Senshu at a Glance

Site:

Senshu University

Website:

Senshu University – Ikuta Campus

Location:

Tokyo, Japan

Language of Instruction:

Business and Culture in English
Language in Japanese

Subjects:

Japanese language, business, and culture

Credits:

17 credit hours transferrable to UNL

Housing:

International dormitory and optional weekend homestay

Program Length:

12 week fall semester program; mid-September – mid-December

Program Dates:

Early September to early December

Type of Program:

Exchange Program

Approximate Costs (2011-2012):

Tuition and Fees: $4,872 approximately (UNL resident)
Housing: $2,800 approximately
Airfare: $1,300 approximately
Plus personal expenses, meals and additional travel costs

Eligibility:

Undergraduate or graduate students
3.0 GPA preferred; 2.5 GPA required

Application Deadline:

Priority deadline: December 1
Final Deadline: March 1

The University Community

Senshu University, founded in 1880, is a private institution consisting of two campuses. The downtown Tokyo campus, located near the Imperial Palace, is the home of the Law School and major evening programs. The UNL program is held on the suburban campus located in Kawasaki City, about a 20-minute train ride from Tokyo. The programs of the suburban campus include a graduate school, international office, economics, literature, and business. There is also a University-affiliated high school in Kawasaki City. Many graduates of the high school go on to attend Senshu University.

Admission to the University is highly competitive and only one out of five Japanese native applicants is accepted. The majority of the 10,000 enrolled students live in Tokyo and commute daily to the campus since there is little opportunity for them to live on campus.

Senshu University has set specific international goals, with an emphasis on increasing their students' English language skills. These goals have prompted Senshu University to participate in several exchange programs with universities in the United States to provide study opportunities for their students who are proficient in English.

Courses of Study

The Senshu Business Culture and Language (BCL) academic program consists of three courses especially designed for program participants. Students earn seventeen total credit hours of Japanese language credit, business elective and modern language elective credit, including the following:

Japanese Language (8 hours): The intense Japanese language course is designed for students with all levels of proficiency, including those who have not studied the language. Students are given a Japanese language exam during the first week at Senshu to determine the appropriate language course level. All Japanese language courses have an emphasis on conversation, patterns and vocabulary, grammar and reading, and listening comprehension. Eight semester hours of credit will transfer to UNL upon successful completion of the language course.

Japanese Civilization (3 hours): The Japanese culture course is a general introduction to Japanese history and culture. It emphasizes geographical features, history and culture, as well as contemporary Japanese politics, economy, agriculture, education, family and women in society and changes in Japanese society. Along with field trips, students will have the opportunity to observe and practice traditional culture offerings, such as tea ceremonies and calligraphy. The culture course will transfer to UNL as three hours of culture credit.

Business Course (6 hours): The business course explores Japanese business concepts and methods of operation. Field trips to multinational corporations such as Panasonic, Kirin Beer and Mitsui Insurance highlight the course. The business course has been approved for six hours of credit in CBA. Students enrolled in other colleges should discuss credit with their academic adviser.

Excursions and Travel Opportunities

The Senshu BCL Program includes many field trips and cultural excursions. For the Business course, students visit several Japanese companies, such as Panasonic, Kirin Beer, and Mitsui Insurance. The Culture course provides opportunities to take part in a tea ceremony, traditional Japanese calligraphy, a Kabuki play, and more.

Early in the semester, students go on a field trip to Kamakura, an ancient capital of Japan that is known for its numerous temples and shrines.

Mid-semester, students visit Hakone, a place famous for its hot springs, natural beauty, stunning view of Mount Fuji. During this two-day visit, students stay in Senshu University's seminar house.

Fall Break

During the fall program, students have a one-week vacation, usually beginning in late October. During this time, most students travel to places such as Kyoto, Hiroshima, or Nikko. This is a great time to travel, as it is still fairly warm and the autumn leaves are at their best. With a Japan Rail Pass, students may ride JR trains, buses, and trams for one week for a low fare, including the famous shinkansen, or bullet trains. During the Fall Orientation, Nebraska students are provided with information about popular destinations and advice on where to go by the Senshu coordinator.

Daily Events

Adjusting to a foreign country can be overwhelming for anyone, so during the first week of the program, students are given some time to adjust with the help of Senshu students and staff. Senshu students lead the participants on a tour of the campus and downtown area, including important university buildings and budget-friendly places to eat and shop. There are also orientations for the gymnasium and computer center. An opening ceremony and welcome party for the new participants is held this first week, where participants will meet other students and staff members. A few days after arrival, the Japanese placement exam is held for those who have been studying the language. Based on the placement exam, students will be placed into small classes according to their level.

The day begins at Kenshu-kan, the international dormitory, around 8:00 am as students begin to wake up and get ready for the 9:00 am Japanese classes. The campus comes alive around this time as well, as Senshu students rush to their classes. After Japanese class, students are given an hour to meet up with friends and eat lunch, perhaps at one of Senshu's cafeterias or back at the dorm. Depending on the day, everyone meets up for the Business and/or Culture classes, held at the International Center in afternoon. Every so often, a field trip or cultural activity is held.

After classes, students are free to do as they wish; some students may check their email in one of Senshu's computer labs before heading home to work on their homework, others may do a little grocery shopping at the local 99 Yen shop before returning home to make dinner together with their friends, and others may head out to explore an area of Tokyo they haven't been to yet. Life at Kenshu-kan is one of the best things about the Senshu program for every participant. Students may have roommates from places as far away as Russia or as close as Illinois. In addition, Senshu students interested in studying English or learning about different cultures often visit the dorm to meet the program participants.

