Rikkyo University
University of Missouri-St. Louis Exchange Program in Japan
| Rikkyo University
Study international business and culture while learning Japanese language. |
 |
What is it like there?
Rikkyo University, founded in 1874 by an American Episcopal missionary, is one of oldest and nationally recognized research universities in Japan. It has 9 colleges (Liberal Arts, Economics, Science, Sociology, Law, Tourism, Community & Human Services, Psychology and Business) offering both undergraduate and graduate programs, and enrolling the total of about 15,000 undergraduate and 1,400 graduate students.
It has two campuses: The Ikebukuro campus, located in the center of Tokyo, is the home to College of Business and six other colleges, while the Niiza campus, about 30 minutes westward by train in the neighboring Saitama prefecture, is the home to the colleges of Tourism, Community & Human Services, and Psychology.
What will I study?
Students will take Japanese language courses offered at five different levels from beginning to advanced. In addition, several business, finance, culture and communication, and general studies classes are offered (taught in English). Please see the listing of courses taught in English (click "Course List"). Courses taught in 2008, including descriptions, are available here (click on the course title for a syllabus). Students proficient in Japanese may choose from almost all classes at the university.
Each course meets for 90 minutes per week and is worth 2 credit hours in the Japanese system. This is equivalent to 1.5 credit hours at UMSL. Therefore, students will take 8 classes in Japan (16 credits) to equal 12 credit hours at UMSL. Don't worry - this is the same number of class meeting times and homework load as 4 UMSL classes.
What is the language of instruction?
Japanese and English.
Where will I live?
Participants have the option of living in an off-campus dormitory (about 54,000 yen per month plus utilities and meals) or students can reserve furnished off-campus studio apartments. Rent is 60,000 - 100,000 yen per month, depending on the size and amenities of the apartment. The recommended apartment agencies are Sakura House and World Student Village.
When can I go?
Students may go to Rikkyo for the fall semester, spring semester or academic year, although
the spring semester or academic year is preferred due to the differences in academic calendars.
Academic Calendar:
Fall Semester: From mid-September to late-January including the Fall Break in early November (1 week long), the Christmas Break (2 week long) and the Reading and Exam Period.
Spring Semester: From early-April to late-July including the Reading and Exam Period.
Students wishing to attend the fall semester only must obtain special permission to take the final exams early in order to return to UMSL before the spring semester starts.
What are the eligibility requirements?
Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 and be a second-semester sophomore, junior, or senior.
Graduate students may also be eligible depending on their program; please inquire at the Study Abroad Office. While Japanese language is not required, it is recommended that applicants have at least one or two semesters before going abroad.
How can I learn more?
Visit Rikkyo University's website,
Rikkyo University College of Busines 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 2008-2009 estimated costs for one semester (4 months) at Rikkyo University
compared to a semester at UM-St. Louis. When you participate in a UM-St. Louis exchange program, like Rikkyo, 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.
Rikkyo 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 | $2,400.00 | $2,805.00 |
| Meals3 | $2,000.00 | $1,698.00 |
| Airfare | $1,350.00 | |
| Books | $350.00 | $400.00 |
| Miscellaneous4 | $1,300.00 | |
| Total Estimated Cost5 | $10,493.60 | $8,415.28 |
1 Educational fees are based on 12 credit hours. Non-resident fees may apply.
2 Housing cost based on single room at UMSL, dormitory at Rikkyo.
3 UMSL cost based on Option 3 Plus Meal Plan.
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.
Last modified June 6, 2008