Studying Abroad from Akita University
Roadmap for your study abroad

Preparing to study abroad

STEP
1

Decide what your purpose is in studying abroad.

Approximate time
At least 1.5 years before your intended departure

Think about why you want to study abroad.
Think about what you want to learn and what kind of experiences you want to have while you’re studying abroad.
Think about how you plan to make the most of your study abroad experience after you return home.

STEP
2

Collect information about studying abroad.

Approximate time
About 1.5 years before your intended departure

Familiarize yourself with the different types of study abroad.
Find out how much it costs to study abroad, including the tuition fees and living expenses.
Collect information about different universities/schools and programs.
Find the study abroad program that best suits your purpose, English ability and grades.
Gather information on the English language exams such as the TOEIC/TOEFL.
Gather information on scholarships.

STEP
3

Make the necessary preparations to meet the selection requirements.

Approximate time
About 1 year to 1.5 years before your intended departure

Make sure you understand the selection criteria of the host university.
Make sure you have the support and understanding of your parent(s) or guardian(s).
Plan to study for the English language exams such as the TOEIC/TOEFL.
Prepare the money you’ll need for your study abroad.

STEP
4

Get ready for the internal selection process.

Approximate time
6 to 11 months before your intended departure

Make sure you have all the necessary documents for your application.
Make sure you meet the selection criteria of your host institution.
Make sure you’ve written your reasons for applying.

STEP
5

Prepare for the screening by the host university.

Approximate time
6 to 11 months before your intended departure

Submit the necessary documents for the screening.

Admission

STEP
6

Prepare for departure.

Approximate time
5 months before departure to just before departure

Obtain a passport.
Obtain a visa.
Book an airline ticket.
Purchase travel insurance.
Make sure you find out about the different ways of transferring money and about communication methods such as cell phones and cell phone carriers between Japan and your study abroad destination.

Departure

STEP
7

Make the most of your study abroad experience.

Take classes proactively and participate in extracurricular activities.
Take care of your health and safety.

Return home

STEP
8

After returning home

Submit the academic transcript of the host university to your department for credit approval.
Reflect on your study abroad experience. Think about what you have gained and how you would like to utilize this experience in the future.
Present your experiences at study abroad information sessions and advise students who wish to study abroad.
Organize student-led events to promote study abroad.

Support system for studying abroad

We will provide you with the best support at all times!

Provision of information about studying abroad

Provision of information about studying abroad

Study abroad support

Study abroad support

International exchange events

International exchange events

Study abroad guidance

We are always available to offer guidance at any time via the counter, Zoom, or by email!
We can answer questions like these!

I’d like to ask about studying abroad.

I haven't decided anything yet, but I’m wondering if I have what it takes to study abroad.

I’d like to know how much it costs to study abroad.

I’d like to know if I can study abroad with my level of language skills.

I’d like to study abroad, but I don’t know where to start.

I’ve already decided on a study abroad destination and want to learn more about it.

Click here for the frequently asked questions (FAQ).

Whichever method you choose for receipt of your guidance, you will be asked to fill out the “Study Abroad Guidance Request Form” before your first session. Please download this form from the “Application and notification forms download” page. Please note that the office hours for each method of receiving guidance are as follows:

Guidance at the counter

Location International Affairs Division, 2nd Floor, General Education Building No.1, Tegata campus
Office hours Weekdays from 8:30 to 17:00
Note No prior reservation is required.

Guidance given by email

Email address haken@jimu.akita-u.ac.jp
Office hours Anytime

Guidance via Zoom

Contact us Please let us know your preferred date and time using the above email address.We will arrange a date and time based on your request and talk to you via Zoom.