Semester Exchange Programmes
Enjoying a semester abroad in Japan.
Academic Calendar
Japan's academic calendar is drastically different from Singapore, so the question you may have is: "How does doing an exchange in Japan fit my calendar?"
Semester 1
Going in Semester 1 means entering Japan's Autumn semester. The key issue is that exams tend to be at the end of January, while classes in Semester 2 start at the beginning of January. So you will need to resolve that issue:
Option 1: Taking early exams in Japan, so finishing your studies by the end of December so that you can return to Singapore.
Option 2: Starting Singapore late, so you miss out on the first few weeks of class in Japan.
Semester 2
Going in Semester 2 means entering Japan's Spring semester. In this case you won't have any overlap between your Japanese and Singapore semesters, just that there won't be much space between the end of your term in Japan and the start of your term in Singapore. See it as your normal summer break being shifted forward and combined with your winter break, to give you an extra long December to April break.
It's a good opportunity to get off-season internships during that time period.
Programmes Available
Student Exchange Programmes are only open to students from the partner universities of each Japanese universities. Several Japanese universities and their Singaporean partner universities have been listed here. On top of just taking courses at the university, many Japanese universities offer additional programmes with exclusive courses/curriculum for short-term students or cultural exchanges and field trips to give students a deeper immersion into Japanese society.
Keio Student Exchange Programme
Keio University
Partner Universities (NUS & SMU)
Apart from the opportunity to take courses in Keio, Keio also offers two special programmes for exchange students: the Keio International Program and the Japanese Language Program.
The former involves studying Japan and East/Southeast Asia through various courses across various themes, and also includes an independent study component.
The latter is aimed at improving students Japanese proficiency in a short-period of time through intensive learning.
Young Scientist Exchange Program
Tokyo Institute of Technology
Partner Universities (NUS, NTU, & SUTD)
The Young Scientist Exchange Program (YSEP) involves students being attached to a research lab in the university and undertaking a research project in addition to any courses they might want to take. There are also cultural activities, homestay programmes, and company visits.
Rikkyo University Exchange Students Programme
Rikkyo University
Partner Universities (NUS, NTU, SMU)
Rikkyo University allows exchange students in partner faculties to take any of its courses offered in English. They also offer comprehensive Japanese language and culture classes.
International students will also be given a Rikkyo University student as a buddy throughout their stay there.
Kyoto University International Education Program
Kyoto University
Partner Universities (NUS & NTU)
The Kyoto University International Education Program (KUINEP) allows exchange students to take courses in English.
Additionally there is also the Kyoto University General Exchange (GE) Program, which allows students to conduct research during their exchange.
Osaka University Exchange Programmes
Osaka University
Partner Universities (NUS & NTU, Selected faculties only)
Osaka University offers two main exchange programmes: Osaka University Short-term Student Exchange Program (OUSSEP) and FrontierLab@OsakaU places students in.a research lab to conduct academic research and studies, on top of being able to take courses.
OUSSEP allows students to take courses at Osaka University like a normal exchange. FrontierLab@OsakaU
Kyushu University Exchange Programme
Kyushu University
Partner Universities (NUS & SMU | NTU, Selected faculties only)
English courses are only offered in the Engineering, Agriculture, and School of Interdisciplinary Science and Innovation. In addition, students can enrol in the Japan in Today’s World and/or Japanese Language and Culture Course as well.
Tohoku University Exchange Programmes
Tohoku University
Partner Universities (NUS & NTU)
Tohoku University offers two programmes for exchange students. Junior Year Program in English is for Science, Engineering, and Agriculture students. International Program in Liberal Arts is for Humanities and Social Sciences students.
Hokkaido University Short-Term Exchange Programme
Hokkaido University
Partner Universities (SMU | NUS & NTU, Selected faculties only)
Hokkaido University Short-Term Exchange Programme (HUSTEP) allows students to take English classes in the following two areas: Culture and Society, and Science, Technology, and Environment.
