Tokyo - Language & Culture Application Requirements
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- 18 years of age
- In good standing at your home school
- 2.75 cumulative GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 2.75 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
- Sophomore, Junior, or Senior standing when program begins
- Prior Japanese language knowledge is not required for the program but is strongly recommended. Beginning Japanese students should have a basic working knowledge of hiragana and katakana alphabets before the program begins.
- Online Application
Applications may be considered after the published deadline on a space available basis. Please note that late applicants may be required to submit a non-refundable confirmation deposit upon acceptance in order to secure a place in the program. Please contact us with questions about applying after the deadline.
Submit the following in your MyIESabroad account after your Online Application is processed:
- Home School Authorization
Your on-campus study abroad advisor can either complete the Home School Authorization electronically through IES Abroad’s PartnerPortal system, or by filling out the PDF form linked above. Consult your study abroad advisor to determine how they would prefer to complete your Home School Authorization.
- Transcript(s) for each college/university you have attended since high school. If you have multiple transcripts, IES Abroad will average the GPAs for all colleges/universities you have attended and use that cumulative GPA when reviewing your application.
- Passport copy of your passport that is valid at least 6 months beyond the program end date. If you do not have a passport or need to renew it, please submit proof that you have applied for a passport and then submit your new passport copy before the application deadline.
- Official Financial Support Letter from a bank or your school's Financial Aid Office stating that you have sufficient funds to study in Japan for your program's duration. More information on this can be found in your MyIESabroad account.
- Passport-Style Photos that are recent and taken professionally. More information on photo requirements can be found in your MyIESabroad account.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS IF CUMULATIVE GPA IS BELOW 2.75:
- Professor Recommendation
Although there is no length requirement, the recommendation must indicate a professor’s opinion of the applicant’s academic ability to pursue university-level coursework in a foreign country, in addition to any information that would help IES Abroad gain a better understanding of the applicant. - Personal Academic Essay
Although there is no length requirement, the essay must address your GPA, any particular academic challenges faced, reasons you chose this IES Abroad program, and how it fits into your academic career.
Pro Tip: Renew (or Apply for!) Your Passport ASAP
Passport applications and renewals are taking longer than normal these days. Save yourself from the last-minute stress by making sure you 1. Have a passport, and 2. The expiration date is at least six months after your study abroad program ends. Visit travel.state.gov to locate U.S. passport agencies in your area.
A student visa is required to enter Japan. Upon admission, you will receive more information about the application process and any related fees.
Japan requires U.S. citizens to obtain a student visa before studying abroad for a semester or longer.
Learn more about applying for a student visa for Japan.
Not a U.S. citizen? Consult the consulate website of your passport country and contact your IES Abroad Advisor with further questions.
The visa application process for non-U.S. citizens can be extremely lengthy, please contact us for more information.
