STUDY ABROAD SITE: Hokuriku University (HU), Japan

ADDRESS: Hokuriku University, 1-1 Taiyogaoka, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Pref., Japan 920-1180

INTERNET SITE: http://www.hokuriku-u.ac.jp

OVERVIEW: Located in Ishikawa Prefecture, on the Sea of Japan, Hokuriku University began has a pharmacology school (1975) and has expanded into a comprehensive university with major programs in foreign languages (established in 1987) and law (1992). The University’s International Exchange Center annually offers a one-month Japanese Language Summer Program to students from HU’s sister schools in Mongolia, China, Korea, Spain and the U.S. The 20 students selected participate in an international seminar to learn Japanese together, in addition to having field trips to sights around Kanazawa city and take culture classes (flower arranging, kimono, tea). HU provides one-way transportation from Kansai International Airport (Osaka) to its campus.

STUDY ABROAD DATES & REGISTRATION: this program is offered every July and lasts for approximately four weeks. Students approved to participate in this program enroll at HPU in SE 3020 (3 credits) during Summer Session II.

ELIGIBILITY TO PARTICIPATE: undergraduate students who have completed at least one semester at HPU with a GPA of 3.0, plus meet the language requirement (see below). Exchange program participants are selected competitively based on academic average, study abroad plan, maturity, ability to adapt to living/studying abroad and relevancy of exchange program coursework to HPU degree requirements.

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT: completion of at least one semester of elementary level Japanese with a B average.

NUMBER OF HPU STUDENTS ABLE TO PARTICIPATE: 2

HOST SCHOOL OFFERS COURSES APPROPRIATE FOR THESE HPU MAJORS: any major with open electives.

CLASSES AVAILABLE AT HOKURIKU: daily Japanese language classes (level is determined by exam, after arrival), 9:10 am to 12:30 pm, plus introductory afternoon classes on tea ceremony, calligraphy, kimono wearing, flower arrangement and Japanese current events.

HOUSING ACCOMMODATIONS: participants stay in Shoun Kaikan student dormitory complex and meals are taken at the campus cafeteria.

TUITION: exchange student participants pay HPU tuition for three credits. HU tuition is waived for exchange students. ¥65,000 is paid to HU after arrival for room/board, excursions and texts. Participants are responsible for the costs of visa application (if required), air transportation, one-way rail ticket from HU to Osaka airport, health insurance and personal expenses.

The current exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Japanese yen can be calculated on-line at http://www.xe.com/ucc/

CREDIT TRANSFER: HU credits automatically substitute for one HPU elective or other appropriate course, depending on the degree program. Prior to departure, a Memo of Understanding is drawn up for each exchange student explaining HPU-HU course equivalencies and other requirements. Enrollment in this course requires approval of the Associate Dean of International Exchange Programs.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Have a preliminary interview with Dr. William Zanella to review your HPU degree program to ascertain how the HU program may fit in with your academic degree plan, evaluate your academic record and discuss your HPU degree plan and how it ties in with your study abroad plans. If you eligible to participate in the HPU-HU exchange program following the preliminary interview, you then begin the application process to be admitted to Hokuriku University.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 15

VISA INFORMATION: U.S. passport holders do not need a visa for a stay in Japan not exceeding 90 days. Students from other countries may need to apply for a regular visitor visa through the Consulate General of Japan, 1742 Nuuanu Ave., Honolulu, HI (phone: 543-3111). U.S. Passport information is available at 522-8283 (recording) and on line at http://travel.state.gov

RECENT PARTICIPANTS:

2004: Walter Sanchez, Peru

2002: Alan Jiang Tao, China

2002: Jeffrey Sen Fang, Taiwan

2002: Jason Yumen, U.S.

2002: Jordan Chow, U.S.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Dr. William Zanella, Associate Dean, International Exchange Programs. Email: wzanella@hpu.edu Phone: (808) 544-1171