01_Study Abroad

There are two types of study abroad programs: Waseda University’s study abroad programs and Study Abroad at your own expense that are not offered by Waseda University. If you are thinking of going abroad, it is important to understand the different types and procedures before moving forward.

●Types of Study Abroad
●Departure and Application Periods for Study Abroad
●Procedures for Studying Abroad
●Handling of Student Registration and Tuition during Study Abroad
●Credit Transfer
●Information about studying abroad

Types of Study Abroad

There are three types of study abroad programs: study abroad programs offered by the Center for International Education to all School/Graduate Schools, Departmental Agreement programs where School/Graduate Schools have their own agreements with overseas institutions, and study abroad at your own expense which students can find programs not offered by Waseda University on their own.

Study Abroad Programs Offered by the Center for International Education / Departmental Agreement programs

Program Classification	Program	Period	Overview
Double Degree Programs	Double Degree Programs / DD	1 year to 2 years	If you study abroad at the host university that offers a double degree curriculum while you are a student at Waseda University and meet the prescribed requirements, you will be able to earn both a degree from Waseda University and a degree from the host university you study abroad at when you graduate.
Exchange Programs	Regular Academic Programs/ EX-R	1 year or 1 semester	Study abroad program based on an university-wide or departmental exchange agreement. Students take regular courses with local students in the curriculum of the host university.
Exchange Programs	Language Focused Programs/ EX-L	1 year or 1 semester	Study abroad programs based on university-wide or departmental exchange agreements. Students study mainly foreign languages at the host university, but may be able to take some regular courses as well.
Customized Study Programs	Regular Academic Programs/ CS-R	1 year or 1 semester	This is a program to participate in the curriculum set by the host university for Waseda University students. Students will take regular courses with local students in the curriculum of the host university.
Customized Study Programs	Language Focused Programs/ CS-L	1 year or 1 semester	This is a program in which students participate in the curriculum set by the host university for Waseda University students. Students will study mainly foreign languages at the host university, but may be able to take some regular courses.
Short Term Programs	－	About 2 weeks to 8 weeks	The Center for International Education serves as the contact point for these programs, which are held during summer and spring breaks. The content of the program varies depending on the program, but are mainly designated to on study the language and the culture of the country or region. Undergraduate students (except for e-school’s students) can register for these programs as courses at Waseda University (exceptional for some pragrams).

Privately-Financed International Students

If your preferred study abroad destination is not available in the programs offered by Waseda University, you will be required to find your own study abroad destination. Privately-Financed International Students is a form of study abroad in which you obtain admission from the university of your choice and cover the tuition and living expenses of the study abroad destination at your own expense.

Departure and Application Periods for Study Abroad

This section lists the departure dates and application periods for study abroad programs offered by the Center for International Education. Studying abroad requires a long preparation period of six months to a year, so please plan well in advance according to the departure time of your study abroad program.

Departure and application timing patterns	Main types of programs and destinations
Apply for “Study Abroad Programs Fall Recruitment” and depart in the fall of the following year (apply one year in advance).	It covers almost all countries and regions of the world and accounts for the majority of all programs.
Apply for “Study Abroad Programs Spring Recruitment” and depart the following spring (apply one year in advance).	EX programs are limited to some regions such as Korea, Oceania, and South America.
Apply for “Study Abroad Programs Spring Recruitment” and depart six months later in the fall (apply six months in advance).	1 semester CS programs are the mainstream. The number of available programs is few.
Apply for “Study Abroad Programs Fall Recruitment” and depart six months later in the spring (apply six months in advance).	1 semester CS programs are the mainstream. The number of available programs is few.

*Short-term programs: Applications are accepted in May for summer programs and in November for spring programs. For more details, please check the application guidelines on the Center for International Education Web page.
*The schedule differs for Departmental Agreement programs and Study Abroad at your own expense that require students to complete their own procedures.

Procedures for Studying Abroad

The following is a brief summary of the process to achieve study abroad. You may need to follow procedures other than those written in the list below. The process is also complicated, so be sure to keep an eye out for information from the Center for International Education or the office of your School/Graduate School.

