More Than Just A Tourist: Studying At Temple University, Japan Campus

For tourists coming from the United States, the name Temple University may be quite familiar. It is a public doctoral university that was established in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania back in 1884 by Russell Conwell, a minister of the Grace Baptist Church. The university is aptly named after Conwell’s mission of educating and tutoring working individuals during the night at the basement of his Baptist Temple. The university was later formally incorporated as an institution in 1907. Other than its 7 campuses in Pennsylvania, Temple University also now has international campuses located in Rome, Singapore, London, and, of course, Tokyo.

About Temple University, Japan Campus

Temple University, Japan Campus, or TUJ, is a foreign university located in Japan and is considered to be the oldest and largest of all. It was the first American university to be established in Japan, particularly in Shiba-Koen, Minato-ku, during the year 1982. Originally, Temple University, Japan Campus was operated in partnership with a few local corporations. Come 1996, however, Temple University found it fit to terminate all business relations and manage the Japan Campus on their own. A relocation was in order, moving TUJ to Minami-Azabu, Minato-ku, where it can still be found bustling with students up to this day.

During its early years, Temple University, Japan, Campus only offered two programs – a Master of Education Program (M. Ed.) and an Intensive English Language Program (IELP). By the next decade, the university also started offering a Doctor of Education Program (Ed. D.), a Master of Laws Program (LL. M.), and an Undergraduate Program.

When Temple University decided to cut external affairs and run the campus independently, they launched the first Executive MBA Program in Japan, along with the Continuing Education Program and the Corporate Education Program, two programs originally offered as the Open College Program and the Globalization Program, respectively.

Temple University, Japan Campus gained recognition as the first foreign university to be established and operated in Japan in 2005, when the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, or MEXT, gave it its official designation. The university has become respected by both American and Japanese Universities, ever since. As such, all degrees and credits acquired from Temple University, Japan Campus is accredited in the United States, as well.

Temple University, Japan Campus Locations

Since its inception, Temple University, Japan Campus has expanded to include three different locations in Tokyo and Osaka. There are two halls in Tokyo operated by the university named Azabu Hall and Mita Hall. Azabu Hall is located in Minami-Azabu and is focused on housing the university’s Continuing Education Program, Academic English Program, Undergraduate Programs, and the Graduate College of Education Program. Mita Hall, on the other hand, is located in Mita and carries the Corporate Education Program, the Executive MBA Program, and Law Programs.

In Osaka, the university has a center situated in Umeda, Kita-ku. The Graduate College Education Program is also offered at this location. Furthermore, a separate building meant for administrative purposes can be found near the Osaka center.

Temple University, Japan Campus Facilities

Temple University, Japan Campus is well-equipped with the latest technologies and publications to not limit their students’ potentials, capabilities, and awareness. Their library boasts of a collection consisting of more than 50,000 books, and a separate extensive archive of journal subscriptions.

For the tech-savvy, Temple University, Japan Campus has a total of 6 computer laboratories that come complete with Unix, Mac, and Windows computers. In addition, they also have a studio meant for post-production purposes such as sound recording and video editing tasks.

Their other facilities include a counseling office, a career development office, and a learning center where students can acquire free tutorial services.

Temple University, Japan Campus Student Lodging - Musashi-Kosugi Dorm, Homestays, and Housing

Lodging in Tokyo is guaranteed by Temple University, Japan Campus for all participants that submit the housing form and non-refundable deposit of $200 on or before the deadline stated for the semester, regardless of program. Students can choose to get a dorm, a homestay, or their own housing.

Musashi-Kosugi Dorm

Program participants who wish to stay in a dorm will be directed to the Musashi-Kosugi Dorm in Kawasaki, Kanagawa. It is a 50-minute commute from the Temple University, Japan Campus by train (JR Line or Tokyu Line). There are plenty of local convenience stores, restaurants, and shops located near the dorm. Entertainment centers and shopping districts in Yokohama and Shibuya can be accessed using the Tokyu Line.

The dorm’s standard room measures roughly 12 square meters in total. Each room comes complete with an air-conditioning unit, a desk and chair, a bed, a closet, a refrigerator, and a private bathroom equipped with a shower. Bed sheets, blankets, and pillows are provided by the dorm. Students need to bring or purchase their own towels.

Residents can freely enjoy the dorm’s internet connection in their own rooms, either via Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Other facilities of the Musashi-Kosugi Dorm include a lounge, multipurpose rooms, a gym, a laundry room, a cafeteria, a garden terrace, and a shared kitchen. Temple University, Japan Campus’ Dorm Manager also resides within the dorm and can be approached for any concerns on-site.

