Evergreen Exchange in Japan: University of Miyazaki

Overview & Location

The exchange program with the University of Miyazaki (UOM) is over 30 years old. Students study for one to two semesters, generally using Evergreen Individual Learning Contracts to structure their studies. Students typically focus on Japanese language study, cultural studies of all types, and a self-designed research project. Students build both credit-bearing and audited courses at Miyazaki into their contracts. The university has about 5600 students and nearly 1400 faculty and staff, four undergraduate schools, two graduate schools, research centers and more.

The staff of the Global Support Office at the Center for International Relations on the Miyazaki campus will help guide you in all areas: applications, arrival, housing, orientation, insurance, academics, clubs and activities, and daily life. They are there to help you be successful and at ease in your new life in Japan.

Miyazaki Region

Miyazaki City (pop. 400,000) is located on the east coast of the southern island of Kyushu and enjoys a milder, near tropical climate. With many beautiful beaches nearby, it is something of a year-round surfing destination, such as at Aoshima Beach. The university is located south of the urban center, in a somewhat more rural part of the city

Academics 

UOM hosts many exchange students from all over the world, because of this, there are a wide range of  Japanese language classes. Each faculty (academic department) has different Japanese language requirements. At a minimum, students must reach N5 JLPT or demonstrate one full year of college-level Japanese language coursework (via a transcript) and a letter of recommendation from their Japanese language instructor.  

Students arrange for an Evergreen faculty sponsor or sponsors over the course of their contract(s), self-designing their goals and activities with faculty guidance. Students utilize credit-bearing and audited course work at UOM, such as Japanese courses and more, to give structure to their study. They also conduct their independent project study within the contract. Contracts may range from 12-16 credits per quarter (1 quarter for Fall term and 2 quarters for Spring term). 

View UOM Center for International Relations for information on coursework. 

Housing & Meals 

Evergreen Exchange students live in campus housing, essentially in small apartments that are passed from one Evergreen student to the next, along with furnishings and household goods! The dorms are very conveniently located on campus and is a five-minute walk either to classes or to the supermarket. Although called the 'international house', most of the people living in the dorm are Japanese, with foreign-exchange students comprising about 30% of the dorm residents. This provides great opportunity for speaking Japanese in very open and relaxed atmosphere. 

Students can also purchase meal plans on campus or cook their own meals in the dorms.

Cost 

This is a “home tuition” exchange program. Evergreen students will continue to pay their normal tuition rates – resident or non-resident – to Evergreen, and will be registered at Evergreen. Your tuition at the University of Miyazaki will be waived; applicable student fees will not. 

*All amounts are estimates, and are subject to change. 

You will need to provide evidence to Miyazaki that you have this amount available through financial aid or other resources in order to receive a Certificate of Eligibility to apply for your Japanese student visa. Submit your FAFSA early.

Application 

Note: Participation is limited to either 2 full academic year students or 4 single semester students. This program may be competitive due to the limited space.

The process for applying to an Evergreen Exchange program is documented on the Apply webpage under the "How to Apply for an Exchange Program" section. 

Tip: Begin the process at least a few weeks before the deadline 

Strong Candidates

Students interested in studying in the Evergreen Exchange program at the University of Miyazaki should demonstrate the following:

• Strong interest in studying Japanese language and culture
• High level of past academic performance and success in interdisciplinary coursework
• Ability to pursue intellectual curiosity in a setting that requires self-motivation and self-discipline.
• Ability to act with maturity, responsibility, and sensitivity, even in stressful circumstances
• Ability to assume leadership roles within the overseas community and to understand your role as a representative of Evergreen and the US