Nagoya University of Foreign Studies

What were the biggest cultural differences you experienced in Japan?

I had not expected the need for absolute quiet in public transit.

What is the best form of transportation within Nagoya?

Bus and Train

What was your favourite place to visit?

My favourite place to visit was Osu Shotengai. It was a little far from the university, but it was awesome place roughly an hour away that had cute cafes, cool shops, and overall awesome atmosphere.

Were there any special events, festivals, or holidays you would recommend others attend?

I heavily recommend going to the summer festivals, while you’re there. I also recommend going to both a smaller and more local festival and one of their bigger ones, as they both give a very different experience.

On average, what was the weather like?

The weather is both hot and humid on average, so be prepared with a uv umbrella as they do help a lot. If it does also rain, the weather tends to be hot and humid still.

Additional comments about Nagoya?

The university isn’t located in Nagoya city itself, but closer to the suburbs, so the location for the university is both quiet and peaceful, yet you’re still close enough to the city that you can easily go there after your morning classes.

Did you have a favourite course you would recommend to future students?

I recommend you to take intercultural competence, while you’re at the university.

Did NUFS provide the following?

• Airport pick up upon arrival - yes
• Buddy program - yes

Were the following provided in NUFS's dormitory?

• Bedding - yes
• Kitchen facilities - yes
• Pots, pans, etc. - no

What furniture was provided in your dorm?

Bed, desk, drawers, chair, cabinets.

How long did it take to travel from your accommodation to classes?

5 - 10 minutes walk

How much cash would you recommend students bring when arriving?

$100 to convert in the airport, you can use your card in almost all places or simply get cash from the atm after, it’s a little hard to find money exchanges near the university or dorms and the bank charges fees.

Which company would you recommend students purchase a sim card/e-sim through?

Klook

Do you have advice for how students should handle banking in your host country?

Banking can only be done through Japan post bank. NUFS will tell students all the details and help them set one up.

Any additional suggestions regarding costs?

In the first couple of months, I had spent more on transportation as I was exploring a lot. I heavily recommend that you get day passes for Nagoya transportation, if you’re going to be in the city for the full day.

What would you suggest students pack before leaving Canada?

Snacks that you enjoy, you can either keep this for yourself or it could be a good icebreaker.

Any additional advice for future students going to NUFS?

Use the student discounts for the Shinkansen if you can (you need to get a slip from student affairs) and use transportation day passes if you can and you can get transportation cards on your phone too.

Japan, an island nation located in East Asia, is renowned for its cultural heritage, technological advancements, and stunning natural landscapes. It boasts a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern innovations, with iconic attractions like Mount Fuji, historic temples, and futuristic cities like Tokyo.

Basic English is widely spoken throughout the country, particularly in major cities and tourist centers. Announcements on public transportation are frequently made in both Japanese and English, and signs generally include decipherable roman characters or an English explanation.

In Japan, there are many fascinating places that you can enjoy for free. These include such diverse attractions as beer museums, food galleries, hi-tech consumer electronics showrooms, cosmetics factories and television studios. With so many different places to visit there's bound to be something of interest for everyone.

Traditional cultural pursuits such as sado (Japanese tea ceremony) and ikebana (flower arrangement) are much more than simple pursuits in skills. They embody spiritual ways seeking the traditional values of wabi (elegant stillness) and sabi (antiquated elegance with calm).

Nagoya is the third-largest incorporated city and the fourth most populous urban area in Japan. It is the capital of Aichi Prefecture and is known for its industrial roots as well as its modern skyline. Nagoya is home to several notable attractions, including the iconic Nagoya Castle, the thriving shopping district of Sakae, and the impressive Nagoya Port area. The city is also renowned for its automotive industry, being the birthplace of companies like Toyota and Honda.

NUFS is a renowned international university with 140 instructors who are native speakers of foreign languages (over 50% of all instructors). NUFS was founded in 1988 and has been growing steadily since its establishment. Starting with only the School of Foreign Languages, NUFS doubled its offerings by establishing the School of Global Business and Economics in 1994. The Japanese Language Institute of Nagoya University of Foreign Studies was founded in 2001, focusing on academic exchanges with many overseas universities. NUFS continues on the path of innovation and development. It offers an educational style best suited to each student’s ability, talent, and goals.

Courses are typically worth 2 credits, and students are required to enroll in at least 14 credits per semester. Japanese language courses transfer at a 1000-3000 level, depending on your fluency. All other courses In the Global Japan Program transfer at a 1/2000 level for 2024.

Courses in English

Students can take courses in English through the Global Japan Program. The program contains a number of Japanese language courses as well as courses focused on Japanese business and society, language and culture, and hands-on experiences.

Language Courses

In addition to the Japanese language courses offered through the Global Japan Program, there are other language courses available including Chinese, French, Spanish, Korean, German and Portuguese.

Courses in Japanese

If students are fluent in Japanese, they may choose to take regular undergraduate courses taught in Japanese with domestic students. For more information click here.

Courses offered through the Global Japan Program are in the areas of business, social sciences, and Japanese culture and language.

Courses completed at a Japanese exchange partner will not be transferred back to the U of L on a course-for-course basis. Rather, students will be required to successfully earn an adequate number of equivalent U of L credits. Tuition is calculated based on the number of equivalent credits at the U of L. Course outlines must be evaluated to determine what equivalent U of L credit you will earn.

As of 2024, Global Japan Studies courses earn credit towards SSCI or HUM 1xxx or 2xxx only. Credit for Japanese language courses depend on your personal level.

You are eligible for this exchange if you are:

• A full-time U of L student
• In at least the 2nd year of your program
• In good academic standing, with a GPA of 2.5 or higher

It is MANDATORY to obtain a Student Visa from the Consulate General of Japan in Calgary. There is an application fee of CAD $57 (2023).

Before applying for a visa, successful applicants to NUFS must first obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) from the Osaka Immigration Office. NUFS will apply for the CoE on behalf of successful applicants.

Visit the Embassy of Japan in Canada website for information about the visa application process.

Consulate General of Japan in Calgary
Phone: 1 (403) 294-0782
E-mail: consular@cl.mofa.go.jp
Website: www.calgary.ca.emb-japan.go.jp

Office hours: Monday to Friday 09:00–12:30 and 13:30–17:00.

All applicants must call the office to arrange an appointment to apply for a visa and submit all documents in person at the Consulate General of Japan at Calgary.

For detailed information about vaccination recommendations when visiting Japan, please visit the Government of Canada's website.

It is MANDATORY for all exchange students to stay in campus residences at NUFS. NUFS provides three options for buildings.

NUFS International House (I-House)

• Cost: ￥35,000/month (2023) including utilities, ￥10,000 non-refundable application and maintenance fee
• Single fully-furnished rooms with private bathroom and free wi-fi
• Shared kitchen and laundry
• Bedding rental is available for a one-time cost of ￥6,000+tax
• 5 minute walk from NUFS

NUFS Global Village

• Cost: ￥35,000/month (2023) including utilities, ￥10,000 non-refundable application and maintenance fee
• Single fully-furnished rooms with private bathroom and free wi-fi
• Shared kitchen and laundry
• Bedding rental is available for a one-time cost of ￥6,000+tax
• 5 minute walk from NUFS

NUFS-NUAS Residence

• Cost: ￥35,000/month (2023) including utilities, ￥10,000 non-refundable application and maintenance fee
• Single fully-furnished rooms with private bathroom, private kitchen, private washing machine, and free wi-fi
• Bedding rental is available for a one-time cost of ￥6,000+tax
• 5 minute walk from NUFS

Arrival Information

NUFS operates a pick-up bus from Central Japan International Airport (Centrair) on designated arrival days. Departure times are 2pm and 9:30pm.

Students going on an exchange pay regular U of L tuition and fees. For up-to-date tuition information, visit the U of L's Financial Services website.

Students must obtain a Canadian travel and health insurance policy valid for their entire period of stay.

Additionally, it is MANDATORY to enroll in the National Health Insurance program. When visiting medical institutions, you will be exempt from 70% of medical and pharmaceutical fees by showing your National Health Insurance card. Students may register for the National Health Insurance at the local municipal office after completing resident registration at the office. The premium is approximately ¥2,000/month (2023).

For more information about National Health Insurance click here.

NUFS has a scholarship especially for exchange students to aid with the cost of studying abroad. The scholarship provides students with ￥60,000/month (2023) for the months students attend NUFS. 

Students must meet the following criteria:

1. Outstanding character
2. Excellent academic record
3. Good physical and mental health
4. Active participation in international exchange

For more information about the scholarship, visit the NUFS website.