1. Types of study abroad programs at our university
In our university, if you study abroad based on Article 20 of the school regulations, you must submit a "Study Abroad Application" to the International Exchange Center in advance in accordance with the "Rules for Hokkaido Bunkyo University Students Studying Abroad." If you obtain approval from the faculty council and the president, and your study abroad is approved, your credits will be recognized and will be included in your period of enrollment. In addition, according to the provisions of Article 28-2 of the school regulations, even if you study abroad or take language courses overseas (hereinafter referred to as "study abroad, etc.") during a leave of absence, credits will be recognized if you have completed the procedures in accordance with the "Rules for Hokkaido Bunkyo University Students Studying Abroad."
There are the following types of study abroad programs:
① Exchange student program based on exchange agreement
Our university has agreements with 56 universities overseas, of which 7 universities offer exchange programs. Exchange students will pay tuition fees to our university, but tuition fees at the host university will be waived, and in some cases, dormitory fees and meals may be provided by the host university.
Regarding the recruitment of exchange students, information sessions will be held on the campus bulletin board. Information sessions are scheduled to be held twice a year, in May and November.
② Certified study abroad
You will be required to pay tuition fees at both this university and your host institution. Credits will be recognized, and your period of study abroad will be counted. The following types of study abroad programs are eligible for recognition:
• Short-term overseas training: We offer programs lasting approximately one month, utilizing breaks such as summer and spring.
- Mid-term overseas training: There are programs lasting approximately one semester (15 weeks).
• Long-term overseas training: Programs lasting less than one year are available.
③ Studying abroad during a leave of absence
Credits will be recognized even if you study abroad at a university abroad during your leave of absence.
2. Necessary procedures before traveling
During your study abroad, you must take personal responsibility for all your actions and words. Depending on the type of study abroad, the university may provide support, but you should basically take full responsibility for all preparations leading up to your study abroad.
① Application form for admission
For exchange students, the International Center will handle the application and other procedures. For privately funded students, please obtain the necessary application forms and accompanying documents and apply on your own.
② Obtaining a student visa
As soon as you receive the documents permitting you to enroll from your study abroad destination, you will need to apply for a visa at the embassy or consulate of that country. If you are traveling to that country for the purpose of studying for one semester or one year, you will need to obtain a student visa in Japan in advance. The application method and required documents vary depending on the country you are traveling to, so once your study abroad destination has been decided and you have received the documents permitting you to enroll, first check the latest information on the embassy or consulate's website or by phone.
③ Passport
Please apply for a passport on your own.
④ Air ticket
Generally, you will need to make your own air ticket reservations and arrangements.
⑤ Purchase overseas travel insurance.
As a general rule, please purchase overseas travel insurance designated by this university.
3. Study Abroad Procedures at Our University
Students who wish to transfer credits acquired abroad to credits at our university should consult thoroughly with the International Affairs Committee and the Academic Affairs Committee of their department, receive approval from the department chair, and then submit a "Study Abroad Application" to the International Exchange Center and obtain permission from the president. Please note that if you study abroad without completing the necessary procedures, all credits acquired while studying abroad and your period of enrollment may become invalid. In addition, if you take a leave of absence to study abroad, you must follow the same procedures and submit a "Leave of Absence Application" to the International Exchange Center.
4. Scholarships for studying abroad, etc.
There are various scholarships and grants available for studying abroad, including the "Hokkaido Bunkyo University Overseas Study Grant" and scholarships offered by various national governments. Information on each scholarship is posted on the bulletin board as applications open, so students who wish to study abroad should check the bulletin board. For further details, please contact the International Exchange Office.
① Hokkaido Bunkyo University Overseas Study Grant
Hokkaido Bunkyo University has established a study abroad incentive program to help students with their overseas study expenses. This incentive provides up to 200,000 yen in travel expenses (airfare) for study abroad programs of one semester or longer approved by the university, and other medium- to long-term study abroad programs approved by the university's International Exchange Committee. For short-term study abroad programs designated by the university, only those with credit recognition programs, the incentive is up to 50,000 yen for airfare, within the limits of the annual budget (see the Hokkaido Bunkyo University Overseas Study Incentive Program Regulations for requirements). Students wishing to receive assistance under the Hokkaido Bunkyo University Overseas Study Incentive Program Regulations must submit a complete study abroad application at least three months before departure and a prescribed report within one month of returning to Japan. However, exchange programs where tuition fees at the host university are waived are not eligible for the study abroad incentive. These regulations are reviewed annually and are subject to change.
② Other scholarships and grants related to studying abroad
Scholarships from other organizations will be announced on the campus bulletin board. Please note that some have short application periods. For further details, please contact the International Exchange Office.
5. Requirements to be observed during study abroad
- If you plan to stay overseas for three months or more, you must submit a "Residence Notification" to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. If you plan to stay for less than three months, you must register with "Tabireji."
Residence notification/Tabireji page: https://www.ezairyu.mofa.go.jp/ - During your study abroad, please be sure to take good care of your health and live a fulfilling life.
- After you arrive at your study abroad destination, please immediately notify the International Center of your contact information (address, telephone number, email address). If you change your contact information, please be sure to notify us as well.
- If you are involved in an accident, please contact the International Center immediately.
- If you will be away from your accommodation or apartment for a while during your study abroad, for example for a short trip, please be sure to contact your family in Japan.
- If you are forced to change your study abroad plans during your study abroad, you must contact the International Center immediately and obtain permission.
International Exchange Office TEL: 0123-34-0146
Email: intexctr@do-bunkyodai.ac.jp
6. To receive credits after returning to Japan
Please be sure to bring home all the documents necessary for credit recognition. For the subjects for which you wish to have credit recognition, you must prepare and bring home all the documents necessary for the review. When applying for recognition, the following items are mainly required:
- Transcripts: Please be sure to complete the procedures for issuing your transcript locally before returning to Japan.
If a transcript is not issued, please ask your supervisor or other relevant person to write a certificate regarding your grades. - Lecture outline/course guide, etc.
- University Schedule: You will need a document that explains the number of days in a semester, the number of classes per week, the number of hours, etc.
7. Procedures after completing your studies
Students who have completed their study abroad program must submit a "Study Abroad Report" to the International Exchange Center within one month of returning home.
8. About language training and exchange programs
Information regarding language training programs, exchange programs, and other opportunities will be announced on campus student bulletin boards and other channels. Information sessions are scheduled twice a year, in spring and autumn.