Exchange Programs >> Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (Beppu), Japan
Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) is located in Beppu, a historic city on the Pacific Ocean that is known for its natural hot springs. APU is home to nearly 2,100 international students as well as approximately 3,200 Japanese students, and thus provides a unique multicultural setting.
Most students in this exchange take courses in Asian Pacific Studies or Asian Pacific Management. APS classes include social sciences, media, and languages, while APM courses include finance, accounting, and business administration. Courses are taught in both Japanese and English, so students can take the courses in the language of their choice. Students are encouraged to take part in a unique Active Learning program.
Students in this program are guaranteed housing in campus accommodations. The campus residence hall has single, fully furnished rooms with air conditioning and a refrigerator. The residence hall also has communal kitchens, meeting rooms, recreation facilities and computer rooms.
Beppu
Beppu is located in Oita perfecture, forty minutes from the major city of Oita. It is located on a major rail line, and it is about six hours from Tokyo by train. Beppu is a resort town famous for its onsen or hot springs. It is located between the mountains and the sea, which together with the numerous hot springs, provide a natural beauty to the area. Since the founding of Ritsumeikan APU in 2000, Beppu has also gained an international flavor due to the large number of foreign students.
ODU's Exchange Program with Ritsumeikan
ODU students are eligible to take classes in either the school of Asian Pacific Studies or the school of Asian Pacific Management. This includes classes in the social sciences, media, languages, or business administration. A wide range of classes are available in both English and Japanese. Japanese language classes are also available.
Dates
The first semester runs from late March to late July. The second semester runs from late September to early February. Students studying for a year should begin their studies in September. Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University runs on the quarter system, but requires that all students stay for both quarters in a given semester.
Credits
The credit earned at Ritsumeikan APU will be recorded on the Old Dominion transcript as transfer credit provided that a grade equivalent to a "C" or better is earned. Advance planning with academic advisors, and completing a transfer credit evaluation prior to the start of the program, ensures that these credits are applied toward graduation and degree requirements. Students work with faculty advisors at Old Dominion to select courses which will yield at least 12 transfer credits. A normal semester load at Ritsumeikan APU is 16-18 credits per semester.
Costs
Students pay tuition and fees directly to Old Dominion University. Room fees, payable directly to Ritsumeikan APU, are estimated at $2,350 per semester for 2009. There is no meal plan, so students should budget around $2,000 per semester for food. Additional fees include airfare, books, passport and visa, and spending money. Most forms of financial aid (loans, grants, scholarships) can be applied to this program as long as an enrollment status consistent with financial aid is maintained. The study abroad advisor will provide a detailed program budget for planning purposes and for submission to the Office of Financial Aid.
Next Steps
The Office of Study Abroad assists you in planning for your semester or year at Ritsumeikan APU. The first step in this process is to stop by to make an appointment with the study abroad advisor. Begin planning several months in advance of deadlines to ensure that this program is an appropriate choice!
Links
Eligibility Criteria
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
- Sophomore standing at time of exchange
Priority Deadlines
- For Spring: mid-October
- For Fall: mid-February
- Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
