Tokyo International University: A Hub for Global Education
Tokyo International University (TIU), a private, research-oriented liberal arts university, stands as a dynamic center for international education in Japan. Founded in 1965, TIU has evolved into a diverse learning community with a strong emphasis on fostering global-minded individuals. With two campuses, one in Kawagoe and the other in Ikebukuro, TIU offers a range of programs catering to both Japanese and international students. Of the 7,000 students on campus approximately 1,200 are international students from over 60 countries.
History and Evolution
TIU's journey began in 1965 when Taizō Kaneko established it as the International College of Commerce (Kokusai Shōka Daigaku). Recognizing the growing need for international education, the institution was raised to university status as Tokyo International University in 1986, adopting the motto "nurturing truly international-minded people". In 2014, TIU launched the English Track (E-Track) Program, further solidifying its commitment to global education.
Campuses
TIU operates two campuses:
Kawagoe Campus: Located in Kawagoe, a city northwest of Tokyo, the Kawagoe campus provides a conducive learning environment away from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis. All classes for Japan Studies Program (JSP) and English Track Program (E-Track) students are held here. The campus is also home to the English and Japanese Plazas, as well as a library, computer lab, and auditorium. Campus 2, featuring more faculty facilities, is just a 10-minute walk from Campus 1. Dormitories for E-Track students are located on/near Campus 2. Kawagoe is a Tokyo suburb. This provides students with a quiet and conducive environment to study in.
Ikebukuro Campus: In 2023, Tokyo International University established a new Global Campus in Ikebukuro, a bustling hub in central Tokyo. This campus hosts the university's international programs and educational globalization functions. The land where the Ikebukuro campus was built was acquired through a bidding process to redevelop the Tokyo Mint Bureau site, following the Mint's relocation to Saitama in 2012. TIU's plan won this competition. The new campus is directly linked to the Kawagoe Campus via the Tobu Tojo Line as well as the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line. The university is planning to relocate half of the student body (roughly 3,500 of 7,000 students), and amongst those 3,500 students, the aim is 2,000 international students from over 100 countries.
Read also: Global Talent in Tokyo
Academic Programs
Tokyo International University offers a diverse range of programs, including:
English Track Program (E-Track): Launched in 2014, the E-Track Program provides both Japanese and international students with the opportunity to pursue bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in an all-English curriculum. This program enables students to cultivate a broad educational background and deepen their knowledge in their academic field. Under TIU’s E-Track Program, you can pursue your Bachelor’s Degree in Japan conducted in 100% English. The E-Track Program enables students to cultivate a broad educational background and deepen their knowledge in their academic field. Among the activities to be transferred to Ikebukuro will be the English-Track programme which since 2014 has offered four-year undergraduate degrees, also including mandatory Japanese language classes, in international relations and business economics. A master's in digital marketing and business was introduced in 2018 while new courses offered in 2019 include information technology and entrepreneurial business. There are plans for a Global Sports Programme.
Japan Studies Program (JSP): Established in 1989, the JSP is designed for students to complete their semester with a higher level of Japanese complemented by a deeper understanding of the social life and culture of Japan. The JSP curriculum is dynamic and flexible, meeting the needs of students from a wide range of backgrounds. JSP offers Japanese language courses as well as English-based electives on Japanese culture, history, and traditions. The JSP’s classes are mostly centered around TIU’s Intensive Japanese courses, which come to 8 credits per semester. Also, during the Spring Semester, students are able to enroll in courses offered by the E-Track program.
Liberal Arts, Business Economics, and International Relations: Tokyo International University offers a range of Liberal Arts, Business Economics, International Relations, Japanese language and Japan Studies courses.
Unique Study Abroad Programs
Two unique study abroad programs grew out of a special sister school relationship between Willamette University and Tokyo International University (TIU): Japan Studies Program (JSP) and English Track (E-Track) direct-enroll.
Read also: Opportunities for international students
Japan Studies Program (JSP): JSP focuses on language and culture and is available to students with any level of Japanese language ability. Students take intensive Japanese language classes - three hours per day, four days a week. JSP provides beginning to advanced Japanese language. Students are placed in one of eight levels according to a thorough evaluation process. Elective culture courses taught in English vary each semester so students will need to consult the elective course schedule. Recent courses include Japanese Religions, Media and Society in Japan, and Historical Origins of Modern Japan. JSP students can also select classes from E-Track curriculum with guidance from their advisor. A Kyoto excursion is included in the program for JSP students. Note for applicants: All Japanese Studies majors or Japanese language minors (including beginning students) must take a Japanese course the semester prior to studying abroad. The JSP is available during fall semester, spring semester, or academic year. ATTENTION YEAR LONG APPLICANTS: If you apply for Fall and Spring, housing is not provided during the break (mid-December-early April) between semesters. You must make alternative housing and food arrangements, at your own cost, for the time between Fall and Spring semesters. Planning ahead will be critical for students considering an academic year.
