IGLOBE（Intercultural and Global Oita Based Education）Japanese

IGLOBE is a course of study which aims to enhance Japanese language skills while providing learning opportunities related to Japanese culture and society generally, as well as to Oita and its surrounding communities, in particular. Students will take “Japanese Language and Studies” classes based on their proficiency level, as well as a variety of “Global Studies” classes. Based on their language ability, students may also be able to take general education and specialization courses. Classes are offered in Japanese, English, or a combination of both.

While they are at Oita University exchange students have the status of non-degree seeking students. Successful IGLOBE applicants must be:

• Full-time undergraduate or postgraduate students enrolled in a regular course of study at their home universities;
• In excellent academic standing; and
• Highly motivated, with a clear IGLOBE study plan

IGLOBE applicants must have a minimum level of language proficiency (English or Japanese)

• JLPT N2 or above for students from Korea, China, or Taiwan
• JLPT N4 for students from countries other than the three listed above.
• TOEFL 500 (IELTS 5.0) score or equivalent, unless they are native speakers of English.

*Students who meet English language proficiency criteria require NO formal Japanese language education prior to arrival.

• Japanese Language and Japanese Studies: From absolute beginners to advanced levels, students will be placed in the appropriate Japanese language class level after a placement test. Japanese studies offer a variety of courses for learning about Japanese culture and society.
• Oita Studies: Students will learn about the history, culture, and society of Oita through field trips and other hands-on learning experiences. Example course titles include: Studies on Oita, Learning About Oita through Kyogen, Sustainability Oita, and Project planning. Volunteering positions and Internships in Oita 2 & 3 are also offered; choice of one of the courses mentioned above is required.
• Global Studies: Students will take a variety of global perspective courses alongside Japanese students (e.g., Academic Japanese, Business Japanese, Analysis of Japanese Grammar, Intercultural Communication, Japanese Popular Culture, The Politics and Economics of the EU).
• Other General Education: JLPT N1 holders can take a number of other general education courses offered by the four Faculties (Education, Social Welfare, Economics, Science and Engineering) at the University.

Please refer to the course description for the details.

Students need to take at least 7 subjects (i.e. 10 contact hours per week) in order to satisfy Oita University student status requirements. Credits earned at Oita University may be accredited by students’ home institutions, based on their credit transfer policies.

With a tuition waiver agreement between their home university and Oita University, exchange students will not be charged for tuition at Oita University.

Spring semester starts in April and ends in August
.Fall semester starts in October and ends in February.

Exchange students may be eligible for a JASSO (Japan Student Services Organization) scholarship. Priority is given to applicants who are in excellent academic standing with the JLPT N1 and who plan to stay at Oita University for two semesters.