About Tokyo Metropolitan University

Tokyo Metropolitan University is the only university operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. It leverages a unique position to provide an education that nurtures human resources who can play an active role in responding to societal changes and to promote varied kinds of basic and applied research as well as research into issues in major metropolitan areas. These activities will contribute to the development of Tokyo and pioneer the global future.

TMU is committed to creating a community where a diverse group of individuals of different nationalities, cultural backgrounds, gender, age, and levels of physical ability study together in an atmosphere of mutual respect. TMU also provides opportunities for the community and people in and around Tokyo to continue their lifelong education.

TMU Summer Program

Tokyo Metropolitan University (TMU) offers students from partner universities with a 3-week program on intensive Japanese language and culture.

The 3-week program consists of Japanese language study, Japan Studies, Home Visit, Career Workshops, and field trips.

The Japanese language classes at three levels (Survival, Basic, and Pre-intermediate) are designed for those who have just started learning Japanese or want to accelerate their language study.

Target group:

Undergraduate students in good academic standing who will have completed 1 year of Bachelor studies by the end of Winter 2024.

Fees and costs:

SMU students pay SMU tuition at SMU via the banner account. The amount of SMU tuition is determined based on the number of transfer credit hours earned from the program.

The host university will not charge a separate tuition fee; however, students pay 140,000yen (approx. CAD$1,300) at the host institution which covers accommodation costs and course materials.

Students will also be responsible for meals, international/local travel, insurance, $100 study abroad admin fee and personal expenses.

Immigration:

Citizens of certain countries are required to apply for a short-term visa before entering Japan, while visas are waived for others. For more information, please visit the TMU website here https://www.ic.tmu.ac.jp/english/study_abroad/short_program_visa.html.

Questions related to immigration should be directed to the Consulate General of Japan in Montreal here https://www.montreal.ca.emb-japan.go.jp/en/consular/visa_menu_en.html.

Program website:

Please visit here https://www.ic.tmu.ac.jp/english/study_abroad/short_program.html.

Program Flyer:

Please see here https://www.ic.tmu.ac.jp/english/files/study_abroad/2024summer_program.pdf.

Photo gallery from 2023:

The theme of the 2023 program was food culture https://www.ic.tmu.ac.jp/study_abroad/short_program_report.html.

The theme of the 2024 summer program is the “Art of Japanese Language and Culture”.

Transfer credits:

Students may be able to earn credits to the extent that those credits are applicable to the program requirements of your SMU degree. Please meet with your academic advisor of your program (visit https://www.smu.ca/academics/academic-advising.html) to see if any of your remaining degree requirements can be completed at another university. If your advisor confirms that there is room for transfer credits in your degree, you will request approval to take courses for transfer credits by submitting a Letter of Permission Request Form (found here https://www.smu.ca/academics/student-forms.html) to the SMU Records Office as soon as your acceptance is confirmed.

Funding:

Available

How to apply:

Interested students should submit the SMU Exchange Program application* by February 15 2024 to the Global Learning Office.

*To complete your application, you will:

fill out your Study Abroad Application (https://studio.smu.ca/s/StudyAbroadApplication2021.pdf)
write a one-page letter of intent (Tip: book an appointment with The Writing Centre or ask if personal statement workshops are coming up https://studio.smu.ca/wc-student-tutoring)
print in pdf your unofficial transcript from banner and
prepare your resume.

Once you have all four pieces of application documents, upload them at the application link here https://smuniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_55UpfboKu5sImUe.

In addition to the above, please have two letters of reference emailed to Global@smu.ca. At least one letter needs to be written by your Saint Mary’s course instructor.

If you want to know more about what should be included in your letter of intent, or if your professor would like to know what to include in their reference letter, please refer to the Study Abroad Information Package found here https://studio.smu.ca/apply.

What happens after you apply?

If you are selected, you will be nominated to the host university by the SMU Global Learning Office, and the rest of the pre-departure steps will be explained.

Number of available places for SMU students:

Questions?

Email the Global Learning Office at Global@smu.ca.