the inflation rate, individual spending habits, and amount of extra travel. The cost estimate above does not include personal expenses or independent travel, which vary widely from student to student.
How to Apply/Application Process:
To apply, please visit the Study Abroad Application Deadlines & Procedures page.
Mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation:
All UM-St. Louis students who study abroad are required to attend pre-departure orientation. This session will cover registration and financial aid, credit transfer, travel, health and safety topics, culture shock, and much more. Details and location.
Last modified January 5, 2010