University of the Ryukyus

Study Abroad

Partner Institution: University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan  Click here for the website.

Duration: A year-long (begins in Fall) study abroad program. The application is now open for a program starting in Fall 2024. 

School Highlights:

• Prestigious national university in Okinawa, Japan 
• Okinawa, an island prefecture located in the sub-tropics, has a unique ecosystem and distinct traditional culture.
• It has a long history of establishing relationships with other countries, and its thriving overseas trade in the period between the 14th and 16th centuries is one such example. Such exchanges have created a diverse and multicultural society in Okinawa.
• The University has actively promoted international exchanges with academic institutions overseas, especially in the Asian and Pacific regions. To date, the university has concluded academic exchange agreements with 114 institutions in 40 countries and areas worldwide, resulting in a cosmopolitan and dynamic campus environment with many international students from all over the world.
• The University offers scholarships to international students

Program Options: 

"RISE (Ryukyus International Student Exchange) Program"

There are four courses in the RISE program;

1. Japan-Okinawa Studies Course
2. Glocal Leadership Course
3. Japanese Language Teacher Training Course
4. Major Studies Course

For more course details, please visit their website.

Deadlines:

Application for a year-long program starting in Fall 2024 (Program starting in October 2024) is now open! Please submit your application documents to Kaua'i CC International Program Coordinator (kyokoi@hawaii.edu) by January 19, 2024. Once you are selected by Kauai CC, you will then fill out the University of the Ryukyus application and submit it by March 2024. 

Application Documents: 

• Kaua'i CC Study Abroad Application - Download  Printable Application (pdf)
• Two (2) Faculty Recommendation Letters - Download (pdf)
• Official Transcript
• Personal Statement

Steps:

• Complete the Kaua'i CC study abroad application. It will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. 
• Download the Faculty Recommendation Form and ask your reference to fill it out and send it directly to the International Program Coordinator (kyokoi@hawaii.edu) via e-mail or fax by the deadline.
• Attach a typed 1-page (double-spaced, font no larger than 12) personal statement addressing the following question: "Why is it important for you to study abroad and what do you hope to gain and contribute to the program?"

Minimum Requirements:

• Full-time Kaua'i CC Student
• Completed 24 college credits before the start of the program
• Good academic and personal standing
• Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA

Approximate Cost: