Office of International Programs

Hendrix-in-Tokyo (Japan)

This exchange program is located at Aoyama Gakuin University’s (AGU) campus in Shibuya, a vibrant hub of Tokyo. With a student population of around 19,000, AGU offers the unique experience of a classical 19th century urban campus, with quiet and green park-like spaces, in the heart of the city. Just a few steps away, you can immerse yourself in the internationally renowned Japanese pop culture of Harajuku and Omotesando.  

Academics 

Academic calendar: The academic calendar in Japan begins in the spring. Hendrix students can study at AGU for the spring semester or the U.S. academic year. The typical program dates are:  

Academic Year: early September – early August 
Spring: late March – early August  

Courses: English-taught courses are offered by the departments of Literature; Education, Psychology & Human Studies; Economics; Law; Business; International Politics, Economics & Communication; and Cultural & Creative Studies. See English-taught courses for the current or upcoming term at the Aoyama Campus on the program website.  

AGU also offers Japanese language classes at all levels, however classes for beginners are not credit-bearing. To enroll in credit-bearing Japanese language courses, students must have achieved JLPT N4 proficiency.  

Grades/credits: Students must take a cull course load of 14 AGU credits and must earn the equivalent of a “C” or better in each course to be awarded a full course load of transfer credit. Hendrix policies on transfer credit apply. Grades will not appear on the student’s transcript and do not figure into the cumulative GPA.  

The Support Center for Students with Disabilities is the primary resource for accessibility questions and services. 

Housing & Meals 

Hendrix students will live in single-occupancy rooms with private bathrooms and shared kitchen/dining, laundry, and lounge spaces in “Dormy” residence halls managed by AGU’s recommended housing provider. Student housing is spread throughout the city, and the commute is approximately 40-55 minutes to campus by train. Walking and public transit (train, subway, bus) are commonly used modes of transportation by locals and visiting students.  

Many students buy groceries and cook on their own. Students may also opt into their residence hall’s meal plan for daily breakfast and dinner or purchase individual meals at the residence hall cafeteria. The Aoyama Campus also has two dining halls where students can purchase individual meals.  

Estimated Costs & Financial Aid 

Students will owe Hendrix tuition and fees during their semester(s) abroad at AGU, but not room and board. Students may request that the lump sum of their housing fees, which are established by the provider in Japan, be invoiced to Hendrix so they can be applied to the student account. Any required housing deposits must be paid by the students in order to confirm their participation and secure a housing placement. Hendrix charges an administrative fee of $500/semester abroad, excluding summer programs.  

Normally, all financial aid applies, including Hendrix scholarships. Students are encouraged to reach out to the Office of Financial Aid with any questions about their aid package.  

Non-billable expenses students should budget for include roundtrip airfare, passport and visa fees/travel (if required), all meals, incidental expenses (local transit, textbooks, etc.) and personal expenses. Students residing in Japan for longer than 3 months are required to purchase Japanese National Health Insurance on arrival.  

Application Procedures 

Students must first submit an internal application for study away. Internal applications are due in early November for the upcoming summer abroad and in early February for the upcoming academic year abroad. The Committee for International & Intercultural Studies (CIIS) reviews all applications and clears students to move forward in the application process. Approved students will receive a Study Away Student Handbook and instructions for submitting the program-specific application directly to the partner institution for consideration. Partner institutions make all final admissions decisions.  

GPA requirement: 2.5 

Entry Requirements 

All travelers are required to have a valid passport. U.S. citizens pursuing the spring semester or academic year in Japan must also obtain a visa before they depart the U.S. The Consulate General of Japan in Nashville has consular jurisdiction for permanent residents of Arkansas. Aoyama Gakuin University and the Office of International Programs at Hendrix provide supporting documentation and general guidance, but it is each student’s responsibility to research their entry requirements based on their personal circumstances and obtain a visa following official acceptance by the partner institution and receipt of the Certificate of Eligibility for the visa. 

International students who are not U.S. citizens will need to research the entry requirements for citizens of their country. F-1 visa holders must discuss maintaining status with their Designated School Official in the Office of International Programs. 

Program & Country Resources