Main processes and tasks to achieve study abroad (for study abroad programs offered by the Center for International Education)

Process	Tasks
1)Information gathering	Check the latest “Study Abroad Guidebook” published by the Center for International Education and the Center for International Education’s website. Gather information about the overseas universities you are interested in. Get advice and counseling at the Waseda Global Gate (1st floor of Building #22). Participate in Study Abroad Fair (April, October), study abroad student advisor’s events, etc. Check information on scholarships for study abroad, both on and off campus.
2)Preparation for Study Abroad	Take a TOEFL iBT® course, IELTS course, or Academic English course at the Center for International Education (optional). Take a TOEFL®iBT or IELTS etc.. Deepen your understanding of the history, society, culture, etc. of the country or region you are interested in. Maintain your academic record (GPA) at a level that will enable you to be nominated to the program you wish to participate. Consult with the office of your School/Graduate School (credit recognaition after study abroad, graduation years, etc). Making your financial plans for study abroad.
3)Internal Selection	Apply to study abroad programs (April-May and October) [After passing the selection] Attendance at “Orientation for Internal Screening Candidates” (mandatory) Apply for scholarships for study abroad (if necessary).
4)Selection and acceptance procedures at the host university	Follow the guidance from the Program coordinator at the Center for International Education to prepare and submit the necessary documents for selection and acceptance at your host university. Receive a letter of acceptance from your host university.
5)Preparation for travel	Arrange accommodation Health checkup, vaccination Visa application procedure Airline Ticket Arrangement Enrollment in university-specified overseas travel insurance/crisis management service Procedures at your School/Graduate School Attend the Pre-Departure Orientation (mandatory)
6)Departure	After arrival, submit the “Residence Report” at the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate general immediately.

The schedule differs for Departmental Agreement Programs and Study Abroad at your own expense that require students to complete their own procedures.

Procedures at your School/Graduate School

Regardless of the type of study abroad program you choose, you are required to complete the necessary procedures at the office of your School/Graduate school before departure and after your return. The specific procedures differ depending on the School/Graduate School you belong to, so be sure to check the information provided by your School/Graduate School.

Procedure	Details
Application for Study Abroad	If you wish to study abroad, you must submit a “Application for Study Abroad” prior to studying abroad. Some Schools/ Graduate Schools do not require submission of this form if you are studying abroad by “Registered in School” student status. The prescribed form is available at your School/Graduate School.
Notification of return to Japan	After you return to your home country, please submit the “Notification of Return to Japan” to the office of your School/Graduate School as soon as possible. Some Schools/Graduate Schools do not require submission of this form if you are studying abroad by “Registered in School” student status. The prescribed form is available at your School/Graduate School. In the case of study abroad programs sponsored by the Center for International Education, please complete the necessary returning procedures with the Center for International Education as well.
Credit Transfer	If the courses taken at the host university are deemed appropriate by the School/Graduate School, the credits will be granted as Waseda University credits. Please check with your School/Graduate School for details on how to apply.

Procedure

Details

Application for Study Abroad

If you wish to study abroad, you must submit a “Application for Study Abroad” prior to studying abroad.

Some Schools/ Graduate Schools do not require submission of this form if you are studying abroad by “Registered in School” student status.
The prescribed form is available at your School/Graduate School.

Notification of return to Japan

After you return to your home country, please submit the “Notification of Return to Japan” to the office of your School/Graduate School as soon as possible.

Some Schools/Graduate Schools do not require submission of this form if you are studying abroad by “Registered in School” student status.
The prescribed form is available at your School/Graduate School.

In the case of study abroad programs sponsored by the Center for International Education, please complete the necessary returning procedures with the Center for International Education as well.

Credit Transfer

If the courses taken at the host university are deemed appropriate by the School/Graduate School, the credits will be granted as Waseda University credits. Please check with your School/Graduate School for details on how to apply.

Handling of Student Registration and Tuition during Study Abroad

Please refer to the “Study Abroad Guidebook” for information on the handling of your student status and tuition fees while studying abroad. If you have any questions, please contact the office of your School/Graduate School.

Credit Transfer

The method of transferring credits differs depending on the School/Graduate School, so please check the details on your own.
Before studying abroad, you should consult with the office of the School/Graduate School to which you belong about courses and credits, and make a study plan for your study abroad, including a plan for after you return to Waseda. Depending on the type of study abroad program and the courses taken during the study abroad, there may be cases in which the credit itself is not approved, so please check carefully beforehand.

Reference: Credit Transfer

Information about studying abroad

For more information on studying abroad, please see the following.

Center for International Education
Location: 1F, Building 22, Waseda Campus
Web: https://www.waseda.jp/inst/cie/en
Guide Book: https://www.waseda.jp/inst/cie/en/from-waseda/plan
E-mail address: out-cie@list.waseda.jp
Phone number: 03-3208-9602

School/Graduate School office
Please check the website of each School/Graduate School.

■Return to top of page

Did you get the information you wanted on this page? Yes No 1 / 2 people were able to find the information they were looking for on this page. Please send us your feedback by clicking the “Feedback” tab at the top of this page.