Japan: Chubu Exchange

This exchange is not accepting OHIO students applications for Spring 2025 or Summer 2025. For those interested in Summer 2025, please check out the Chubu Study Abroad Program.

Overview 

Ohio University's longstanding partner in Japan, Chubu University, is located in a quiet, comfortable setting in a residential suburb of Japan’s third largest city, Nagoya. Ohio University students who study on exchange with Chubu University benefit greatly from this deep friendship with Chubu University.

Chubu University's beautify campus makes this a wonderful home away from home. The Chubu Region is located in central Japan and is home to many mountainous areas. It is popular with hiking and outdoor enthusiasts. The local transportation system is excellent and makes access to cities and sights throughout the region and Japan easy.

This program is focuses on Japanese language study. Chubu University offers courses in Japanese to students at all proficiency levels. Students will be selected and nominated for a limited number of spaces. Candidates should have an established interest in the Japanese language and should show maturity, professionalism, and ability to live and travel independently. 

Students interested in a shorter experience can explore the Chubu Summer Study Abroad Program.

Living Arrangements 

Students live in double-occupancy rooms in an International Student Dorm on the Chubu University campus. Student dorms have kitchens, so you can cook your own food or eat at one of several cafeterias and restaurants located within walking distance. Linens (a futon set) are provided. 

A number of student event and festivals are held at Chubu University. The closest station is only 10 minutes away by bus. The station offers access to Nagoya and other points of interest.

Program Dates 

Program dates vary depending on Chubu University's academic calendar, but below are estimated dates.

• Yamada Kazuo short fall semester: September to December
• Academic Year: September to August (Not an option for Academic Year 2025-2026)

Academics  

Exchange participants enroll in Japanese language classes and credit will transfer back to Ohio University. Students are placed into levels equivalent to their proficiency level at OHIO. Students will earn approximately 16-20 credit hours per semester at Chubu. 

Cost  

Participants should plan for 12-20 credit hours of tuition*, administrative fee, and out-of-pocket costs including costs for potential required quarantine upon arrival. Below are the student budget worksheets for this program, which outlines these costs.  

• Chubu Exchange Student Budget Worksheet - Fall 2025

Items that are not related to the program (i.e., additional entertainment, souvenirs, extra travel, contingency funds) are not included in the cost estimates provided and should be budgeted for separately.

*Note: 

• Non-resident surcharge waived for the credit hours associated with this program. 
• If you are nominated to this program, you will be required to pay a deposit to confirm your participation. The deposit is a down payment on the total costs to be billed by OHIO and is determined by the total cost of the program. 

 Funding Opportunities

More information on financial aid and scholarships can be found on our funding pages.

Eligibility and Requirements 

Applicants must have at least one year of college Japanese or the equivalent and possess a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA.

Applicants are required to submit: 

• A copy of their DARS
• A personal statement - Contact Program Director Chris Thompson for guidance.
• 2 letters of reference - Letters of reference should not be from Japanese instructors. 

When applying for this program, applicants will be asked to submit a copy of their passport. If you are considering applying for this exchange program and do not currently hold a valid passport, you are advised to apply for a passport  as soon as possible.  

Students who will be on probation at any point during the program for a conduct offense that took place less than a calendar year from the program start date may not study abroad. Read the entire conduct policy.  

This program does not accept NON-OHIO students.

To be considered for this program, participants must have a at least a high school diploma or the equivalent (e.g. GED) by the start date of the program to be considered for eligibility.  Students enrolled in College Credit Plus (CC+) are not eligible for study away programs.

Entry and Exit Requirements 

U.S. citizens are required to have a valid U.S. passport when traveling outside of the United States. If you plan to study or travel abroad in the next year,   apply for your passport   now. Some countries also require a visa to legally enter or reside in the country.

U.S. citizens  will not  need a visa or other special document to enter the country for the length of this program. Please also note that visa requirements may vary if you plan to stay in the country longer than the program dates or travel to other countries during or after the program. Please familiarize yourself with these recommendations and requirements prior to applying to this program. 

For more specific visa related information, please visit OGO’s   Visa Information Page 

Information for  Non-U.S. citizens 

Resources 

• Health and Safety
• Accessibility Requests and Accommodations