You are here: HOME > International Exchange
International Exchange
Okinawa, open to the world as Japan’s southern gateway, is a land full of nature and brimming with southern island hospitality, and an ideal environment for international exchange where students and researchers from around the world gather. This university has exchange agreements and connections with 12 overseas schools, enthusiastically accepts international students and sends students overseas, and has popular international exchange of students and teachers through distinctive programs.
Widely recognized educational and research activities
At Okinawa International University, various students and instructors participate in a wide range of international activities that promote peace and understanding in Okinawa and the world. These activities take place in many different countries and regions, both on and off campus, through the 4 colleges, graduate schools, 4 institutes, student circles, and the International Relations Center. Okinawa International University offers special assistance to international students and Japanese students, and training courses based on high-quality specializations to international students from both the colleges and the graduate schools, as well as participates in research on Ryukyu studies that has gained international recognition on topics including longevity, peace and security, law, management, economy, environmental economics, information technology, and other interdisciplinary fields. The classes and research activities conducted at Okinawa International University utilize the unique characteristics of Okinawa to include wide-reaching international implications. The success of those efforts can be seen in the accreditation granted to Okinawa International University by the Japan Institution for Higher Education Evaluation.
A location with many advantages that assist students and researchers from around the globe
Located off of China, Okinawa is situated in the middle of the Ryukyu Islands floating between Kyushu and Taiwan. Okinawa has been impacted over the past hundreds of years by China, Korea, Japan, Southeast Asia, and the United States. Okinawa’s exposure to the world gave rise to a culture that enjoys one-of-a-kind traditions and lifestyles. Found at the crossroads of East Asia, it is closer by air to Shanghai and Taipei than Tokyo, and can be easily accessed from many cities in the Asia-Pacific region and major cities on the Japanese mainland. Okinawa has a subtropical climate (yearly average temperature: 22°C/72°F) that led to the construction of resorts and convention facilities, and is surrounded by coral reefs and blue seas. It has human and physical environments perfect for conducting international studies and research. This appealing academic and physical climate makes it possible to create nurturing and supportive educational experiences that attract many researchers and students.
The International Relations Center
The International Relations Center undertakes the task of conducting official exchanges between Okinawa International University and partner universities, and offers a variety of services to international students enrolled in the university. With a warm and friendly atmosphere, its doors are always open to students and teachers visiting in search of assistance or wanting to know how to help with international exchange.
Overseas Partner Universities
- 1. Tunghai University (Taiwan) Academic Exchange Agreement concluded in 1989
- 2. Hannam University (South Korea) Academic Exchange Agreement concluded in 1991
- 3. University of Ulster (United Kingdom) Academic Exchange Agreement concluded in 1995
- 4. University of Macau (China) Academic Exchange Agreement concluded in 1995
- 5. Cairo University (Egypt) Academic Exchange Agreement concluded in 2003
- 6. University of Rennes 2 (France) Academic Exchange Agreement concluded in 2005
- 7. Macquarie University (Australia) Academic Exchange Agreement concluded in 2006
- 8. Henderson State University (USA) Academic Exchange Agreement concluded in 2008
- 9. Southern Utah University (USA) Academic Exchange Agreement concluded in 2013
- 10.Vancouver Island University (Canada) Academic Exchange Agreement concluded in 2013
- 11.Tianjin Foreign Studies University (China) Academic Exchange Agreement concluded in 2015
- 12.University of Leon (Spain) Academic Exchange Agreement concluded in 2015
Official Exchanges
Okinawa International University has concluded Official Exchange Agreements with the 12 universities listed above. The International Relations Center accepts exchange students to this university in compliance with an official exchange program and is in charge of sending students to the partner universities. Okinawa International University conducts a variety of international interaction through these exchange programs.
- Holds joint international symposiums
-
Accepts visiting researchers from partner universities to programs offered by this university
- Japanese language study and cultural training (approx. 3 weeks)
- Exchange student programs (approx.1 year)
- Accepts students from partner universities
-
Sends instructors and students to partner universities
- Visiting researchers (approx. 1 month)
- Foreign language and cultural seminars (approx. 3-4weeks)
- Exchange student programs (approx.1 year)
Foreign language and cultural seminars
Held during summer break (Canada, Korea,China and Spain) and spring break (Taiwan, Australia), participating students live either in university dormitories or with a host family for about 3 or 4 weeks. The chief objective is to offer training in foreign languages and experience of different cultures. The program offers classes in English, Chinese, Spanish,or Korean, lectures regarding regional culture, various extracurricular activities that bring insight into the region, and numerous exchange activities with local residents.
Japanese language and cultural study programs(see next page)
Based on exchange agreements with this school and overseas schools, approximately 30 students from Australia, Taiwan, and Korea are accepted into Japanese language study and cultural training programs that last about 3 weeks. Through these unique programs, international students deepen their knowledge of Okinawa and the Japanese language. The experience also includes sightseeing and a variety of interaction with teachers and students.
International student support
The International Relations Center at Okinawa International University is very devoted to international exchange programs and offers different kinds of assistance to international students enrolled in the university.
International Student Admissions
All applicants should be aware of the following
1. Applicants are required to submit results of the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) or the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT).
2. The language of instruction Okinawa International University is Japanese.
The admission process
We make decisions on admission by evaluating and examining the following items:
(1) Scores of EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students), or JLPT (Japanese-Language Proficiency Test). Although EJU includes such subjects as Japanese language proficiency, basic academic abilities in science, Japan and the world, and mathematics, we use only the Japanese language proficiency score.
(2) Required documents: application form (A); diploma and transcript (issued within three months); a sealed letter of recommendation by the president of alma mater or the Japanese language school which the applicant is currently attending; curriculum vitae; photo copy of Japanese residential certificate, or residency card; photocopy of the passport and visa; photocopy of the score card of EJU or JLPT; and the list of credits earned at other Japanese universities and junior colleges, if applicable.
(3) Interview
International students wishing to become full-time students taking regular courses at Okinawa International University should contact the OKIU Admissions Office.
E-mail entchr@okiu.ac.jp
International students from overseas partner universities and non-degree international students should contact the OKIU International Relations Center.
E-mail ircchr@okiu.ac.jp
International Exchange
Home | Sitemap | Access Guide | Japanese
