Keio University

Areas of Study:

There are three programs available at Keio:

• The Keio International Program (KIP) which includes 80+ courses taught in English in the following areas: Language and Literature, Arts, Culture and Cross-Cultural Understanding, Science, Religion and Thought, History, Media and Communications, Social Issues, Politics, Diplomacy and International Exchange, Business and Economy, and Law, as well as the professional career program (economics); the global passport program (business) and the option to do an independent study. It is possible to study up to 4 Japanese courses per semester in this program. Students with N2 may take a couple of Japanese taught courses from the regular faculty course offerings.
• The (intensive) Japanese Language Program Open to students at a variety of levels. Students with N2 may take a couple of Japanese taught courses from the regular faculty course offerings. (Limited space on this program)
• Regular faculty courses taught in Japanese through KIP (N1 required for 5 or more courses http://www.ic.keio.ac.jp/en/study/exchange/courses/uggs.html)

Course Requirements:

4 Japanese credits = 1 UCalgary half-course (3 units), though some language courses may be 2 credits to a UCalgary half course. Please speak with the exchange advisor for more information.

Most programs require students to be enrolled in at least 7 courses per semester within their program with the opportunity to take additional courses outside the program. (Many courses are 1-2 credits.)

Student Experience: "I got to study Japanese literature, Japanese history, Japanese Noh theatre, and Japanese language. You can learn a lot about Japan that you wouldn't be able to in Canada."

Graduate Research: UCalgary Masters/Graduate students (with basic Japanese or greater) can conduct research under the supervision of an academic advisor at Keio University. Please speak with the exchange advisor. 

The academic year is divided into 2 semesters.

• Spring semester runs from late March to late July
• Fall semester runs from September to early February. 

Keio has off campus housing that is subsidized by Keio, which exchange students have priority access to. Rent ranges from 51,000 - 78,000 yen per month. 

Keio advises that as finding an apartment is very difficult, all students are strongly recommended to apply for Keio University Housing. Applications are handled on a first-come, first-considered basis when the portal opens (will be emailed to students). 

This exchange is open to regular, full-time students in any faculty at the UCalgary, who have completed at least 1 full year (10 courses) at the post-secondary level, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B). 

Keio has specific requirements for the reference. You may approach your professor to ask if they can provide you a reference specifically in February, after you have been accepted by our office. We cannot accept references that do not meet the partner's requirements and/or are on the school specific form.

Important Visa Info: Japanese citizens must travel on their Japanese passport.

Keio has a buddy program called Keio Tomodachi Program, as well as a Global Lunch, and other great events to meet local students

Every fall in late October/early November Keio also participates in their version of the Crowchild classic, the "Keio-Waseda Baseball Games", where students can cheer for Keio as they take on their Waseda rivals!

Student Tips: "If you want to meet the local Japanese people, join the groups that are meant to facilitate this, like KOSMIC (Keio Organization of Student Members of the International Center)."