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Direct Exchange

Sophia University

DATES:
Fall: September - January
Spring: April - July

Note: The academic year in Japan begins in April and runs through the end of March. Students are welcome to attend for either spring or fall semester or a full year. However, special arrangements may need to be made when studying in Japan during the fall as the semester conflicts with Mason's spring semester.

PROGRAM FEE:

Paid to Mason:
-- $125 Application Fee
-- $350 Administrative Fee ($550 for year long)
-- George Mason Tuition

Paid to Sophia University:
--
Overseas student health insurance required (~$150)
-- Housing (~$4000)

Not Included:
--
International Airfare
-- Passport Fees
-- Visa Fees (U.S. citizens exempt from fee, but still need to apply)
-- Personal Expenses

Financial aid should apply, but you are recommended to discuss aid with your financial aid counselor when planning your study abroad.

NOTE:
If a student applies and is accepted into a direct exchange program and then drops out of the program,the $350 administrative fee is non-refundable. In addition, program fees are subject to change.

ELIGIBILITY:
This program is open to Mason students ONLY. Students must have completed at least 45 credits at the time of departure and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Students should not study abroad the last semester of senior year if they plan to graduate on time.

CREDITS:
Students may enroll in a variety of courses and may transfer between 12-16 credits per semester back to Mason, provided the letter grade received is equivalent to a "C" or above. The courses are transfer credit, and therefore will not factor into the GPA of the participant.

Students may enroll in any of Sophia's schools including:
-- Comparative Culture
-- International Business & Economics
-- Social Sciences
-- Japanese Language
-- Japan Studies
*All courses are conducted in English.

HOUSING:
Students are housed with Japanese students in dorms, all of which are off-campus. Single-sex housing is available, on a limited basis. Other apartment style facilities available for rent through outside agencies. Home stays can be arranged through Japan Travel Bureau.

If arranged in advance, students can be met at the airport and escorted to accommodations by Sophia students upon arrival in Tokyo.

Contact

Email Daria Stepanova or call (703) 993-2154


APPLICATION DEADLINES:
Now accepting online applications!
Fall Semester: March 8
Spring Semester: October 1


Downloadable Documents
HOUSING INFO

DEPARTMENTS AND COURSES

ACADEMIC CALENDAR

APPLICATION CHECKLIST