Otemon Gakuin University

CountryJapan
Address2-2-15 Nishiai
Ibaraki

567-8502
ContactAkiko Yagi
Telephone00 81-72-641-9631
EmailAkiko_Yagi@office.otemon.ac.jp
Fax00 81 72 643 5651
Website www.otemon.ac.jp/en/
LanguageJapanese
Academic CalandarSpring Semester: Beginning April until end July

Semester 2 (Autumn): End September until end December

(Note that Semester 1 in Japan is what we would consider to be Spring semester and Semester 2 is our Autumn semester)
WorkloadThe fixed number of classes that you must register for prior to starting the SPA is approximately 90 Japanese language classes and 20 economics/business/culture classes.

Approved Courses
Pass RequirementsTo pass a module you will need to gain a mark of 60 or above. To pass the semester you will need to pass Japanese language, & gain an average mark of 60 or above. You are also required to attend more than 74% of all lectures.
ApplicationFill in the Application Form and bring it to the IPO with a copy of your passport, 3 passport photos, your CV and the Application for Certificate of Eligibility available online application online;
please note that you should fill in page 1, 16 and 17 only.

Please also include your Homestay Application Form if applicable.

OGU will apply for your C.E.(Certificate of Eligibility) to Osaka Regional Immigration Bureau. It normally it takes about 1 1/2 months to be issued at latest. Once it's been issued, OGU send it immediately to students direct by courier. (For students studying in the spring semester - hopefully by the middle of February).
Visa RequirmentsTo obtain a student visa you will need a Certificate of Eligibility, issued by the Ministry of Justice in Japan. Once OGU have received the information stated in the application process, they will contact the Local Immigration Office & make this application on your behalf. In addition to the aforementioned certificate you will need a valid passport, a passport photo and the address & phone number of OGU. Once you have the above contact the Japanese Embassy directly.

NB! Due to a diplomatic agreement British and Colombian citizens can stay in Japan for 3 months without a visa. However, you do still need an acceptance letter from OGU confirming your enrolment.
LifestyleFacilities include a library with access to some 300,000 books & an audio-visual corner;
IT facilities, various sports clubs and cafeterias.
The food in the refectory is good and not expensive (approximately 200 - 400 yen per meal = £1 - £2)

University clubs are available, such as american football, flower arranging, calligraphy, tea ceremony, archery and basketball.
A wide array of cultural and recreational activities is available both inside and outside of campus. The campus houses a traditional Japanese tea house, "Shorai-An", where students can nurture association with Japan's rich time-honored cultural heritage through authentic tea ceremony, calligraphy and flower arrangement. Because the University is located midway between Osaka and Kyoto, students can readily enjoy outings to metropolitan Osaka for shopping or historical Kyoto for visits to ancient shrines and temples.

The School Visit Program plays an important role in enhancing grass-roots international exchanges in the community. Exchange students are encouraged to participate in the program. Every year, students of different nationalities form a small group and visit local kindergartens, elementary schools and junior high schools to mingle with Japanese youngsters. The program allows exchange students to acquaint themselves with the Japanese educational system while Japanese children have a chance to be exposed to customs of other countries.

Public Transportation:
Japan has a highly developmend domestic and international transportation network, especially in big cities like Tokyo and Osaka. The network of Railways in Japan consists of the JR (Japan Railways), which had been denationalised in 1987 and 16 large private railway companies and 58 smaller ones.

You can use the JR and Hankyu line. It takes about 20 minutes to get to Kyoto and 15 minutes to Osaka from the stations.
AccomodationThe cliche goes "There is no place like home." But at OGU, overseas students can easily find "a home away from home" while in Japan. Our home-stay program has proven to be the best way to grasp a practical understanding of the Japanese culture and language. Over 50 host families have been registered on our list, enabling us to cater to the specific needs of each incoming exchange student. The immersion experience with Japanese families can be a highlight of the stay as it will give exchange students maximum exposure to the local customs in real-life settings. Many of the exchange students in the past still cherish long-lasting friendships with their host families.When entering a Japanese house, take off your shoes FIRST. You put a pair of slippers if available except on Tatami-mats. Host families provide all breakfasts, dinners and weekend lunches.

For those who prefer freedom and independence, CIS will render assistance in finding off-campus housing. There are many types of accommodations available in the vicinity, including fully-furnished monthly apartments. If students opt to experience a life with Japanese families for a short period of time, CIS will arrange for a homestay over the weekend. The weekend home-stay program will familiarize students with Japanese lifestyle while they live in their own housing.