More information can be found here: Academic Calendar | Chiba University
If selected to go on an exchange by Durham University, the Global Opportunities Team will formally nominate you to this partner. After your nomination is confirmed, you will need to apply directly to this partner to register with them.
Direct Application Deadline: February
J-PAC (Japan Program at Chiba) is offered to undergraduate students from academic institutions with which Chiba University has university-level student exchange agreements, and whose academic interest is in the area of Japanese culture and society. J-PAC is divided into two programs: the International Liberal Arts Program, which offers to students irrespective of their area of specialization, and the Japanese Studies Program, which is designed for students who specialize in Japanese studies at their home universities. Durham MLAC students will undergo the J-PAC Japanese Studies Program.
Note: J-PAC is NOT a language course for students whose only aim is to improve their Japanese language skills.
Japanese Studies Programme
Students can take Japanese language courses according to their levels of proficiency and attend courses in Japanese Studies together with Japanese undergraduate students. They can also choose from a variety of specialized lectures and seminars offered at different faculties depending on their interests, concerns and Japanese language levels.
At the same time, students are expected to carry out their own research projects using the Japanese language. They are advised to take Research Work (Humanities) A and B, the courses specifically designed to help them pursue their research projects, and submit a research paper, or to enrol in a project-type course, such as work on preparing an exhibition leaflet at the National Museum of Japanese History in the student's native languages (Research Work (Humanities) C and D). In either case the students gain an active learning experience, which goes far beyond acquiring knowledge in the classroom.
The students on this programme are also encouraged to participate in the Universal Festival, an event where students from different areas of the world introduce their countries and cultures to the audience, and to engage in joint events with Japanese primary schools in the vicinity of Chiba University. Both projects help the students practice how to deliver their thoughts in the Japanese language, and are meant to broaden their relationships with the local Japanese community.
The full study load is 20 credits per academic year, that is, 10 credits per semester. For more information, please see Chiba University Fact Sheet.
Applicants should sent their completed applications for Chiba University directly to their home institutions for submission.
If selected to go on an exchange by Durham, you will need the following documents to apply directly to this partner:
Chiba has an International Support Desk (ISD) offering support to incoming exchange students with questions about life in Japan (housing, tutoring, culture, etc.) or who are in need of professional advice regarding everyday issues. Services available in English, Chinese, and Japanese.
Chiba-U does not offer housing for incoming exchange students; you will need to source your own for the year. However, Chiba-U has a list of trusted student housing providers which is available online as well as other guidance regarding housing contracts, utilities, rent, and budgeting for this expense.
One of the advantages of living in the Chiba area is that living expenses are not as high as in the Tokyo Metropolitan area, though they are located very close to each other.
More Information: Housing | International Support Desk, Chiba University
International students staying in Japan for more than three (3) months are required to subscribe to National Health Insurance. You will apply for this at the same time when you proceed your residence registration at a ward office. Students are also required to enroll in two (2) types of student insurances. The amount of the subscription fees will be informed upon arrival.
Chiba's tutoring scheme offers a designated tutor to each exchange student that provides support whenever their supervisor deems it necessary. In general, the system is applicable to students during their first six (6) months in Japan. Tutors are generally graduate students selected from the graduate school to which the international student belongs. Advice and assistance given by your tutor can focus on research, adjusting to Japanese higher education, or daily life. It is recommended, therefore, that students relay their concerns to their academic supervisor to receive the accurate support as soon as possible.
More Information: Guidance for New International Students | International Support Desk, Chiba University
Chiba-U is located in the prefecture of the same name. In addition to being home to Pacific Ocean beaches and Tokyo Disneyland, this area has been a major center of worldwide soy sauce production since the Edo period and remains the top producer in Japan with Kikkoman headquartered in Noda.
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