J-Track: Students with fluency in Japanese language ability may be considered for direct enrollment into TIU Japanese-Track (J-Track) coursework. Students are placed in a seminar class based on their major and registered for 2-3 other courses taught in Japanese. Academic departments include Economics, Language Communication, Human and Social Sciences, and International Relations. Eligibility for this application is determined in consultation with Willamette Japanese and Chinese Department, Tokyo International University faculty and administration, and the Office of International Education.
E-Track: E-Track is available to Willamette students who are interested in a direct enroll experience with students from more than 60 countries. Students choose from courses in the E-Track departments of International Relations, Economics, or General Studies. E-Track students live in campus residence halls with other E-track students. The E-Track is available during fall semester, spring semester, or the academic year. ATTENTION YEAR LONG APPLICANTS: If you apply for Fall and Spring, housing is not provided during the break (mid-December-early April) between semesters. You must make alternative housing and food arrangements, at your own cost, for the time between Fall and Spring semesters. Planning ahead will be critical for students considering an academic year.
Campus Life and Facilities
TIU provides a comprehensive learning environment with various facilities and resources, including:
English and Japanese Plazas: Designed as multipurpose language learning centers, the English and Japanese Plazas offer a casual atmosphere for students to receive assistance with writing and language studies. The Plazas also fulfill the role of international exchange hubs, hosting seasonal events and activities year-round. This bountiful resource is jointly home to the Global Teaching Institute, and run completely by TIU student interns.
Read also: Your Guide to Tokyo University Admissions
Student Clubs and Circles: Past JSP and E-Track students have joined TIU clubs and circles such as badminton club, street dance club, film club, photography club and others. Student clubs and circles: past JSP students have joined TIU clubs and circles such as Taiko club, Soccer Circle, Basketball Circle, Kendo Club, Taido Club, Photography Club, Movie Circle, Tennis Club, American Football Club, and others.
On-Campus Dormitories: In order to foster a safe and comfortable learning environment, TIU operates on-campus dormitories for students coming to Japan for the first time.
ISEP Exchange Program: For all approved programs for guaranteed financial aid transferability, students pay their Lake Forest College tuition plus a program fee.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
TIU offers various scholarships and financial aid opportunities to support students in their academic pursuits:
Marybeth Fossati Japanese Studies Scholarship: This scholarship encourages Willamette students to study abroad in Japan and experience cultural difference. Scholarship awards range from $250-$1000. Eligible students must be participating in a WU Sponsored Study Abroad program at TIU in Japan. Semester and year program participants are eligible. Financial need may be considered, but it is not a requirement.
Bridging Scholarship: Scholarships for students going to Japan from the Association of Teachers of Japanese. Award cycles for fall and spring programs.
JASSO: This scholarship is allocated for students studying at specific Japanese universities on a yearly basis. It is available for Willamette students going on the JSP program on an very infrequent basis.
TIU Tuition Reduction Scholarship: Anyone, including Japanese nationals, applying for the English Track Program is eligible to apply for the TIU tuition reduction scholarship at the time of application. Applicants who were granted a scholarship would have a reduction level applied to their tuition. The amount of tuition reduction awarded ranges from 30% to 100%. However, the reduction will not be applied to the enrolment fee and facility fee. All applicants are required to declare if they wish to apply for the TIU tuition reduction scholarship by selecting ‘YES’ or ‘NO’ on the application page. If you select ‘YES’, state your reason for applying to the scholarship (up to 100 words).
Institute for International Strategy (IIS)
TIU has an affiliated think tank, the Institute for International Strategy. The IIS was founded to conduct interdisciplinary research on issues of strategic international importance from global and Japanese perspectives. It has established an international and local network of researchers and practitioners in the many fields of international affairs - politics, diplomacy and security, business and economics, and public policy. The Institute’s International Relations faculty host the Global Dialogue visiting speaker series. Recent guest speakers include Daniel R.
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