Language Requirement: Varies
Academic Standing by Program Start: Junior or above
Location: Asia, Japan
GPA: 3.0

Program Overview

Study architecture in Tokyo, Japan at Meiji University, one of the most prominent private institutions in the Japan. Immerse yourself in the dynamic city of Tokyo as you study architecture and urban design. Up to four University of Oregon students may participate in this program per year.

The most populous city in the world, Tokyo has a global influence on par with cities such as New York, London, and Paris. Despite being a modern metropolis, Tokyo remains rich in culture; one is just as likely to see temples and shrines throughout the city as major skyscrapers.

Graduate students: Graduate students participate in the International Program in Architecture and Urban Design (I-AUD), in which all classes are taught in English. This program has a focus on urban architecture and urban design. Download a complete syllabi for review and see a list of faculty for this program. Students in this graduate program will be based at Meiji University’s Nakano campus, which is a modern high-rise building centrally located in Tokyo.
 
Undergraduate students: Undergraduate students will enroll in the Department of Architecture within the Undergraduate School of Science and Technology. All classes are taught in Japanese, and thus this program requires a high level of Japanese proficiency for undergraduate students. Note: undergraduate students may be able to audit graduate level I-AUD classes with instructor permission. Students in the undergraduate program will take classes at Meiji University’s Ikuta Campus, which is a vast area situated in the Tama Hills on the outskirts of Tokyo. The campus has several advanced research facilities such as The High-Tech Research Center and Ikuta Structural Test Building to greenhouses and fields.

Note for Japanese passport holders: In order to be eligible for this program, you must hold dual citizenship with another country. Students who are only citizens of Japan are not eligible for this program.

Dates and Deadlines

 
TermYearDeadlineArrival DateDeparture Date
Fall/Winter Semester2025-2612/15/2024Early SeptemberEarly February
Academic Year2025-2612/15/2024Early SeptemberLate July
Spring Quarter20266/15/2025Late MarchLate July
Japanese Academic Year20266/15/2025Late MarchEarly February

The application process for this program is competitive: GEO staff will review your application materials, and a decision about your enrollment will not be made until after the application deadline. In some cases, an interview is required. If your program requires an interview, you will be contacted with further details about this process after the application deadline. Early applications are encouraged.

Successful applicants will receive an exchange nomination from GEO. Selection will be based on a holistic review of your application. This includes a review of your GPA, transcripts (including courses taken and in-progress), any additional requirements or prerequisites (see section "Additional Requirements"), and written statements. 

Applying for an exchange program involves 2 steps. If you receive a nomination from GEO, you will also need to complete the host university's application, which is administered and reviewed by your host university directly. Instructions will be provided after acceptance by GEO. The host university makes the final decision regarding acceptance into the program.

Discount for Pell Recipients

To expand access to study abroad, GEO is offering a $500 discount for this program to UO students who currently have the Pell Grant as part of their federal financial aid (FAFSA).

Course Equivalencies

UO students: please refer to the UO Course Equivalency Process and the UO Office of the Registrar Course Equivalency Database.

Non-UO students: Actual credit awarded is determined by the relevant department at your university in consultation with the study abroad office. Check with your study abroad advisor for more information.

Additional Requirements

Graduate Students:

  • There is no language requirement, but some previous study of Japanese is recommended in order to facilitate daily life in Tokyo and navigating a Japanese university
  • Open to graduate students in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or Interior Architecture. Graduate students from the UO campus in Eugene or Portland are eligible.

Undergraduate Students:

  • 4 years of Japanese language required, or level N3 on JLPT exam
  • Major in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or Interior Architecture

Housing Description

Exchange students live in several different dormitories. These include the Izumi International House, Komae International House, and Tokyo Girls Student House (women only). The dormitories are off-campus, and are located about a 10-40 minute commute from campus, as is very common in Tokyo. Some of the dormitories have a cafeteria and meal plan available, while others have a full kitchen in the dormitory so that you can cook your own meals. Depending in the dormitory, you may be living with international students or Japanese students.

Please note that if you choose to live in the dormitories, Meiji will decide which dormitory you will be placed in. You will not be able to change options or decline housing after assignment.

You also have the option to arrange your own off-campus housing, and Meiji recommends doing so if you are not comfortable accepting whichever dormitory Meiji assigns to you.

For more information, scroll down to the Housing Service section on this page.