Japan: Okayama University

Okayama University

Best Academic Fit for: Japanese Language & Culture, Global Studies

Okayama University is one of the largest universities in Japan. Exchange students will be studying at the main Tsushima Campus located in the suburbs. Okayama University welcomes around 50 exchange students from around the world each semester to study in EPOK (Exchange Program Okayama), providing a close-knit community and lots of personal attention from university faculty and staff.  Students in EPOK take a combination of Japanese language courses along with courses taught in English about Japanese culture.

Okayama City is the capital of Okayama Prefecture populated by approximately 610,000 people. The city contains historic sites such as Okayama Castle and Kibitsu Shrine and is home to one of Japan's three most beautiful gardens, Korakuen. Although the area is known for its mild climate, Okayama does experience four distinct seasons. The city lies on one of Japan's famous bullet-train (Shinkansen) lines and cities such as Osaka (1 hr), Kyoto (1 hr), Tokyo (4 hrs), and Fukuoka (2 hrs) are accessible via this transport. Okayama is also a hop to Shikoku, one of Japan's main islands.

Program Dates and Period of Study

Students may spend either 1 or 2 semesters at Okayama University, and may begin their exchange program in Fall or Spring.  The Japanese academic calendar begins in April every year.  
  • Spring Semester: April - August
  • Fall Semester: October - February

Eligibility

  • Enrollment at Cal State East Bay for at least one semester prior to departure
  • Cumulative G.P.A. of 2.7
  • Undergraduate students only

Language Requirement

  • None, students will be evaluated for Japanese language level course placement after arrival

Academic Structure

  • Japanese language and Japanese studies courses
  • Courses in English: Culture and Society in Japan, The Outline of Asian Economics, Japanese Industry and Technology Fundamentals, Sports Practice, Frontiers of Chemistry, Frontiers of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Frontiers of Agricultural Sciences, Young People in Japan, Political Economy of Modern Japan, Sports Practice, Frontiers of Medical and Dental Science, Frontiers of Biological Sciences, Japan and Its Environment, Frontiers of Earth Sciences.
  • See this page for more course information.  Once you review the course information, you can access syllabi through this portal by entering the Course Number found in the course catalog.

More information available on the Okayama University website. 

Application Process and Deadlines

CSUEB Exchange Partners have a two step application process.  First, the exchange partner invites CSUEB's study abroad office to identify (i.e. 'nominate') the students that will be submitting applications.  Second, the Exchange Partner invites the nominated students to complete the Exchange Partner's application. 

To complete CSUEB's internal application process, please follow the steps outlined here.  Okayama University publishes their timeline here.

  • U.S. Fall Semester (October to February)
    • Application deadline May 15
  • U.S. Spring Semester (April to August)
    • Application deadline November 15

Housing

Okayama University has on-campus housing available with priority given to exchange students. For more information (with photos) and a campus map.

Program Costs and Estimated Expenses

Participants pay tuition and study abroad health insurance to CSUEB, and will need to plan for additional costs such as: round-trip airfare, visa application fees, living expenses.

The figures below are estimates of costs for one semester of study to help you financially plan your trip.  More details are posted online. (Use XE.com to convert to see current exchange rate.)

  • Accommodations: ¥ 171,000
  • Books: ¥ 9,000
  • Food: ¥ 330,000
  • Insurance (as required by Japanese government): ¥ 10,000
  • Misc. Expenses: ¥ 200,000 (shopping, entertainment, travel, etc.)