Year-in-Japan Program

FAQ

Admission

Q. Can I apply for Konan’s Year-in-Japan Program?
The Year-in-Japan Program is an exchange program. University-to-university agreements allow students belonging our affiliate universities to join the Year-in-Japan Program. More information is provided here.
Q. Can I attend for only one semester?
Students may choose to attend for one semester (half academic year) or for two semesters (a full academic year).
Q. Do you have any Japanese language requirements for the Japanese Language Course?
For Fall semester, we offer all the classes for four levels; Beginner, Pre-intermediate, Intermediate and Pre-advanced. We welcome complete beginners in fall semester. However, we recommend learning some basic Japanese before the program starts, so that you can take full advantage of the program. For spring semester, we don’t offer the complete biggnners’ class. Students are required to have completed at least half of a beginner level of Japanese language study (e.g., textbook “NAKAMA１” or ”げんきⅠ”)
Q. How many courses should I take?
The normal course load for all students consists of one intensive Japanese language course (14 hours per week, 10 total credits) plus two Japan Studies courses taught in English ( 3 hours per week each, 3 credits each).
Q. Is it possible to transfer all credits earned at Konan to my home institution?
It is up to each institution to decide which credits can be transferred. It is important for you to consult with your study abroad advisor concerning what classes to take and about obtaining credits.
Q. Can I take regular Konan courses?
Almost all undergraduate courses are conducted entirely in Japanese. You can enroll in those courses if you meet the Japanese language proficiency requirement as assessed by Japanese language instructors at Konan.

Visa

Q. Do I need a visa?
You must obtain a student visa in order to participate in the Year-in-Japan program. You will need a Certificate of Eligibility to apply for your visa at the Japanese Embassy or consulate in your country.
Q. What is a Certificate of Eligibility?
The Certificate of Eligibility(CoE) in an official document issued by the Japanese Ministry of Justice. Konan International Exchange Center (KIEC) will apply for your CoE on your behalf, and send it to your home institution when issued.
Q. When will I receive my Certificate of Eligibility?
KIEC will finish submitting all applications to the Immigration Office about 2 months before the program starts, in principle. We will send your CoE to your home institution via EMS (special express delivery mail) as soon as we obtain it from the immigration office. You should expect to receive your CoE by the middle of August for the fall semester and by early December for the spring semester.

Health and Insurance

Q. I am already enrolled in a health insurance plan in my country. Do I have to subscribe to Japan’s National Health Insurance as well?
All international students staying in Japan for more than 3 months are required to enroll in Japan’s National Health Insurance plan. This insurance covers 70% of medical costs at clinics and hospitals. The plan costs approximately JPY 18,000 per year.
Q. What other types of insurance might I need besides the National Health Insurance plan?
In principle, we recommend that students acquire travel insurance which covers incidents that may occur on your travels before/after the program.

About Our Programs