|
|
 |
|
|
| Partner Universities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
“Studying in Japan was something that I always dreamt about – until NUS Student Exchange Program (SEP) made my dream into a reality.
I learnt a lot about the Japanese education system, experiencing it first-handedly, attending the Keio-Waseda inter-university baseball games, and learnt to live and survive in Japan, staying long-term over there familiarized me with common daily-language – buying groceries, getting around, applying for amenities, handling finances, shopping and etc. ”
Lu ZhongWei, School of Computing
SEP at Keio University, AY2006/07 Semester 2 |
| |
|
 |
“I had the opportunity to do an exchange for one semester in Spring at Keio University, Tokyo, Japan and describing it as ‘a good experience’ would be undermining how much I have been through during those short periods of months.
I met new people throughout the semester and I was exposed to people of different nationalities, backgrounds and personalities. I felt like I belong in a community exploding with differing cultures and it was comforting to know that there are many people out there who are sharing the similar experience of living in a foreign land.”
Lim Yu Han, Business School
SEP at Keio University, AY2006/07 Semester 2 |
|
|
|
|
| Japan In Brief |
|
|
Japan is a country of islands that extends along the eastern (Pacific) coast of Asia. The main islands, running from north to south, are Hokkaido, Honshu (the largest island), Shikoku, Kyushu, and Okinawa. About 3,000 smaller islands are included in the archipelago. While retaining its time-honoured culture, Japan rapidly absorbed Western technology during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Government-industry cooperation, a strong work ethic, mastery of high technology and a comparatively small defence allocation (1% of the GDP) have helped Japan advance with extraordinary rapidity.
Today’s Japan is an eclectic mix of traditional heritage and increasing modernity paced at the forefront of technology. The former is aptly symbolized by the iconic motifs of Japanese heritage such as ikebana (flower arrangement) and origami (paper-folding), elaborate dance and theatre performances, as well as graceful ceremonies and colourful festivals. The latter is embodied by the prevalence of Japanese products in the electronics and gaming market, and more evidently by the phenomenal popularity of Japanese cinema, fashion, animation and contemporary pop culture.
|
|
|
| Life in Japan |
|
|
Japan is a densely populated island nation with a population of 126 million people - 75% of the people live in cities and towns. It is a country of remarkable ethnic homogeneity where immigration from foreigners is almost unknown. However, Tokyo has become more cosmopolitan with the influx of expatriates from other countries in Asia, Australia, Europe and USA.
Although Japan is one of the most expensive countries in the world, cities outside Tokyo are less expensive to explore and visit. Partner universities offer accommodation packages which are cheaper compared to private landlords.
|
|
|
| Estimated Monthly Cost of Living |
|
Expenditure |
Cost |
Low (S$) |
High (S$) |
Housing Room & Board |
S$600 |
S$1,200 |
Meals |
S$500 |
S$700 |
Books, stationery supplies |
S$30 |
S$30 |
Public Transportation |
S$100 |
S$300 |
Personal expense |
S$500 |
S$700 |
Total Monthly Cost of Living (Approximately) |
S$1,730 |
S$2,800 |
|
|
|
| Academic Calendar |
|
|
First semester: April to July/August
Second semester: September to February
(Academic calendars vary among individual partner universities. Please refer to their websites for specific semester information)
|
|
|
| Insurance |
|
|
Japan has a universal health care insurance plan called National Health Insurance (NHI), or Kokuho. Full-time international students, who will be studying in Japan for more than a year, must join NHI unless covered by a family member's insurance. With NHI, approximately 70% of your medical expenses will be covered (most hospitals in Japan accept NHI). Exchange students who study in Japan for at least one academic year are required to register for the National Health Insurance.
The monthly premium for NHI is slightly different depending on each city/ward office. There are some discounts available for students with no income. Ask for details at the local NHI service counter. If the office recognizes that your income is below a certain amount, your premium will be deducted (Scholarship is not considered income). Some city/ward offices have special subsidy systems for international students. For more information contact the local NHI service counter for the city hosting your exchange. |
|
|
| Other Links |
|
|
Additional Information
Relevant Faculties/Departments at Partner Universities
|
|
|
|
