Education Abroad Office
Keio University
| Area: | International Business Exchange |
| Location: | Tokyo |
| Country: | Japan |
| Term: | Spring |
UofSC's exchange program at Keio University is designed to expose USC students to Japanese life and culture. The program is located in the Minato ward of Tokyo, part of Japan's capital city. Located on the coast of Tokyo Bay, Minato is known for its many Shinto and Buddhist shrines, the Tokyo Tower landmark, and the popular Roppongi nightlife district. Students can protect themselves from disaster by touring the shrines dedicated to the Seven Deities of Good Fortune, or they can take the Rainbow Bridge to Odaiba, an artificial island in Toyko Bay that is home to one of Toyko's largest entertainment districts.
At Keio University, students will study Japanese language and culture while also participating in a wide range of extracurricular activities with Japanese students. All courses are taught in English with the exception of the Japanese language courses. Students with more advanced Japanese language proficiency may enroll in regular courses taught in Japanese.
Category: 1, no foreign language proficiency requirement, all courses taught in English
Cost: UofSC resident tuition rates + in-country costs
Requirements: junior standing; International Business major
Students on exchange pay in-state tuition directly to USC and do not pay tuition to Keio University. All housing, food, and personal expenses are paid by the student in Tokyo. Keio recommends that students budget approximately ¥130,000-170,000 per month for living expenses, including housing, meals, supplies, and transportation. To get an idea of life on site, you will find on the numbeo website indications on the cost of living in Tokyo compared to other countries in the world.
Students typically enroll in six classes, each of which are worth two credits. To see courses UofSC students have taken at this university, please reference the Registrar's Course Equivalency Table.
Students can apply for Student Commuter Passes for both the train system and bus system in Tokyo once they arrive. Student-run activities are very popular at Keio University, and there are a number of organizations that cater to exchange/international students. Events include welcome parties, cultural excursions, a buddy program, and matching students with conversation partners.
Students are required to subscribe to the National Health Insurance provided by Keio University at the cost of roughly ¥15,000 a semester. Students enroll in the plan once they arrive in Tokyo. This is in addition to the required UofSC insurance.
Per university policy, all UofSC students will be charged emergency medical, evacuation and repatriation insurance for their time abroad. Contact the Education Abroad Office for more details.
Students are guaranteed on-campus housing in shared dormitories with Japanese and international students. Weekday meals are included in the fee with some dormitories. Keio does not arrange homestays for international students, and independent housing is often very expensive in Tokyo.
The Spring semester starts in early-April and runs through the end of July. The Fall semester starts in late-September and runs through early-February. IB students will attend Keio during the Spring semester.
Keio University provides exchange students with a one-day, on-site orientation approximately one week before classes begin for the semester. Students will receive a handbook that outlines important details and resources for living and studying in Japan.
For programs longer than 90 days, students will need to apply for a Student Visa. All USC students are typically eligible to go through the Atlanta, GA consulate by using their university residence/Carolina Card. If your permanent address in NOT in the jurisdiction for Atlanta, GA, you may also go through the Consulate or Embassy in accordance with your permanent residence. Click here to find your jurisdiction. Students can begin this process once they receive their Certificate of Enrollment from Keio.