Toyo University is the first ISEP member in Tokyo where you can see and experience everything in Japan. This is the ideal university for students looking to truly immerse themselves in Japanese language and culture with students from around the world.
The Hakusan campus is centrally located in Tokyo making travel throughout Japan and elsewhere in Asia easily accessible. This ideal location, combined with a compact campus surrounded by parks and gardens, makes Toyo University a good choice for students looking to experience both a large city and a relaxing environment.
Toyo University offers four types of classes for international students:
- Japanese language classes at all levels.
- Courses taught in Japanese with professor support and material in English.
- Limited courses taught in English.
-
Regular courses taught in Japanese for students
with advanced Japanese language skills
(usually taken during the second semester).
Requirements:
- At least 2 semesters of college-level Japanese language instruction
- Minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA
- Full year placements at the Hakusan campus only
“Toyo University has a very friendly atmosphere and because there are so few foreign students you will become a bit of a celebrity! You will have one of the best years of your life so enjoy every minute. It passes far too quickly!!!” -Irish exchange student, 2004-05
About Toyo UniversityToyo University was founded in 1887 as Tetsugakukan, a school of philosophy. At its inception, the university was popular as a small, specialized school in oriental philosophy and liberal arts. Founder Dr. Enryo Inoue aimed to give lectures to the general public and to open their mind to a new way of thinking during the Meji era. Nearly 120 years later, Toyo continues this tradition of openness and education for people who wish to contribute to the development of a more prosperous society.
Today, Toyo University consists of eight graduate schools, a law school, and nine undergraduate schools located on four campuses in the greater Tokyo area. University enrollment is approximately 29,850 undergraduate and 850 graduate students.
Toyo students are known to be very majime (earnest/serious) and sunao (amiable/honest).
Find out more about the history of Toyo University on their website.
Academic InformationStudents interested in spending a year at Toyo University should visit the Center for International Programs website.
Academic Calendar:
Only full year placements are possible. The academic year for international students runs from late September to late July/early August. The first semester begins in late September/early October and ends in January. The second semester begins in April and ends in late July/early August. Japanese language classes continue through the break between semesters.
See a sample academic calendar.
Course Options:
- Japanese language classes (small in size and only open to international students)
- Classes taught in Japanese with English support
- Classes taught in English
- Classes taught only in Japanese
Courses in Japanese
Literature: Chinese philosophy & literature, education, English & American literature, English communication, history, Indian philosophy, Japanese literature & culture, philosophy.
Economics: economics, international economics, socio-economic systems.
Business Administration: management, marketing.
Law: law, managerial law.
Sociology: media & communication, social psychology, social welfare, socio-cultural studies, sociology.
“The Japanese language courses are good and the lecturers are so helpful. You can choose to join any class with Japanese students – very scary in the first semester but much better in the second when you can actually understand what they are saying!” -Irish exchange student, 2004-05
Student Life
Orientation
All students are required to attend the orientation, which covers topics such as academic registration, transcript issuance, immigration, alien registration, Japanese National Health Insurance, opening a bank account, housing, and student life on and off campus. Students will also have a chance to meet their language exchange partner as well as their academic adviser.
Housing
Students are placed in off-campus apartments within a 30 minute commute on foot or by train. Accommodation is fully furnished with single bed, desk, chair, TV, microwave, oven, air conditioner, bathroom, and cooking facilities. Laundry facilities are also available. Students may have a telephone or internet access if they wish, but it is the responsibility of the students to pay for the cost.
Meals
Students receive a monthly stipend to either purchase meals on campus and at local restaurants, or to prepare their own meals. A variety of food is available on-campus: Indian curry at Mantra, sandwiches and sweets at New York Café, Italian pasta at Domani, Asian cuisine at Asian Kitchen Balirurero, and more. There is something for all tastes! Students can also relax and enjoy the beautiful view of Tokyo at night from the sky-lounge restaurant on the 16 th floor of the No. 2 Building.
Student Activities
Toyo University strongly believes student activities contribute to the enrichment of campus life. With 50 athletic clubs and 200 other student clubs, everyone can find a hobby or activity to match their interests.
Medical Center
A Medical Center is available on-campus for basic health services including first-aid and treatment of various illnesses. There is also a counseling room for students with concerns and anxiety about their health. Some medicine can be prescribed. More information is available at: www.toyo.ac.jp/gakuseika/kenkou/index.html (in Japanese).
LEP – Language Exchange Partner:
Students will be introduced to language exchange partner(s) if they believe it might be useful to them. The LEP system is designed to put exchange students in contact with Japanese students at Toyo University. These students will help with some aspects of language learning and with settling in both on and off campus. Not only is it a significant way to develop Japanese language skills, but also the best way to experience real university life in Japan. LEPs often become great friends quickly.
“ You are quick to make new Japanese friends because of the LEP. I did not meet my LEP for language exchange only. We traveled to Nikko and Kamakura together and met regularly for cooking parties.”
Alexander Rowland, Valdosta State University, GA, 2004-2005
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Tokyo, the capital of Japan, has a population of approximately 12.5 million. The city is the epitome of today’s fast-paced urban lifestyle but still retains the quieter aspects of old traditions. It is easily recognized for its large scale buildings but also for its subtle details – its intensity but also its calm – a fusion that truly makes it a fascinating destination.
Toyo University’s Hakusan campus exemplifies this fusion through its central location in the center of the city but also in one of the fascinating traditional districts.
Interesting websites about Tokyo and Japan
Japan National Tourist Organization
Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau
Guide to living in Bunkyo, Tokyo (for foreign residents)
Weekender (forum for foreigners in Tokyo)
The Japan Times (news in English)
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