Japan
Hokkai-Gakuen University Student Exchange
Read an Exchange Student’s Point-of-View
- Language of Instruction: Japanese
- Semester Dates:Mid-April to Mid-July
Mid-September to Mid-December - Tuition expenses: Tuition fees are paid to the University of Lethbridge according to the current fee schedule
- Airfare expenses: Airfare Paid by the student (approx. $1500-$2000 return). Students may qualify for scholarships that are available to assist with travel costs.
- Rent expenses:Paid by the student (approx. $360/month for shared accommodations). Subsidy may be available.
- Website: http://www.hokkai-s-u.ac.jp/english/index.html
- Additional Information: Functional knowledge of Japanese required. Intake in Session I (April) only.
Course Options: Visit the International Centre for Students for details on courses that you may study. Note: As language of instruction is Japanese, it is recommended that applicants have completed JAPA 2000 or equivalent prior to departure.
Hokkai Gakuen University: The University of Lethbridge has enjoyed a reciprocal relationship with Hokkai Gakuen University for the past 20 years. In true Japanese fashion, our exchange students are treated extremely well, and experience a broad range of Japanese traditional cultural activities during their stay in Japan. The university has faculties in Humanities, Economics, Law, Business Administration, and Engineering. The university boasts an enjoyable campus life where students may develop lasting friendships with other students and professors of diverse backgrounds and specialties.
Accommodations: Students are assisted with finding accommodations, usually a shared apartment with other students. In some circumstances, exchange students may be eligible for subsidized housing.
Sapporo: Sapporo is the fifth largest city in Japan, with 1.8 million residents. Sapporo's climate is characterized by refreshing summers and cold, snowy winters. There are four distinct seasons, and cumulative snowfall reaches five meters in winter. Few cities at this latitude see such heavy snowfall.
Since 1986, students from Hokkai-Gakuen and the U of L have visited in alternating years for a month in the summer.
This exchange is believed to be the longest running Japanese-Canadian exchange program of its kind. While in Lethbridge, Japanese students receive English language training and experience Canadian culture and heritage.
In Japan, Canadian students spend the morning in Japanese language training and lectures on various topics of Japanese life. In the afternoon the students are exposed to Japanese cultural exploration activities ranging from crafts like origami, calligraphy, pottery to judo and kendo demonstrations.
Further Information: For further information, visit the International Centre for Students at the University of Lethbridge in SU047 or email us at international@uleth.ca
Interview with Hokkai Gakuen Exchange Participants can be viewed by the following 3 ways: