Fall Semester – 22 weeks (October to February)
Spring Semester – 22 weeks (April to August)
Academic Year – 45 weeks (early October to mid-August)

Sponsored by the College of Social Science and the Asian Studies Center

Arranged through the Office of Study Abroad (OSA)

What's this program about?

This program provides students the opportunity to study at the University of Ryukyus in Okinawa, Japan.  Okinawa has a varied history and unique traditions including festivals, dancing, music, and arts and crafts.  It is an ideal place to study Japanese language, culture and society in a beautiful island setting. 

The University of the Ryukyus was founded in 1950 on the site of the ancient Shuri Castle.  The university has long served as a beacon of hope and a symbol of cultural identity and takes pride in its commitment to cultivating individuals who can succeed in an international society with high language skills and global awareness. It is a full national university consisting of six faculties – Law and Letters, Education, Science, Medicine, Engineering and Agriculture - eight graduate schools, one special program, a library, two affiliated schools, and numerous education/research-related facilities and centers.

What can I study?

Students will study both spoken and written Japanese language at their appropriate level (based on a placement exam).  In addition, students may select coursework (in English) in Japanese history and culture; Japanese economy; international relations; socio-cultural studies of language; or Ryukyuan music. 

Independent study and/or research may also be available under faculty supervision.

Students with proficient Japanese may also enroll in regular courses as part of this program.

Students will be required to enroll for a minimum of twelve (12), maximum of fifteen (15), credits per semester.

A series of field trips and cultural events will be arranged to give student the opportunity to experience the culture of Okinawa first-hand.

This is a co-sponsored program. Credit may be awarded for certain courses as regular MSU credit rather than transfer credit.  These courses will be listed on your official MSU transcript and will include the title of the course abroad, the number of credits and the grade earned. For further details see co-sponsored programs.

To find out what courses other students have taken on the program and what MSU courses they might replace, visit Transfer MSU and Office of the Registrar - Co-Sponsored Study Abroad Programs. Courses listed may not be offered every semester, and additional courses may be available during the semester you plan to participate.

Course prerequisites may apply; see Course Descriptions (on the MSU Website) or program leader for details.

What are the requirements?

This program is open to MSU students who have reached junior status and are in good academic standing, with a grade point average of at least 2.5 at the time of application.  Additionally, students must submit an essay with their application stating why they wish to participate in this program.

TOEFL scores will be required for those who are not native English speakers.

Applicants’ participation may be denied or their participation approval may be revoked if their conduct before departure raises doubts as to their suitability for program participation.

Where will I live?

Students will be housed single-room accommodations in the International Student Dormitory.  Each room has air conditioning with access to a kitchen and refrigerator. 

Living on campus maximizes the ability to participate in recreational activities and meet a wide variety of Japanese and international students.

Who can tell me more about this program?

Oumatie Marajh
College of Social Science
201C Berkey Hall
Phone: (517) 353-9202

Ethan Segal, Assistant Professor
Department of History
337 Morrill Hall
Phone: (517) 432-8222 ext. 132

Sandy Tupper, Study Abroad Program Coordinator
Office of Study Abroad
109 International Center
Phone: (517) 432-4341

Do I need a passport or visa?

A valid passport and visa are required for entry into Japan.  Participants will work directly with the University of Ryukyus to process their visa applications once they have been accepted into the program.

U.S. and non-U.S. citizens need a valid passport both to enter other countries and to return to the United States.  If you already have a passport, make sure it is valid until at least six months after your return date.  If you must apply for or renew a passport, APPLY EARLY, since a minimum of eight to ten weeks is usually required for processing.  During peak travel seasons, more processing time is required.  Passport forms are available at many federal and state courts, probate courts, some county/municipal offices and some post offices.  They can also be downloaded from the Web.

For more information about passports visit the web page.

A visa is official permission granted by the authorities of a country where you will study or travel that allows you to enter and remain in that country for a specific purpose.  The visa itself is frequently a stamp in your passport, not a separate document. You will need a passport before applying for a visa and the passport plus visa process may take several months, so start early.   It is your responsibility to inquire about visa requirements for all countries you plan to visit while abroad; this includes countries that you plan to visit before or after your study abroad program.  If you are not a U.S. citizen, consult the embassy or consulate of the countries you will visit to learn their document requirements.

For more information about visas visit the web page.

If you will be staying in Europe for longer than 90 days, you will need to contact the consulate(s) of your host country(ies) for advice on visas.

Are there special health issues?

As part of your acceptance you will complete a Student Health/Emergency Treatment Authorization. It is your responsibility to ensure that your routine immunizations are up-to-date; inquire whether there are recommended and/or required immunizations or medications for the country/countries you will visit (including any countries you will visit that are not part of the study abroad program’s itinerary); and review educational issues relevant to your personal health and safety.

For further health information and recommendations visit the "Health Issues" section of the Student Handbook.

How much does it cost?

Funds paid directly by the student include:

• transportation to Japan
• accommodations
• meals
• books and supplies
• MSU tuition and fees*
• passport application fee
• visa application fees (if applicable)
• pre-departure doctor visit
• pre-departure immunizations (if applicable)
• personal spending money

Excluding tuition and fees*, these additional costs were estimated at $16,739 for 2009-10.  Students may request a cost sheet which lists both the program fee and an estimate of additional expenses by contacting the Office of Study Abroad at (517) 353-8920.

A program fee of $362 (Academic Year 2009-10) is required and includes pre-departure orientation and requisite accident and sickness insurance.

*Check Student Accounts for current tuition, fees and taxes. MSU students pay the same amount they would pay to study at MSU; non-MSU students pay the Lifelong Education rate.

Approximately two months before the program’s departure date, students will receive an e-bill from the MSU Student Accounts Office for the study abroad program fee.  Students will also be e-billed for tuition and fees, based on the number of credits taken, once they have enrolled in courses.  (Both amounts may be billed at the same time.)

How can I get help to pay for it?

Financial assistance is available to students who make appropriate arrangements with the Office of Study Abroad (OSA) and MSU’s Office of Financial Aid. 

If you are an MSU student and indicate on your application that you plan to use financial aid to pay for your study abroad experience, OSA will forward an estimated cost sheet to the MSU Office of Financial Aid for processing.  This form will include all anticipated costs associated with the program, including airfare.

For further information about financial aid, visit the Web page.

Additionally, MSU students applying to any credit-bearing study abroad program are eligible for OSA Scholarships.   Some scholarships are based exclusively on academic performance; others are based on a combination of academic performance and financial need.  Requirements are listed in the scholarship application.  The deadlines to apply for these scholarships are February 1st for spring break programs, March 1st for summer, academic year and fall semester programs, and October 15th for winter break and spring semester programs.  

A generous endowment from the MSU Federal Credit Union, as well as additional resources provided through the Forest Akers Endowment, MSU Alumni Association, the Australia-Pacific Council, Eleanor and Charles Greenleaf Sr., Brigitte and Thomas Huff, the Georges Jules Joyaux Memorial Fund, the Kellogg Foundation, Charles and Marjorie Gliozzo, and contributors to the Overseas Study Endowment provide funding for these OSA scholarships.

NOTE: The Association of International Education Japan (AIEJ) offers special scholarships to qualified students that provide a monthly stipend of 80,000 Yen for up to 12 months, travel expenses (roundtrip airfare – economy class), and a “settling in” allowance of 25,000 Yen upon arrival at the University of the Ryukyus.  Contact Sandy Tupper for further details about this opportunity.

For even more MSU scholarship opportunities through individual colleges or external scholarship possibilities (including funding for Multicultural students) visit the web page.

How do I apply?

You can apply online or download an application form.

Applications must be received in the Office of Study Abroad by October 15th for spring semester participation and by February 15th for fall or academic year participation.  We strongly recommend that you apply early as this program may fill to capacity prior to these deadlines. 

Selection of applicants is done on a rolling admission basis - that is, applications are accepted and students are evaluated and considered for admission throughout the academic year.  Please remember that applying early and meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

A $100 application fee is required.  Students will receive an e-bill for the application fee that is applied to the cost of the program and is non-refundable once a student has accepted admission into the program. 

Students who wish to withdraw their application are required to notify the Office of Study Abroad, in writing, that they no longer intend to participate.

Acceptance to all programs is based, minimally, on a faculty review of your transcript and a review of the Judicial Affairs Office records (MSU students) or Dean of Students Reference (non-MSU students).

Details about the admissions process, pre-departure information, what to know while you’re abroad, and information about returning home can be found in the Study Abroad Student Handbook that will be sent to you with your acceptance letter.