Homestays

The chance to live with a Japanese family is reserved for those looking to immerse themselves in a linguistic and cultural experience. Those who will be requesting for homestays on their housing forms will undergo interviews by the staff of Temple University, Japan Campus, as Japanese hosts ordinarily are not fluent in English.

Students will be provided with a private room at the Japanese home that will be selected for them. Two meals a day a included in the homestay option. The homes chosen are usually an hour, or two, away from the university, given that public transportation will be used.

Housing

Temple University, Japan Campus also offers help to program participants looking to have their own place in Japan throughout their stay. This option is highly recommended for those who are comfortable living independently and those who want a bit more privacy.

Student Life and Cultural Enrichment at Temple University, Japan Campus

The students of Temple University, Japan Campus consist of diverse nationalities coming from about sixty countries in total. People coming from Russia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and other places are each sponsored by the university for visa processing purposes. From this phase to the end of the program, all students will be guided as much as possible to ensure their stay in Japan will be fully maximized.

The university will provide train passes, student discounts, and Japanese student identification cards to all their program participants. In addition, those who wish to have contracts with local telecommunication networks and mobile phones will gladly be assisted by staff members of Temple University, Japan Campus.

Student Organizations

Temple University, Japan Campus encourages students to be active in and out of their classrooms to help them achieve growth in more ways than one. As such, the university has several organizations and clubs that provide students with countless opportunities to discover their potentials while creating connections to Japanese and international students:

  • Mixed Martial Arts
  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Futsal
  • Soccer
  • Hip Hop
  • Break Dance
  • Anime
  • Video Gaming

For those who do not feel comfortable joining one of the above, the university also has a student lounge which serves as a space for students to freely socialize with each other.

Excursions

As a means to help international students fully understand the culture of Japan, Temple University, Japan Campus arranges excursions and field trips throughout the year during the summer, spring, and fall semesters. Students who will be joining the trips are responsible for their own expenses such as lodging, food, and transportation. The university makes it a point to keep all excursions affordable to ensure that students will not have to shell out a sizable amount of money during the experience.

Some Tokyo-based trips organized by the university include:

  • Museums
  • Theater Performances
  • Japanese festivals
  • Imperial Palace
  • Sporting Events

Other excursions that provide students the opportunity to see Japan’s regional diversity include the following places:

  • Kyoto
  • Osaka
  • Chiba
  • Sapporo
  • Nikko
  • Kamakura
  • Yokohama
  • Hakone

Cultural Activities

Social interaction between Japanese and international students is highly promoted at Temple University, Japan Campus. The university frequently holds several social mixer events and cultural workshops throughout the academic year.

These assemblies help students make new connections and friends while simultaneously learning about the culture of other countries. Some of the special workshops organized by the university to promote traditional Japanese arts include ikebana (flower arrangement), tea ceremony, archery, and calligraphy.

Community Engagement

Students who wish to further immerse themselves in the Japanese culture beyond the confines of the university can participate in volunteer activities within the Minato Ward of Tokyo. Temple University, Japan Campus’ Community Relations Department collaborates with the district’s administration to help students easily grab opportunities to be a part of local community engagements such as:

  • Cultural Exchange Events For Children
  • City Festivals
  • Elementary After-School Programs
  • Neighborhood Clean-Up Events

Temple University, Japan Campus Internship Job Program Participants

The Career Development Office of Temple University, Japan Campus offers an internship program each semester. Students of this program will work for multinational organizations, small companies, NGOs, embassies, and start-ups located within Tokyo for at least 140 hours. Completing this internship program will grant each student three credits in international affairs, political science, economics, Asian studies, media studies and production, psychological studies, or liberal arts.

Students will be assigned a faculty supervisor to monitor and evaluate his/her internship program requirements and activities. Although based in Tokyo, not all internships offered by the university require students to know how to write or speak in Japanese.

