Ritsumeikan University
We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions.
If your question isn’t covered here, feel free to contact the Ritsumeikan Study Abroad Center anytime!
Eligiblity
No, you cannot. Under graduate students and post graduate students are eligible for participation.
Yes, you are welcome to join alone! Joining with your friends is also welcome!
Document
If you have any disease or allergy or any medications you have, please have a doctor write on the Health Certificate for you with a doctor signature. Please note that some medicines cannot be brought into Japan by law.
Yes, they are the same thing. Please have it issued by your home university and submit it during application period.
It depends on the situation, so please contact the study abroad center first.
It will be issued after the payment has been confirmed. Please send a receipt or proof of payment after the transfer.
VISA
This program is a 2 ~ 5 weeks program so you can enter Japan as a tourist and not by obtaining a student visa. However, the need to apply for a visa depends on which citizenship or passport you have. If you are of a nationality from countries that require a visa, please see the below link for visa application. For other visa related inquiries, please contact your embassy.
Yes, we offer visa support for those wishing to join our on-site programs and it (visa) will be issued by the Japanese government.
Program
No, it is not included in the program fee nor the accommodation fee. You can purchase a One Month Bus Pass for 9,660 JPN yen.
You will be enrolled in an intensive Japanese language class and also participate in Japan Studies classes to learn about Japanese culture. In Japanese Studies, you will have chances to take part in field works in the city of Kyoto and go around World Heritage Sites.
No, only international wire transfers are accepted.
No, there are no free shuttle buses. We kindly ask participants to use public transportation for all trips. Kyoto city bus provides a One Month Bus Pass which can be purchased for 9,660 JPN yen. For access to the campus please see here.
You are free to choose when to arrive in Japan. However, please arrive at our designated accommodation by the day before the program starts which is the check-in day. As for housing for those of you arriving before the designated check-in date, we ask all participants to reserve on their own.
No, we do not provide credits since this is a non-degree program. However, some universities may be able to issue credits so please contact your home university beforehand.
No, you cannot. Participants must spend the entire days of the program: The students are required to participate in the program from orientation on the first day to the completion ceremony on the final day.
The schedule will be announced on the first day of the program. Please look forward to it!
Japanese Classes
Our on-site program is for zero beginner to N2 level Japanese learners. For details check here.
For the Japanese language course, we plan to have a presentation as part of the final project. While you will prepare your presentation content, work will be done in a computer lab, so you can rest assured. Having a personal PC may be convenient, but it is not required.
Hotel/Accommodation
Please select from the recommended hotel list. For those who wish, arrangements for the designated hotels can also be made.
Please refer to the “Accommodation Guide” on the website.
We recommend staying at a hotel within 30 minutes of Ritsumeikan University’s Kinugasa Campus. It’s best to choose a place where you can take a Kyoto City Bus to the campus without transfers (e.g. Karasuma Oike area, Near JR Nijo station, etc.).
In some cases, your luggage may be delivered to an office located elsewhere, not directly to your accommodation. Please confirm with the hotel in advance before sending any items.