Exchange Study Programs
About Exchange Study Abroad
Exchange study abroad refers to studying at a university overseas with which Fukui University or the School of Global and Community Studies has an academic exchange agreement for student exchange. By paying tuition fees to Fukui University, students can take courses and earn credits without paying tuition fees to the host university.
Study Abroad for One or Two Semesters
Students are required to engage in overseas study for either one or two semesters, or to partake in cross-cultural understanding activities, including language training and other short-term overseas programs. As a general rule, students are to undertake their study abroad program during their third year, aligning with the curriculum’s framework. Departure dates are twice a year, with sessions running from January to April for the spring semester (first semester) and from August to October for the autumn semester (second semester).
Eligibility for Study Abroad, Applications, and Deciding Destinations
In addition to meeting the required score levels on the TOEFL ITP or equivalent exams set by the host university, applicants must obtain a GPA of 2.50 or higher in their academic performance at Fukui University to be eligible for study abroad programs. As the number of host universities requiring TOEFL ITP scores of 550 or higher for international student admissions continues to increase, students are required to have sufficient English language proficiency and academic competence. Students can choose from a number of universities, but each university has a limited number of available slots, generally no more than three students per semester. If the number of applicants exceeds the available openings, we select candidates based on a comprehensive review of their academic performance, motivations for applying, and other factors.
Course Completion and Credit Approval
After the university where they will study abroad is determined, students will choose their courses at the host university, and confirm which Fukui University courses will be approved for credit transfer before departure. The credits earned during the study abroad program will be officially recognized upon the students’ return to Japan, following a prescribed procedure, with the goal of 12–15 credits for one semester and 24–30 credits for two semesters.
Support System during Study Abroad
- We provide study-abroad support through our advising system, which includes faculty members, the Academic Affairs Division, and the International Affairs Division.
- The university’s crisis management manual, which is common to each type of study abroad program and destination, is prepared and shared by students, parents, the university, contract insurance companies, and others. In addition, we have further enhanced our crisis management system by establishing a centralized management approach for visas, travel, insurance, and crisis management. We also hold regular seminars on crisis management.
Study Abroad Expenses
Exchange students are exempt from tuition fees at their host university. However, as they remain enrolled at Fukui University during their study abroad period, tuition fees to Fukui University still apply. Additionally, students are responsible for covering expenses such as round-trip travel, insurance, housing, meals, living expenses, and textbooks. These expenses vary depending on the country/region, length of study abroad, housing, etc. While these expenses are primarily paid by the student, we may be able to offer support for these expenses through various grants and scholarships.
Study Abroad Expenses
- North America and Europe: ¥700,000–900,000 for six months, or ¥1,200,000–1,500,000 for one year
- Asia: ¥400,000–500,000 for six months, or ¥700,000–900,000 for one year
