Please keep in mind that Sophia University is one of UM's most popular partner programs. As such, there is no guarantee that all applicants will be accepted into the program. Late applications will not be considered.
Introduction
The coexistence of centuries of tradition with the highest levels of technological development in Japan is a striking phenomenon in our modern world. Students who participate in the Sophia University study abroad program can experience firsthand this fascinating mixture of old and new which challenges our ideas of social, economic, and cultural life. All classes except the Japanese language classes are delivered in English, therefore, students with little or no background in Japanese have the opportunity to be exposed to Asian culture and a range of subjects from Japanese business to Southeast Asian history.
One of the foremost of Japan’s private universities, Sophia University was founded in 1913. The university is committed to the trend toward internationalization in Japan through its network of international researchers and professors as well as its exchange programs with partner universities overseas. Sophia University is Japan’s leading university in the fields of international relations and foreign studies. There are approximately 10,500 students studying at the Yotsuya campus which is located in Chiyoda-ku, known for its luxurious residences, five-star hotels, shops, and restaurants. The many beautiful parks and gardens in this area provide a peaceful environment The university, which is adjacent to the Akasaka Palace, is a mixture of modern and historic buildings.
Disclaimer:
Due to the continued impact of COVID-19, applicants should be aware that changes to academic calendars may occur with little or no notice. Students are encouraged to either wait to book travel or book travel that allows for changes with no financial penalty.
Applicants should also be aware that processing of visas may be impacted or halted by specific countries. Failure to secure the necessary visa may result in inability to participate in this program.
Participants on this program may be required to self-quarantine prior to the start of their program for a specified period of time. Students are responsible for arranging (logistics and financial) their travel appropriately to ensure self-quarantine is completed prior to the start of the program.
Academics
Exchange students will receive their personal login ID at the Sophia University orientation after arriving in Japan, and register for courses on-line during the course registration period. Most students will take classes in the Faculty of Liberal Arts (FLA) which offers courses in art history, business, humanities, literature, religion, the social sciences, and Japanese language, culture, and society (all courses in the FLA are taught in English). Students also have the option to take courses in "Green Science," which has more of a STEM focus. University of Miami students are not required but encouraged to enroll in at least one Japanese language course (placement tests for Japanese occur during orientation).
Students can preview classes by using the Sophia University Academic Bulletin. Keep in mind that academic bulletins can be very extensive. Students should also use the Sophia Syllabi Inquiry Database to find individual syllabi and search for class offerings. In terms of credit amounts per class, typically one class at Sophia University is worth either 2 or 4 credits. Course registration at Sophia University will occur at the beginning of your semester abroad.
Following, is a list of courses taken by past University of Miami students at Sophia University. This list does not guarantee that a particular course will be offered during a student's study abroad semester, rather it should be used as a reference guide. Click here: List of Classes Taken by Past UM Students at Sophia University (1).xlsx
Academic Areas
Sophia University offers several undergraduate English-taught programs. The majority of students will take classes within the Faculty of Liberal Arts and the Faculty of Science and Technology.
Faculty of Liberal Arts (FLA)
Department of Liberal Arts-Centered around courses in Comparative Culture, International Business and Economics, and Social Studies, the broad interdisciplinary curriculum of the Faculty of Liberal Arts (FLA) is designed to extend the general knowledge of students while developing their critical thinking ability. A wide range of courses that are focused on Japan help students gain an understanding of both present-day Japan and its traditions in a global context.
Faculty of Science and Technology (FST)
Department of Materials and Life Sciences - Green Science Program-The Green Science program is designed to provide a fundamental knowledge of substances, and to resolve environmental issues at the atomic and molecular levels based on green material sciences.
Department of Engineering and Applied Sciences - Green Engineering Program-The Green Engineering program is designed to provide electrical and mechanical engineering skills that will lead to the further development of energy-conservation technologies, efficient power generation, transmission and distribution.
Japanese Language Classes
The Center for Language Education and Research provides multiple tracks and levels of Japanese language courses according to students’ needs and linguistic backgrounds. Students who wish to attend Japanese class can choose from regular track or intensive track. Students who have prior Japanese study experience will be placed to appropriate class level according to the result of Japanese placement test.
Regular Track (4 credits)-The regular track offers beginning, intermediate to advanced courses where 100-minutes classes meet four or five times per week. This course aims to focus on developing communicative competence through extensive practices by integrating four skills, listening, speaking, reading and writing. English is occasionally used for instruction as necessary.
