Overview
Tohoku University is located in Sendai, a city of one million in the scenic northern part of Honshu, and is a quick two-hour bullet-train ride from Tokyo. Sendai is the cultural, commercial, and transportation center of the region of Tohoku renowned for its natural beauty and relaxed lifestyle.
Tohoku University offers science and engineering students the opportunity to study at one of Japan's oldest universities, world famous as a leader in innovative research. You will become an active participant in laboratory teams carrying out contemporary research in a wide range of fields. If you participate in the Junior Year Program in English (JYPE), you will conduct an individual research project, submit your results in English, and take regular course work in English. The School of Engineering, the largest branch of the university, emphasizes research through lab work and seminars in such fields as biochemistry, geology, aerospace engineering, and materials science.
Students attend classes with Japanese and international students.
Course Opportunities
This program includes science, engineering, and Japanese language and culture courses taught in English. You participate in research groups focusing on current topics related to your field of study. The program also offers courses on Japanese language, culture, and society, which promote understanding of Japan's language and social customs.
Use the following resources to learn about courses on EAP:
- EAP Program Search provides information on general areas of study.
- Host institution online catalogs or course listings:
- MyEAP Course Catalog lists courses previously taken by UC students. Additional courses may be available and not all courses may still be offered. Since courses in new programs have not yet been taken for credit, they may not appear in the MyEAP Course Catalog.
Space is limited in the spring option of this program. Carefully review your goals and the objectives of the program to ensure an appropriate and successful academic fit.
Units
You are required to take a full-time course of study while abroad.
ILP: 3 to 12 UC quarter units
Term: 21 UC quarter units per semester (18 if you attend the ILP)
Language of Instruction
English
Language Study
Year participants who meet the prerequisite may take an optional six-week Japanese intensive language program (ILP) held in Tokyo that begins in late July. Japanese language study is strongly encouraged each term.
Internships, Research, and Independent Study
Internships and special study for academic credit may be possible in this program. Arrangements are generally made at the Study Center after arrival. Predeparture preparation may be required.
Duration
Go to the Participants section to see current or past calendars.
Spring: early April to early August
Year: late September to early August of the following year
ILP + Year: late July to early August
Housing
EAP students stay at the International House, a popular off-campus dormitory for foreign students.
On-site Support
EAP students are supported by UC's network of EAP offices at every UC campus and partnerships with EAP host universities throughout the world. UC faculty and local staff abroad help students integrate into the culture of Japan and provide assistance with academics, housing, safety, and other issues.
See the EAP Program Guide (PDF) for program-specific details about host institutions, program structure, and courses; academic culture and conduct; internships, research, & independent study; units, exams, and grades; orientation; housing; and information about the intensive language program (if applicable).
Host Institutions
Tohoku University, Sendai
Tohoku is located in Sendai, a city of one million people, in the scenic northern part of Honshu, Japan’s main island. It is the cultural, commercial, and transportation center of the region and a quick two-hour bullet train ride from Tokyo.
Although the Sendai area was known since early times for its gold resources, modern Sendai traces its roots to the feudal town founded by the daimyo Date Masamune in the 16th century. Temples and gardens dating back to the Edo period (1590–1868) are found in the vicinity. The area is now one of rapid growth and is the site of ten colleges and universities.
Tohoku University, an elite national university, was ranked by Asia Week as number one among Asia’s multidisciplinary institutions of higher learning. Founded as Tohoku Imperial University in 1907, Tohoku is one of Japan’s oldest and largest national universities. It prides itself on being a pioneer; not only was it one of the first Japanese schools to admit women, it was also the first to open a Western-style research institute. Tohoku’s early emphasis on research and development has helped Japan to become the world leader in electronics.
Tohoku University has five campuses in Sendai scattered in four of the Tohoku region prefectures. Students attend the campus that offers their academic curriculum and major. The university is organized into 10 undergraduate and 16 graduate schools, supplemented by numerous research institutes and laboratories. It enrolls about 11,000 undergraduate and 7,000 graduate students. The Aobayama campus is the home of science and engineering faculties while administration and various research centers are on the Katahira campus. The Kawauchi campus includes arts and letters, economics, law, education, international cultural studies, the university library, the recreational building, and other faculties and facilities, including the International Center for Japanese Language Study. The campuses’ five libraries have a combined total of 3.6 million volumes and 72,000 periodicals.
Visit the Tohoku University website
Estimated Cost
Participation in EAP is a great value! The cost of EAP programs is typically less than that of non-UC study abroad programs. The dollar figures listed in the chart represent: 1) the amount of the fees that are paid directly to EAP in the current year, and 2) an estimate of the amount needed to cover personal living expenses in this location. Personal travel and entertainment are not included here.
Don't forget that you take your financial aid with you and the amount of your financial aid package will be based on the estimated TOTAL COST of this experience, as it is estimated below.
These expenses are estimated for 2009-10. Amounts will vary for 2010-11 participation due to proposed changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. For a more detailed breakdown of 2009-10 payment information, visit the
Participants Portal and select the appropriate program.
Here’s what is included in the estimate:
- Predeparture expenses (visa, etc.)
- Round-trip transportation from California
- UC fees
- Tuition at partner institution
- Accident and medical insurance
- On-site orientation
- Intensive language program
- Room and board
- Program excursions
- Books and other incidental expenses
- Automatic transfer of credits and grades to your UC transcript
Estimated EAP Costs*
| Option |
Cost |
| * Based on most recent costs for 2009-2010 to the nearest $100. |
| ILP + Year |
$28,500 |
| Spring |
$12,000 |
| Year |
$22,200 |
Application Requirements
Class Level
Sophomore (spring only), junior, senior, graduate
Language Prerequisite
Prior study of Japanese is helpful but not required for the year and spring options. One year prior Japanese language study is required for the ILP + year option.
GPA
3.0 cumulative GPA at the time of application and maintained through the end of the last term prior to departure. No exceptions.
Other
Engineering major or related field
Minimum Criteria
All applicants must also have:
- Serious academic goals and a clear plan for integrating EAP studies into
the student’s UC degree program
- Social and cross-cultural sensitivity; maturity; ability to adapt successfully
to a different environment and a new education system; ability to assess and
exhibit appropriate behavior in a variety of situations
- A willingness to abide by program regulations
- An endorsement by the Campus EAP Selection Committee and completion of all
campus-specific requirements (an interview may be required)
These are minimum program requirements only and do not guarantee selection. The Campus EAP Office determines selection. The final admission decision is made by Tohoku University.
Deadlines
Application deadlines and information on the application process are available through your Campus EAP Office. Supplemental predeparture materials will be required for many programs, including, but not limited to, host institution applications, visa and housing applications, medical clearances, etc.
For participation in the program, you must meet all deadlines and submit complete application materials.
Visit your Campus EAP Office for more information:
