SAU Tokyo Christian University

Offered Fall semester

Open to all majors with a GPA of 3.0 or higher by application. Ideal for Global Studies, International Business and Missions majors and minors.

Activities

Spend Fall semester just outside Tokyo, Japan, at Tokyo Christian University, situated in a green zone next to a park with ponds. Worship and serve in local Japanese, Korean-speaking, Chinese-speaking and/or English-speaking churches. Take five to seven field trips throughout Japan, including the Nikko World Heritage site, Boso no Mura, Tokyo and a Japanese inn and sauna. Possible excursion to Kyoto and Nara at extra cost.

Sundays, travel into Tokyo to worship at the church of your choice and spend the rest of the day enjoying Tokyo (extra cost). Volunteer at the Nishimura kindergarten near the campus of TCU during free time.

Curriculum

Students will take COR 374 by tutorial (fee applies) the spring semester prior to spending fall semester in Japan. COR 375 will be fulfilled by taking the COR classes at Tokyo Christian University:

  • Japanese Culture and Society
  • History of Japanese Arts and Aesthetics
  • Japanese Religion and Philosophy
  • Elementary Japanese Language

Accommodations

Experience dorm life with Christian students from Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, and other students from around the world, dining together in Japanese family style. Help with light chores in the Japanese tradition. Study rooms and most dorm rooms have Internet access. For more information, visit the East Asia Institute at Tokyo Christian University at www.tci.ac.jp/english/eai

Being in Japan has been the experience of a lifetime. I’ve grown very close to people from Japan, Africa, India and other places as we all share a similar program at TCU. Japan is a beautiful country, and the structure of the EAI program allows you time to go off campus and see all that Japan has to offer. TCU has been my very first international experience, and I have learned more than I ever imagined about cultures, people, ideas, and experiences! Classes are understandable and I had plenty of opportunity to explore Japan and build friendships with many people.

Demi Grivas

The SAU Tokyo Christian University East Asia program is truly a unique experience – ultimately a once in a lifetime opportunity. Never again do I think I will be fully integrated into such a complex and reserved society such as Japan. The TCU staff took great care to help all the international students through an understanding of the immaculate details within the community, culture, and city. Yet through all of this, the experience is fully customizable. During my time in Japan I went to over nine different districts in and around Tokyo and at least four districts completely outside of Tokyo. Along with exploring Japan, I was able to participate in a Christmas ministry, conduct several in-depth interviews with people from various nationalities about religion, politics, world views, and Christian communities, and I build relationships and connections that will last a lifetime. This CCS experience will stretch your soul and your smile as you explore yourself and the land of the rising sun.

Amelia Yacko
Busy evening Tokyo street with neon multi-colored signs

Travel Information

Health & Safety

This experience, like all CCS experiences, is subject to political and safety realities at the time of departure. CCS options can be physically and emotionally intense and stretching. Before enrolling, all participants should consult the disclosures on Physical Hardships of CCS.

Covid shots are required by Japan as of December 2022. For more details on required immunizations consult the immunizations chart.

Trip Costs

Your financial aid package applies to this program. Also, any university discount for which a student is eligible can be applied to the cost of the airfare and direct program costs.

NOTE: Students who are Pell Grant recipients and U.S. citizens may apply for the Gilman Scholarship (up to $8,000). Students receiving need-based aid may apply for the Freeman-ASIA Scholarship. Attend a Gilman workshop with the CCS Director to learn how to apply for the scholarship.

To learn your next steps toward participating in this program, get an application from the CCS office and attend an SAU Semester workshop for important details in your planning.

Passport and immunizations required (both at additional cost); visa required.

CCS program costs do not include: tuition, passport, immunizations, or the $150 study away fee.

DUE JULY 1 the summer before travel: SAU tuition plus SAU standard room and board will cover all TCU semester direct costs.

In addition, students pay:

  • Nominal Japanese visa charge
  • Nominal airport transfers Narita airport to TCU to Narita airport
  • Local cell phone rental and minutes
  • Meals when the dining commons is closed
  • Personal travel on Sundays to Tokyo
  • Personal travel costs not included in the EAI excursions

CCS trips are not guaranteed and are subject to change.