Ibaraki Student Exchange Program｜Center for Global Engagement, Ibaraki University

Overview

Program Ⅰ　Ibaraki Japanese Language and Culture Program
Location	Mito Campus
Term	First Semester: April-July Second Semester: September-Januuary One year (Students can start in either semester.)
Eligibility	Students from Ibaraki University's partner institutions Students who wish to attend a beginner's courses are required to have basic English communication skills.
Outline	This program provides students with an opportunity to learn and to improve their Japanese language and to deepen their understanding of Japanese culture and society. Students take Japanese Training Course and Japan-related classes taught in English. Intermediate-advanced students can also take college classes taught in Japanese. A wide range of cultural and educational activities are also provided during the semester. *Please note that credits are not provided for Japanese Training Course, while a transcript showing class hours, grade and score is issued. Please discuss with your home university staff whether credits can be granted regarding classes for Japanese Training Course that you are going to take.

Program Ⅱ　General Exchange Program
Location	Mito Campus (College of Humanities and Social Science, College of Science, College of Education) Hitachi Campus (College of Engineering) Ami Campus (College of Agriculture)
Term	First Semester: April-July Second Semester: Late September-January One year (Students can start in either semester.)
Eligibility	Students from Ibaraki University's partner institution Students must have N2 level of Japanese language proficiency (Undergraduate)
Program Outline	Students are enrolled in one of the colleges or graduate schools at Ibaraki University. Almost all undergraduate classes are conducted in Japanese, so high proficiency in Japanese language is required. However, if they wish to pursue their research in graduate level, students can receive instruction in English with permission of the prospective advisor. Students at Mito campus can take Japanese Language Training Course.

*International students must enroll for a minimum of 10 hours of class (7 classes) for a week as required by Japanese immigration regulations.

Classes

Japanese Language Classes

The university offers Japanese language classes at different levels (Level 1 through Level 5) to help you develop your Japanese language skills. Upon your arrival, you will take a placement test and an appropriate level will be recommended.

Japan-related Classes in English

Several classes, particularly related to Japanese culture and society, are conducted in English.　For more information, please look here.

Undergraduate Classes Conducted in Japanese Language

You are eligible to register for courses form any colleges after consulting and obtaining permission from your advisor. Almost all classes are conducted in Japanese, so you must have solid Japanese language skills.

Cultural Exchange Activities at Ibaraki University

The university organizes various activities to promote cultural exchange between international and Japanese students.

International Camp

An international camp of one night and two days (or a day trip) is held one a year, to encourage friendship between Japanese and international students through various activities such as sports, BBQ, and campfire.

International Party

An international party is held once a year, to promote friendship and cultural exchange among international students, tutors, faculty and staff members, and international associations' members in the neighboring area.

Cultural Exchange Activities Organized by Local Groups

Various activities and gatherings are organized by international associations in the neighboring area.

We also organize various activities. For more information, visit the webpage and Facebook page of the Center for Global Engagement.

Life at Ibaraki University

Student Organizations and Extracurricular Activities

There are more than 200 club/circles at Ibaraki University, ranging from Japanese cultural circles to sports clubs. We strongly recommend you to participate in some form of extracurricular activities during your stay at Ibaraki University.

Housing

A housing facility (the International House) is provided during your stay at Ibaraki University.
Monthly accommodation fee starts from 6,900 yen (About 70USD).

Part-time Jobs

International students can work part time for up to 28 hours per week with the permission from the Immigration Office. However, if you wish to find a part-time job, be sure to consult your faculty advisor first, and manage your working hours so that it does not disrupt your studies. We encourage you to start working only after getting used to your study load and the cultural norms of Japanese society.

Student Support

MultipleTutor Systems

can have your individual student tutor. Your tutor is usually a Japanese student from your home department. He/she will help you with daily life. In addition, you can access another student tutor—a dorm tutors—staying at the international dormitory who will assist you when you need help. Study tutors help you with your study. They check your grammar in a term paper that you have prepared or help your conversational skills.

Counseling

the Center for Global Engagement offers advice and counseling services for international students with academic or personal concerns. In addition, each student is assigned with an academic advisor based on the student's field of study and interests.

