Toyo University is the first ISEP member in Tokyo where you can see and experience everything in Japan. This is an 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 metropolitan living in a relaxing environment.
Toyo University offers four types of classes for international students:
- Japanese language and culture courses under the NEST Program (Nihongo for Exchange Students at Toyo)
Beginner, upper-beginner and intermediate levels offered - Courses taught in Japanese with professor support and material in English
- Limited range of courses taught in English
-
Regular courses taught in Japanese for students
with advanced Japanese language skills
(usually taken during the second semester)
Requirements:
- Minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA
- Full year placements at the Hakusan campus only
- If students haven’t passed Level 1 or Level 2 of the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), enrollment in NEST Program required; 12 courses and 22 credits per semester. Students with advanced Japanese language proficiency can enroll in regular courses taught solely in Japanese.
“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
Toyo 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 ten graduate schools, a law school, and ten undergraduate schools located on four campuses in the greater Tokyo area. University enrollment is approximately 30,000 undergraduate and 950 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:
Full year placements only. 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.
See a sample academic calendar.
Course Options:
- NEST Program (Nihongo for Exchange Students at Toyo): Japanese language and cultural courses that are small in size and exclusively for 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, policy studies.
Business Administration: business administration, marketing, accounting and finance.
Law: law, business law.
Sociology: media & communications, social psychology, social welfare, socio-cultural studies, sociology.
Regional Development Studies: regional development studies, tourism
“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!” -Louise, an 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 an off-campus dormitory within walking distance from the Hakusan campus. Accommodation is fully furnished with single bed, desk, chair, TV, microwave, oven, air conditioner, bathroom, and cooking facilities. Laundry facilities are also available. More information available here.
Meals
Students receive a monthly stipend to either purchase meals on campus and at local restaurants, or to prepare their own meals. There are four cafeterias on campus, including the award-winning Building 6 cafeteria featuring Indian, Italian, Chinese and Japanese dishes. 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 16th floor of Building 2.
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:
Upon arrival, students are introduced to language exchange partner(s). 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 in settings both on and off campus. Not only is it the LEP program a significant way to develop and improve Japanese language skills, but also the best way to experience real university life in Japan. LEPs and exchanges students often become great friends quickly.
“It is easy to make new Japanese friends because of the LEP. I did not meet my exchange partner for language exchange only. We traveled to Nikko and Kamakura together and met regularly for cooking parties.”
Alexander Rowland, Valdosta State University, GA, USA 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
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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