UMD Exchange: Waseda University (Japan)

All students accepted to an Exchange program are automatically considered for an award of $1,000! See Cost tab for more information.

Host Institution

Waseda University is considered one of the most prestigious universities in Japan, consistently ranking among the top universities in Japanese university rankings.  This private university was established in 1882 and has 13 faculties, which include 22 research areas and 56,000 students in total with 4,000 international students. Out of all universities in Japan, Waseda University admits the largest number of students from abroad, and dispatches the largest number of Japanese students abroad.  Its alumni include seven post-war prime ministers and prominent corporate leaders.  Waseda's Center for International Education is available for all exchange students who need assistance with academics and administrative services while studying abroad.

Host City
Waseda University is located near Nishi-Waseda district of Shinjuku in Tokyo. The Shinjuku ward is a major commercial and administrative center for the government of Tokyo. It's central location offers something for everyone - high quality performing arts, sumptuous cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and some of the world's best retail stores. Students studying at Waseda have the chance to experience Tokyo's elaborate rail system, which gives them easy access to all corners of the country. Tokyo is one of the world's largest cities in the world and the capital of Japan.  It's a fast-paced, exciting metropolis, and the perfect place for students to experience the true charm of Japan.

Waseda University and the University of Maryland are both members in Universitas 21 (U21). U21 is the leading global network of research-intensive universities; working together to foster global citizenship and institutional innovation through research inspired teaching and learning, student mobility, connecting our students and staff, and wider advocacy for internationalization. 

Learn more about Universitas 21 and its programs and mission on the U21 website: http://universitas21.com/

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Exchange programs are highly competitive and space in each program is limited. You must meet the following eligibility requirements in order to apply to this program:

• 3.0 GPA
• Completion of 2 semesters at UMD
• Students must have strong motivation to learn Japanese.  Japanese language proficiency is not necessarily required.

Exchange programs are a good fit for students looking for immersion, personal growth, and the opportunity to strengthen qualities such as independence and adaptability.

Student Visa Information
As an exchange student, you are required to obtain a student visa for Japan before you leave the US: 
www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/english/html/travel_and_visa/travel_and_visa_index.htm
www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html
www.waseda.jp/inst/cie/en/exchange

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1. Click "Apply Now" at the top of this page. You will log in with your UMD directory ID and password.
2. Submit all application materials by the deadline listed below. This includes meeting with your EA advisor (listed at the top of this page), and may include requesting a faculty letter of recommendation, and submitting an official transcript. If a letter of recommendation and/or official transcript are required, it will be listed in MyEA once you start an application for this program. 
3. After the application deadline, we will review all completed applications and nominate students for available spots in each exchange program.
4. If you are nominated to participate in this exchange, you will work with your EA advisor (listed above) to apply directly to the host university, who will formally admit you to the exchange program. Nominated students must complete the host university application in accordance with the host university’s stated deadlines and instructions.
5. Nominated students will then work with their EA advisor (listed above) and our partner universities to coordinate all aspects of the stay at the host university such as course registration, visas and arrival.

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Academic Planning

Visit the Academics & Study Abroad page which outlines key considerations for your academic planning as you navigate different phases of study abroad:

• Pre-Departure Course Selection & Approval
• Finalizing Course Enrollment Abroad
• Transcripts and Credits on your UMD Record

Coursework

Students at Waseda University have the choice of taking classes in the The School of International Liberal Studies (SILS) or the Japanese Language Program (JLP).   The SILS program is meant for students who would prefer to take classes in Japanese and East Asian Studies culture courses with a course in Japanese language.  With the exception of Japanese language classes, all courses in the SILS program are conducted in English. Japanese language courses in SILS range in level from elementary to pre-advanced. The JLP is a better fit for those who would like to focus almost exclusively on improving their Japanese language skills.  Students cannot register for classes in both schools, so students are advised to look closely at the available courses in each school before submitting their application to Waseda University.  Both programs are available for academic year and spring semester.

 

There may be other course offerings on this program that are not currently listed in the Study Abroad Course Database (SACD).  If you are interested in taking a course not listed in the SACD, please submit a transfer credit evaluation request.
 

Credit

All credit you earn on this program will count as transfer credit towards your UMD degree.  Most courses at Waseda  University will be converted as follows:

Waseda University Credit	UMD Credit
2 Lecture Units	0.9 UMD credit
1 Language Unit	1.8 UMD credits

The chart above was last approved by the UMD Transfer Credit Committee on April 27, 2017.

Grading

Undergraduates must receive a C- equivalent or better in order to be eligible for the transfer of credit.

Waseda University Grade	UMD Grade
C or 60	C -

 

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Students who applied for the dormitory of Waseda University will likely receive a room in one of the Waseda University dormitories for international students located near campus. Some students choose to live in apartments, which must be arranged independently. Accommodation assignments will be made only once by the Center for International Education upon receiving student requests as indicated in the Housing Application Form. Accommodation changes requested at a later date will not be accepted. Students wishing to move out of the dormitory will be responsible for finding new accommodation. The Housing Application Form will be updated on the website and will be announced to the partner universities via the pre-departure packet.

For more information on housing options, please visit the following website: https://www.waseda.jp/inst/rlc/en/student_dormitory/exchange/

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Exchange Program Cost of Attendance
UMD students participating in an Exchange program have the benefit of paying UMD tuition rates to attend an institution abroad. For specific information about this Exchange program, please reference the Cost of Attendance Chart.
 

Tuition and fees for exchange programs are charged directly to your UMD account, which means you can apply UMD scholarships, state and federal financial aid, and alternative loans towards the cost of an exchange. Housing costs are paid directly to the host institution or on-site housing agency.

You can use the cost of attendance comparison worksheet to view how study abroad programs compare to each other and the amount you pay on campus at UMD. As always, your EA advisor (listed above) is available to help you complete this worksheet and find affordable programs that fit your study abroad goals.

Exchange Scholarship
All students accepted to an Exchange program are considered for an automatic award of $1,000! To be considered for this scholarship, you must:

• Be a current degree seeking undergraduate UMD student (graduate students are not eligible for this award)
• Not currently receive full tuition scholarship/benefits (i.e. Banneker Key, tuition remission, Frederick Douglass Scholarship, etc.)

Additional Financial Resources

• Financial Aid
• Scholarships
• Financial Policies

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Maximize your time abroad by taking advantage of resources at your host institution!

Student Clubs and Organizations
The Athletic Center at Waseda University offers many sports clubs for students to get involved with.

International Welcome/Orientation
There is an event and orientation schedule available to students to inform them about what events take place during orientation and when they take place.

Counseling & Health Services
The Health Support Center at Waseda University offers students both physical and mental health resources.

Resource Guide for Students with Disabilities*
Resource Guide for LGBTQ+ Identities*

*These resource guides provide general information about services at UMD’s partner institution. For more information, consult your EA advisor.

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