The university currently has more than 70 entities participating in their internship program such as:

  • Delta Air Lines
  • Japan Travel
  • The Japan Times
  • GE Japan Corporation
  • Jones Lang LaSalle
  • Minato City Office
  • Run for the Cure
  • AIG
  • Techwah
  • Kanagawa Sogo High School
  • Japanime Publishing
  • Audi Japan
  • British Chamber of Commerce Japan
  • Embassy of the United States
  • EU-Japan Center
  • Tokyo English Life Line
  • BCBG Maxazria

Study Abroad at Temple University, Japan Campus – Degree Programs, Application Process, Acceptance Rate, and Tuition Fees

Degree Programs

Studying at Temple University, Japan Culture is a once in a lifetime experience. Interested applicants can choose from several degree and non-degree programs including:

Undergraduate Degree Programs

  • American Studies
  • Anthropology
  • Architecture
  • Art
  • Art History
  • Asian Studies
  • Communication Studies
  • Media Studies and Production
  • Economics
  • Film and Media Arts
  • History
  • International Business Studies
  • Japanese
  • Journalism
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Sociology

Master’s and Doctor’s Degree Programs

  • M. S. Ed in TESOL
  • Ph. D. in Applied Linguistics
  • Executive MBA Program

Law School

  • Masters of Laws Program (LL. M.)
  • Continuing Legal Education (C. L. E.)
  • Certificates

Non-Degree Programs

  • English Language Program
  • Continuing Education Program
  • Corporate Education Program

Applicants should take note of the program dates of Temple University, Japan Campus which run from late August to mid-December for fall, and early January to late April for spring. There is also a summer semester consisting of 10 weeks from mid-May to early August. The entire academic year occurs from late August to late April.

Application Process

The application process at Temple University, Japan Campus can be done on paper or online. However, those interested must first attend a session of the Foundations of Study Abroad before applying. In addition, applicants must make sure to check the particular requirements and their eligibility for their desired programs. Afterwards, the following information should be gathered and submitted on paper or online:

  • Personal Information and Contact Information
  • Cumulative GPA
  • Passport Details
  • Current Courses Being Taken
  • Study Abroad Advisor or Academic Advisor’s Name and Contact Information
  • Emergency Person’s Name and Contact Information
  • Financial Aid or Support Information

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate for Temple University fluctuates yearly but lies within the range of 56-63%. The admission qualifications for the Japan campus include the following:

  1. Completion of Secondary School
    TUJ requires applicants to have graduated or will soon graduate from a secondary school or equivalent. In addition, they must have a General Education Development (GED) certificate, Daiken/Kosotsu Nintei Shiken, or other equivalent certifications/credits.
  2. Minimum Cumulative GPA
    For those who will be getting a student visa through the university, applicants must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 based on the 4.0 grading scale. Otherwise, the minimum cumulative GPA required is 2.0 based on the 4.0 grading scale or 3.0 based on the 5.0 grading scale.
  3. Test Score Requirement
    Native English Speakers must have a minimum score of 450 in the Math and Critical Reading sections of the SAT or a minimum score of 21 in the ACT. Non-native English Speakers, on the other hand, must score at least 450/525, 5.0/6.0, 50/53 on the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE, respectively, depending on the semester they will be applying for.

Applicants will be sent an e-mail regarding the acceptance or rejection of their application approximately a couple of weeks after it has been sent. Accepted students must confirm their decision to study at Temple University, Japan Campus by clicking the “Commit” button, which can be found on the homepage of the respective program. Other updates and procedures regarding pre-departure will also be done via e-mail.

Tuition Fees

The tuition fees at Temple University, Japan Campus vary from program to program throughout the academic year. The usual costs a student can expect on his/her bill every semester include the following estimates:

  • Tuition (12-18 credit hours): $13,188
  • Additional Fees: $325
  • Lodging: $4,200
  • Health Insurance: $190

Other expenses that students may incur while studying at the university which will not be included in the bill are:

  • Airfare: $1,400
  • Personal/Miscellaneous Expenses: $2,800
  • Meals: $2,800
  • Books: $500
  • Japanese National Health Insurance: $40
  • Cell Phone: Price Widely Varies
  • Consular Visa Fees & Expenses: Price Widely Varies

Temple University, Japan Campus Ranking/Review

Although there is no current overall ranking or review available for TUJ, its main campus, Temple University, has received numerous recognitions over the years including:

  • Ranked no. 2 in US News & World Reports’ Best Law Schools 2016 Trial Advocacy
  • Ranked no. 41 in US News & World Reports’ Best Business Schools 2016
  • Ranked no. 52 in US News & World Reports’ Best Law Schools 2016
  • Ranked no. 56 in US News & World Reports’ Best Education Schools 2016
  • Ranked no. 55 in US News & World Reports’ Top Public Schools 2016
  • Ranked no. 115 in US News & World Reports’ National Universities 2016
  • Ranked no. 94 in US News & World Reports’ Best Colleges for Veterans 2016
  • Ranked no. 45 around the world for its Executive MBA Program in 2015 by The Economist
  • Included in Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2015-16 (within the 351-400 group among 800 universities around the world)
  • Included in Academic Ranking of World Universities 2014 (within the 351-400 group among 500 universities around the world)