The College of International Relations (CIR), established in 1988 at Ritsumeikan University (RU), offers the Study in Kyoto Program (SKP), a non-degree study abroad experience that offers students a wide variety of language, cultural, and academic courses in the ancient capital city of Kyoto, Japan. RU prides itself on being one of the most internationally-oriented universities in Japan, making it no surprise that the SKP attracts students from every corner of the globe. Students who participate in the SKP through SIS will improve their Japanese language, learn more about Japanese culture, and meet people from all over the world.

Coursework

AU students who study in the SKP take 12-17 credits per semester. Students can enroll in a Japanese Traditional Arts (optional) class and one of three program tracks as detailed below:

• Intensive Japanese Language (IJL): Open to all students who are interested specifically in intensive language studies. Students take 9 hours of Japanese language coursework per week in addition to English-language electives offered through the Japan and World Perspectives (JWP) track.
• Japan and World Perspectives (JWP): Open to all students. Students take English-language courses on various international relations topics and may enroll in a beginning  Japanese language class.
• Business: For students with a background in business but little or no experience with the Japanese language. Students take courses taught in English by the College of Business Administration. 
  

Language Requirement

As of Fall 2011, all three tracks of study in the program are open to all students, regardless of Japanese language experience.

Academic Calendar

Spring Semester: April – July

Fall Semester: September – March

Students can enroll in the SKP for either a full year (Fall and Spring) or the Spring semester only. Due to the differences in the academic year, students will no longer be able to register for the Fall semester only.

Registration

1. Students are registered through the SIS Office of International Program Development for 15 AU-RU exchange credits (SIS-461). Students who wish to take fewer (12-14) or more than (up to 17) 15 credits need to arrange this with their academic advisor before they can be registered for the AU exchange credits.
2. Students are required to meet with their AU advisor and obtain formal pre-approval before registering for courses at RU. This ensures that all credits earned at RU can be applied toward the student’s AU degree.
3. Students register for RU courses once they arrive in Kyoto.

Credit articulation: Grades and credits earned at RU are articulated through the SIS Office of International Program Development upon receipt of an official transcript from RU. For conversion purposes, students should expect 1 RU credit to equal 1 AU credit.

Tuition and Fees

Students pay regular tuition, emergency international health insurance, and technology fees to American University for the duration of the program. Students do not pay the student activity fee, sports center fee, or AU room/board fees while at RU. Students are billed by RU for housing (if applicable), supporting fee, and Japanese Traditional Arts classes (if applicable).  

Students are responsible for any incidental costs, such as library fines and lab fees, incurred during the program.

Students are responsible for all personal expenses including housing and transportation.

Housing

The International Center at Kinugasa Campus can arrange housing for SKP students. Housing options include two dorms called International House I and International House II. Students pay Ritsumeikan directly for housing.

Visa and Immigration

Once admitted to the program, students are issued a Certificate of Eligibility by RU. Students then need to take this document, with a passport and visa application, to the closest Japanese Embassy to apply for a student visa.

Students are responsible for researching the most up-to-date immigration requirements and arranging all immigration documents.
 

Student Orientation

During the semester prior to the start of the program, the SIS Office of International Program Development conducts a mandatory pre-departure meeting. Topics covered include administrative, logistical, security, health, and cross-cultural issues. RU also holds an orientation for students at the beginning of the semester. 

How to Apply

Application deadline for study in Fall 2012: April 4

1. Complete and submit the program application to the SIS Office of International Program Development by the application deadline. Applications are available in SIS 115. 
2. After applications are processed and reviewed, student applications are forwarded to RU.