University Health Center

The University Health Center is a facility where doctors, counselors, and nurses, provide a variety of health services to students to ensure their physical and mental well-being during their time at Ibaraki University. An annual medical examination is performed in spring to check the health condition of students, which is also used to prepare the individual medical examination report. First aid treatment, of course, is provided as needed.

Health insurance

National Health Insurance

Foreign students with a College Student visa who live in Japan are required to subscribe to the National Health Insurance. The application procedures to join the National Health Insurance plan can be completed at your local city office. The insurance premium has to be paid monthly once registration is completed.

Student Accident Insurance

In addition to the National Health Insurance program, exchange students from Ibaraki University's partner universities are required to join the Personal Accident insurance for Students Pursuing Education and Research (PAISPER). This insurance covers injuries that the students may suffer during the course of regular class work, official school events, or in approved extracurricular activities (either inside or outside the university).
http://www.jees.or.jp/gakkensai/index.htm
http://www.jees.or.jp/gakkensai/opt-baisho.htm

Additional Insurance

Exchange students are required to sign up the two kinds of insurance listed above just after their arrival. However, the range of activities covered under PAISPER is limited. Therefore, we highly recommend that you buy additional insurance for studying abroad with a broader coverage for the entirety of your student life in Japan. Please consult us if you want to get insurance from a Japanese insurance company so that you can handle accidents in Japan smoothly.

Why choose Ibaraki University for an exchange program?

Ibaraki University is a Japanese national university that offers affordable living, small-class Japanese instruction, and strong one-on-one support for international students. It is located just 100 km from Tokyo, making it convenient yet more affordable than major metropolitan areas.

Q1: Is Ibaraki University affordable for exchange students?

A1: Yes. It is one of the most affordable options among Japanese national universities.
Key Points:
▶ Dormitory cost: as low as 7,900 JPY/month (about 50 USD)
▶ A comfortable monthly living budget of around 80,000 JPY (about 500 USD)
▶ Private room with bathroom and kitchen
▶ Lower living expenses than major cities like Tokyo or Osaka
▶ Safe, medium-sized city (Mito) with reasonable daily costs

Q2: Where is Ibaraki University located? Is it convenient?

A2: Yes. Ibaraki University has three campuses — Mito, Hitachi, and Ami — but most exchange students study at the Mito Campus.
The main campus (Mito) is:
▶ 100 km from central Tokyo
▶ Near Narita International Airport, Japan’s main international gateway
▶ In a safe, quiet, medium-sized city with 260,000 residents

Q3: What is the academic environment like?

A3: Ibaraki University emphasizes personalized learning and interactive classes.
Highlights:
▶ Japanese language classes: small groups of 6–8 students
▶ Japan-related courses taught in English
▶ Opportunities for advanced learners to join Japanese‑taught undergraduate courses in their academic majors
▶ Balanced student community: approx. 7,500 undergraduates, 1,300 graduates, 300+ international students

Q4: Is there support available for exchange students?

A4: Absolutely. The university offers one of the most supportive systems for exchange students. Support Features:
▶ One-on-one Japanese student buddy providing support for daily life and academics
▶ Orientation sessions and ongoing support

Q5: Can exchange students work part-time in Japan?

A5: Yes. With the proper permission, students may work:
▶ Up to 28 hours per week
▶ Many opportunities in retail, restaurants, etc.
Working part-time helps students practice Japanese and engage with the local community.

Q6: What kinds of cultural and social activities are offered?

A6: Ibaraki University provides diverse opportunities to experience Japanese culture.
Activities include:
▶ Field trips to historical sites
▶ Cultural workshops
▶ International parties and exchange events
▶ Student clubs and circle activities Students can build friendships and deepen their understanding of Japanese culture.

Summary: What makes Ibaraki University ideal for exchange students?

Top Benefits at a Glance:

✔　Very affordable student housing (as low as 7,900 JPY/month)
✔　Small-class Japanese lessons (6–8 students)
✔　One-on-one Japanese buddies
✔　Safe, comfortable city close to Tokyo
✔　Courses taught in English
✔　Strong international student support
✔　Opportunities for part-time work

Ibaraki University offers a combination of quality education, personalized support, and affordable living—making it an exceptional choice for a study abroad experience in Japan.

For International Students

Ibaraki Student Exchange Program