Living Arrangements

Program participants live in the Kenshu-Kan, an international dorm, which is only a short walk from classroom buildings, train stations, and local shops. Students share rooms with other students from the U.S. and from countries all over the world, such as England, Ireland, France, Mexico, Australia, Mongolia, Germany, Korea, China, Illinois, and/or Oregon. For one weekend during the program, students participate in homestays with Japanese families. A host family often cooks meals for their students, or may take them to Kamakura, the countryside, Mt. Fuji, or on a cultural excursion. The Kenshu-kan has a well-equipped kitchen, as well as shower rooms, washing machines and dryers. Pillows and blankets are provided. No meals are served at the Kenshu-kan and students are responsible for their meals.

Application Process

Although the program has a special appeal for business students, any student in good standing is eligible to apply. A 3.0 GPA is preferred. Strong motivation will be favorably considered for students with a 2.5 GPA. UNL graduate students must have approval of Graduate Studies and their graduate committees. Students applying for the exchange program should demonstrate a genuine interest in an international experience and in the program. Students from other institutions are welcome.

There are two rounds of application. For earliest acceptance, apply by December 1. Reviewing of applications begins at that time with notification of acceptance by the end of December. After priority application, the second round fills the program’s remaining spots. The deadline for regular application is March 1st with final notification in April. It is advised to apply early. A nonrefundable $250 deposit is due by April 1 for those accepted to the program.

Senshu Application

A complete first round application consists of: Form A (bio-data); Form B (personal essay); Two Form C’s (academic reference); two passport photos and an official transcript. Applications are available through the International Affairs Office webpage at http://www.unl.edu/iaffairs. Application Forms A and B are fillable forms and should be emailed to studyabroad@unl.edu or returned in person to International Affairs in 420 University Terrace when complete. Students are to submit two reference Form C’s; one from a Japanese instructor if you’ve taken Japanese courses either in high school or college. Form C is to be completed by your academic references and then mailed to International Affairs by the reference. Official transcripts can be requested through Registration and Records in Canfield 107 or via MyRed.

• Form A: UNL Study Abroad Application
• Form B: Personal Profile and Statement of Purpose
• Form C: Academic Reference

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of program is it?

The exchange program is based on an agreement between Senshu University and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for a reciprocal exchange of students. Exchange students pay program costs to their home institution and then swap places with students from the host institution. The number of students selected to participate in the exchange varies from year to year and depends on the balance of the exchange.

Credits earned at Senshu University are transferable to UNL by department validation. UNL students remain eligible for most scholarships and other forms of financial aid that they normally receive.

Will the classes count for my degree?

Students should discuss general academic information about the program with Megan Friesen in CBA 114. Students should also discuss general academic information about studying abroad with their regular academic advisor.

How much will it cost?

The 2010 estimated costs are $4,450 for Nebraska residents and $10,274 for non-residents. This includes instructional costs and insurance, which are paid to UNL. Costs of 222,000 yen (approximately $2,100) are paid to Senshu University. The cost includes housing, company visits, airport pickup, and the home stay. The program does not provide meals, transportation within Japan, roundtrip airfare (approximately $1,300 from Lincoln)

What about financial aid/scholarships?

For information about applying your financial aid to study abroad programs, contact the UNL Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, (402) 472-2030. Scholarship opportunities may be available through the internet, International Affairs, possibly your college and through the Scholarships and Financial Aid general application available on MyRed from November through January. Students are encouraged to be creative in the exploration of other resources for financial support such as relatives, community, and local, state, and national databases.

What about passports and visas?

All students are required to have a passport for international travel to Japan. International students may also be required to obtain a visa to enter Japan; the Embassy or Consulate of Japan (and any other country the student plans to visit) will provide information and services to students about how to obtain a student visa and other entry requirements. US citizens do not require a visa for this program in Japan if staying under 90 days and if have not received a full JASSO Scholarship. Students who receive the 4-month full JASSO Scholarship do require a visa. Please contact the Japanese Consulate in Chicago, Illinois for specific details and instructions. For more general information, contact UNL International Affairs at 420 University Terrace, (402) 472-5358, e-mail: iaffairs@unl.edu.

What about transportation?

International Affairs makes the travel arrangements so students can receive discounted airfares. Applicants should contact International Affairs at 420 University Terrace, 472-5358 for more information or if they have questions.

How will I get money?

ATM's are located all over Tokyo with English as an optional language. Most banks offer on-line banking services, which makes it easy for students to keep track of account activity while abroad. Credit cards are not commonly used in Japan and it’s more of a cash society. It’s important to bring at least $300-$500 worth of Yen with you for the instance of immediate purchases upon arrival. International currency may need to be ordered from a local bank at least 2 weeks prior to departure.

How will I call home?

Participants may be able to purchase or rent cell phones that are internationally capable; students should check with their current cell phone provider regarding internationally calling capability and current rates. Students can also make calls from one computer to another at no cost using a program called Skype. In order to do this, both the caller and the receiver must have the Skype software which can be downloaded for free. Additionally, students may pay by the minute to call from a computer to a regular telephone line for a very low rate. In order to use Skype, a headset with microphone is required. These may be purchased in the U.S. at major retail stores or at select stores in Japan.

What else will I need?

Passport pictures; passport and visa information; books and materials about living, traveling, and working abroad are available in the International Affairs Resource Center at 420 University Terrace; (402) 472-5358.

Can I get more information?

Complete course descriptions, additional program information, and applications are available in the CBA Undergraduate Advising Office. General books about living traveling, and working in Japan are available in the International Affairs resource center at 420 University Terrace, Lincoln, NE 68588-0682. Additional information can be found at the Senshu University website and at UNL's International Affairs homepage. Senshu information sessions will be held in the College of Business Administration throughout the semester, stop by to speak with a study abroad coordinator and learn more about the program. For information on session dates and times stop by CBA 114.