J.F. Oberlin University
- Immerse yourself in Japanese culture by studying in Tokyo
- Study Japanese language while taking Japanese cultural classes in English
- Participate in Japanese student life by joining clubs and living on campus
J.F. Oberlin University is a private co-educational institution with 10,000 university students. The university is located in the lively, upbeat city of Machida (population 430,000), which is a suburb southwest of Tokyo (Tama area of Tokyo).
Students can join university clubs and participate in a variety of cultural activities and excursions in and around Tokyo. J.F. Oberlin's Center for International Studies. For more information about the cultural clubs check out Club Activities at J.F. Oberlin University.
Machida is well serviced by trains and offers easy access to downtown Tokyo, nearby mountains and beaches. Machida to Shinjuku-Tokyo is approximately 35-55 minutes and Machida to the city of Yokohama is approximately 30-40 minutes.
Program Dates:
- Fall semester: late-August to late-January
- Spring semester: late-March to early August
See date section above for specific dates for each academic term.
Academic Information:
Students earn 12-16 KU credit hours during one semester abroad.
Students are encouraged to use the following resources to research available courses at J.F. Oberlin University and to determine if these courses will meet their academic requirements at KU.
Typically, participants in the Exchange & Study Abroad Program enroll in J. F. Oberlin's Japanese language program (usually 5-8 credits) plus two to three academic content courses per semester.
Japanese Language Program
Students will be placed in one of six different levels in the Japanese language program. Core Japanese language courses meet one to five days a week depending on the level. All courses integrate speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills, and most courses make use of newspapers, television, video, or the Internet. Classes are 90 minutes long.
Students may also take elective Japanese language courses such as Kanji. Electives usually meet once a week and are 90 minutes long.
Learn more about Japanese language courses at J.F. Oberlin University
Courses Offered in English
Most content courses taught in English meet twice a week for 100 minutes per session. Both international students and Japanese students take courses taught in English. Course contents and offerings are subject to change without notice.
See list of Courses offered in English at J.F. Oberlin University
KU Course Equivalency Database:
The KU Course Equivalency Database is a list of:
- Courses that are currently pre-approved for KU credit (approved equivalency)
- Courses that students have had approved for KU credit in the past (possible equivalency)
Credit Approval Process:
The Credit Approval Process is the procedure for obtaining KU course equivalency approval for courses you plan to take abroad.
All courses taken and grades earned while abroad must be posted as KU equivalents on a student’s KU transcript and grades will figure into a student’s KU GPA. The relevant KU academic department will make the final decision regarding posting of credit, and their application toward graduation.
Fuchinobe International House is a residence for international students and Japanese students. Most of the rooms are single rooms with a ensuite bathroom and kitchenette. The two Fuchinobe International Houses have a combined capacity of 329 students and are just a short ride by complimentary shuttle bus to campus.
The rent is ¥55,000 per month, and includes utilities and Internet use. Students will be required to pay a deposit, which will be the same amount as one month’s rent. The deposit will be refunded if there are no damages or any excess fees for utilities usage.
Use Xe Currency Converter Website to calculate accommodation costs in U.S. Dollars.
SAGE is dedicated to creating international engagement opportunities that meet the needs of all our students and providing resources to support you through the process of studying abroad. Study abroad is achievable for students of all identities including our BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students, students with disabilities, and students with religious/non-religious viewpoints. Before selecting a program, consider how your identities may impact your experience abroad in unique ways and talk with your Program Coordinator about any program-specific concerns. Students with documented disabilities should discuss any accommodation needs with their Program Coordinator early in the planning process.
Check our Identity Abroad page and resources listed below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program.
Open to KU students who have achieved sophomore status by the beginning of the program and who have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
Preference that students have at least 3 semesters of Japanese before studying abroad at J.F. Oberlin University.