Intensive Track (8 credits)-Intensive Japanese track, which offers four-level intensive courses at beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels, is designed for students whose main purpose of coming to Japan is to study Japanese. Classes meet for three hours a day through Monday to Friday. Fifteen hours of class time per week allow students to spend sufficient time to gain the high level of Japanese proficiency. English is occasionally used for instruction as necessary
Program Dates
The academic calendar at Sophia University is significantly different than at the University of Miami. Specific program dates can be found on the Sophia University Academic Calendar page. Typically the Fall semester runs from late September to January. The Spring semester runs from April to August. University of Miami students may complete a full academic year at Sophia University.
Due to an overlap of the Sophia University's fall semester with the University of Miami's spring semester, students who wish to study abroad at Sophia University in the fall are typically advised to only do so if they plan to study abroad at Sophia for the entire academic year (September to August). It is NOT possible to study at Sophia for the fall and begin the University of Miami spring semester on time.
Grading Scale
Sophia University Grade
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A
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A-
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B+
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B
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B-
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C+
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C
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C-
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D
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F
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UM Grade
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A
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A-
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B+
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B
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B-
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C+
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C
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C-
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D
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F
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Credit Equivalency
1 Sophia University credit = 1 UM credit
Housing
Sophia University offers 11 Sophia associated housing options for exchange students. While the facilities are run by private organizations, Sophia University will facilitate the housing registration. All dormitories are different in their cost, layout, facilities, and meal options. The commuting time between all housing and Sophia ranges from 45-90 minutes. Housing and additional fee payments, are made directly to the housing provider. The housing options are dorm style student residences with single or shared rooms and catering or self-catering options. There are also apartments and home-stay options. For a detailed list of the housing fee and housing procedures and policies, please visit the Sophia University Housing Information page.
Life at Sophia
Global-Network
"Global-Network," or more commonly known as "GL-Net" is a student volunteer organization runs various events for interaction of local and international students at Sophia. What makes"GL-NET" unique is that it is officially sponsored by the Center for Global Education and Discovery, Sophia University.
Extracurricular Activities
The are more than 270 student groups at Sophia University. All exchange students are welcome to participate in Sophia's Extracurricular Activities. For more information including the list of student club and circles, please visit the extracurricular activities website.
Health and Accident Insurance
All exchange students are required to join the Japanese National Health Insurance upon their arrival in Japan. The insurance fee ranges from 1,500-3,000 yen per month depending on your residential area. With the Japanese National Health Insurance, students pay 30% of the medical costs when they go to see doctors. Sophia strongly recommend exchange students to make arrangements for study abroad insurance or travel insurance in their home countries that covers emergencies other than medical costs overseas throughout their exchange period.
In addition to the Japanese National Health Insurance, Sophia requires all exchange students to take out Personal Accident Insurance for Students Pursuing Education and Research, which covers physical injuries due to sudden, accidental and external causes which the insured (student) may have while taking part in educational and research activities at the university (i.e. during regular classes or school events, during extracurricular activities reported to the university and while the insured is within the school facilities for reasons other than the above. Diseases are not covered by this insurance), and during commuting to school. The fee is 800 yen and the term of insurance is one year.
Admission
Serious applicants should plan to submit a complete, well-thought out, and comprehensive application. Students who submit a complete application will be granted an interview. Qualified candidates will be nominated to Sophia University, who will ask that students complete a separate application. Sophia University will make the final admission decision. Late applications will not be considered. Admitted students will receive an acceptance email and admission package which contain documents necessary for your visa application, including the Certificate of Eligibility and letter of acceptance. Students must have completed at least one semester at the University of Miami prior to applying for this program.
Student Visa
Students who are not Japanese citizens must obtain ‘college student’ or other suitable visa status in order to register for courses at Sophia University. ‘College student’ visa is valid for one year and should be obtained in student’s home country. In order to apply for a College Student Visa, the student will need the Acceptance Letter from Sophia University and CERTIFICATE OF ELIGIBILITY (CoE) issued by the Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau. As soon as the Certificate of Eligibility is issued, Sophia will forward the Certificate to the student's home institution. The student must present the Certificate of Eligibility, letter of acceptance, and a valid passport to a Japanese embassy or consulate either in the country of citizenship or in the country where the student's home institution is located.
Additional Resources
