Rikkyo University

Japan, an island nation located in East Asia, is renowned for its cultural heritage, technological advancements, and stunning natural landscapes. It boasts a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern innovations, with iconic attractions like Mount Fuji, historic temples, and futuristic cities like Tokyo.

Basic English is widely spoken throughout the country, particularly in major cities and tourist centers. Announcements on public transportation are frequently made in both Japanese and English, and signs generally include decipherable roman characters or an English explanation.

In Japan, there are many fascinating places that you can enjoy for free. These include such diverse attractions as beer museums, food galleries, hi-tech consumer electronics showrooms, cosmetics factories and television studios. With so many different places to visit there's bound to be something of interest for everyone.

Traditional cultural pursuits such as sado (Japanese tea ceremony) and ikebana (flower arrangement) are much more than simple pursuits in skills. They embody spiritual ways seeking the traditional values of wabi (elegant stillness) and sabi (antiquated elegance with calm).

Tokyo is Japan’s capital and the world’s most populated metropolis. Tokyo offers a seemingly unlimited choice of shopping, entertainment, culture and dining to its visitors. It is a city of contrast, where futuristic skyscrapers coexist with ancient temples and gardens. The city’s history can be appreciated in districts such as Asakusa and in many excellent museums. Tokyo is renowned for its shopping districts, such as Ginza, Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Harajuku, each with its unique atmosphere and specialty stores. The city is also home to numerous theaters, concert halls, and live music venues. Additionally, Tokyo is known for its vibrant nightlife, with countless bars, clubs, and karaoke establishments that characterize the city's energetic atmosphere. The city also offers various theme parks and entertainment centers, including Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea.

Rikkyo University is a highly prestigious private university in Tokyo, Japan. Founded in 1874, it is one of the oldest and most respected universities in the country. Rikkyo is known as one of the six leading universities in Tokyo (東京六大学 "Big Six" — Rikkyo University, University of Tokyo, Keio University, Waseda University, Meiji University, and Hosei University). With a beautiful campus and a rich academic tradition, Rikkyo University attracts students from both Japan and around the world. A leading liberal arts teaching and research institution, the university is internationally oriented and involved in numerous international programmes and projects. Rikkyo maintains contact with more than 140 educational institutions abroad for the purpose of exchanging lecturers, students and projects.

Courses in English/Japanese

Courses in both English and Japanese that are available for exchange students can be found under "Course Lists" here. Please be aware of the language of instruction and language level for each course.

Language Courses

The Center for Japanese Language Education courses range from J0 (Basic level) to J8 (Advanced level). Students are placed in a level based on a test taken during orientation. The test includes grammar, vocabulary, Kanji, composition and speaking ability. Students with little or no prior learning experience with Japanese will be tested for Hiragana/Katakana and speaking only. You must be able to read and write at least Hiragana and Katakana to take J1 classes. If you are not able to read and write Hiragana and Katakana, you will be enrolled in J0.

Students are placed strictly on the test results and cannot take classes outside of their designated level. A student's level is not solely determined by their knowledge or learning experience, but also their ability to use correct words appropriately in context. It is not possible to change placement. If students wish to take higher level language courses, they should study hard before taking the placement test.

For more information about courses offered by the CJLE click here.

To view course syllabi for courses offered by the CJLE click here.

In addition to the Center for Japanese Language Education, colleges at the Ikebukuro campus include:

• Arts
• Economics
• Sociology
• Law and Politics
• Science
• Business
• Intercultural Communication

Students must enroll in a minimum of 12 credits per semester. Each course is typically two credits, so students must generally enroll in at least six courses. The maximum number of registration credits is 20 per semester (10 per quarter).

Two courses (4 credits) within the same stream will typically combine to transfer back as one 3 credit U of L course. Three courses (6 credits) within the same stream will generally combine to transfer as two 3 credit U of L courses. This may vary on an individual basis. Tuition is calculated based on the number of U of L courses students earn equivalent credits to.

You are eligible for this exchange if you are:

• A full-time U of L student
• In at least the 2nd year of your program
• In good academic standing, with a GPA of 2.5 or higher

It is MANDATORY to obtain a Student Visa from the Consulate General of Japan in Calgary. There is an application fee of CAD $57 (2023).

Before applying for a visa, successful applicants to Rikkyo must first obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) from the Japanese Immigration Office. Rikkyo will apply for the CoE on behalf of accepted exchange students.

Visit the Embassy of Japan in Canada website for information about the visa application process.

Consulate General of Japan in Calgary
Phone: 1 (403) 294-0782
E-mail: consular@cl.mofa.go.jp
Website: www.calgary.ca.emb-japan.go.jp

Office hours: Monday to Friday 09:00–12:30 and 13:30–17:00.

All applicants must call the office to arrange an appointment to apply for a visa and submit all documents in person at the Consulate General of Japan at Calgary.

For detailed information about vaccination recommendations when visiting Japan, please visit the Government of Canada's website.

Student Residences

Rikkyo has partnered with external contractors to provide five residence buildings available for exchange students. All rooms are single and furnished. The Rikkyo campus is easily accessible from all residences.

Private Housing

• Students who do not wish to stay on campus may arrange their own housing
• This may be difficult and expensive since contracts typically last two years
• Rikkyo provides tips for finding private accommodations on their website

Arrival Information

Rikkyo does not provide a pickup service at the airport. They recommend that students take the airport bus from Narita International Airport or Haneda International Airport to Ikebukuro / Hotel Metropolitan. They also provide information about travel from the airport by train on their website.

In Tokyo

A commuter pass between the station nearest RUID Shiki/Asakadai & RGH and the station nearest Ikebukuro campus is ¥4,250/month, ¥12,120/3 months and ¥22,950/6 months (2023).

Students going on an exchange pay regular U of L tuition and fees. For up-to-date tuition information, visit the U of L's Financial Services website.

It is MANDATORY to enroll in the National Health Insurance program. When visiting medical institutions, you will be exempt from 70% of medical and pharmaceutical fees by showing your National Health Insurance card. Students may register for the National Health Insurance at the local municipal office after completing resident registration at the office. The premium is approximately ¥2,000/month (2023).

Additionally, it is optional to join the Rikkyo Student Mutual-Aid Health Insurance Union. If you join, you do not have to pay for the medical costs incurred at the union-contracted medical facilities and get medical fees reimbursed when you receive treatment at non-union clinics and hospitals (certain restrictions apply). The premium is ¥1750/semester (2023).

For more information about health insurance click here.