Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I am not from a partner school?
Yes, Christian students from any accredited college or university are welcome to apply as visiting EAI students.
Students who have completed their undergraduate program or who are on leave from their university may also be eligible to apply for the EAI program. Contact eai@tci.ac.jp for more information.
What kind of courses are offered?
Each fall semester, the East Asia Institute offers four primary courses on Japanese arts, society, culture etc. from a Christian perspective.
EAI Students can add additional courses and/or ask to substitute other TCU courses for primary courses, from elective courses. This may be done without any additional charges or fees.
You can see more information here: EAI Courses
*The list of elective courses will be updated in March.
Do you typically recommend fall semester?
Yes! In the fall, students from other partner schools also join, giving you the opportunity to build great friendships. Additionally, we offer special courses during the fall semester focused on Japanese culture, art, philosophy, religion, and more. Finally, the field trips included in the semester bring your classroom studies to life.
What does the academic calender looks like?
EAI Fall semester is from late August to early December. You can see our academic calendar to see more information.
Can I extend the period of study?
Students may request to extend their period of stay after spending some time at TCU. You can choose to stay longer—either until the end of February (winter semester) or until early July (spring semester).
If you are from a partner school, please consult with your home institution first. Partnership agreements primarily apply to the EAI program in the fall semester and, for some institutions, exclusively to that term.
Do I need a visa?
A Student visa is required. TCU assists you in processing your application for the Certificate of Eligibility from Japanese Immigration office. Upon receiving the Certificate of Eligibility from TCU, you will apply for the ‘Student’ visa at the Japanese Embassy in your country. For more information, please see here.
How will I get to TCU from the airport?
TCU staff and students can meet you at Narita Airport and assist you in getting to the TCU campus if you arrive on the designated date. We will provide successful applicants with more details. The train ride from Narita Airport to the nearest station takes about 20 minutes.
What’s scheduled upon arrival?
After the welcome session and campus tour, various orientations will be held for new students covering academic affairs, field trips, dormitory life, church life in Japan, chapel, and more. Classes will begin after the orientation period.
What about course registration?
EAI students are automatically registered for the four primary courses (see EAI website for the courses) unless your EAI application states differently. If you have have already contacted the EAI office about course changes, you will be registered accordingly.
What kind of field trips are offered?
As a requirement of the program, EAI students will take part in five to seven field trips under the guidance of their professors.
You can find more information here: Field Trips
What kind of facilities do the dormitories have?
The men's and women's dormitories are three-story buildings with a capacity of approx. 100 students each. Dormitory rooms accommodate two students and are equipped with individual study desks and chairs, bunk beds, dressers, and book shelves (H175cm x W90cm x D30cm, 5 shelves). All rooms are air-conditioned and have Internet access. The electricity in the Tokyo area, including TCU, is 100 volts, 50 cycle.
In each dormitory, there are two kitchen facilities with a microwave, small oven, rice cooker, refrigerator, and cooking utensils. Each dormitory has bathing facilities (both shower and Japanese style “ofuro”), as well as a lounge with a TV. Each floor in both dormitories also has prayer rooms, bathrooms, and a laundry room equipped with washing machines, clothes irons and coin-operated dryers.
See more information here
Do I need to provide my own bedding and linens?
A rental ‘futon’ set (Japanese mattress, a blanket, a pillow, a pillowcase, and a bed sheet) is included in the EAI program fee.
Do I need to provide my own towels and toiletries?
Yes.EAI students are expected to supply their own toiletries (toothbrush, soap, shampoo, etc.) and other personal items such as towels, slippers, clothes pins, coat hangers, laundry detergent, etc. There is a store within 30-minutes walking distance from the dorm where you can buy these items. Expect to spend about ￥5,000 ~ 10,000 (approx. 30 USD ~ 80 USD) if you decide not to bring towels and toiletries but buy them upon arrival. We recommend that you bring at least enough items for the first few nights in case you cannot go to the store for some reason.
What about meals?
TCU has a fixed meal plan. Three meals a day on weekdays (except holidays) are offered at the dining hall. Meals will not be provided during the fall break in late November or on holidays and on holidays. You can make your own meal in the dormitory kitchen or go to a restaurant nearby. The EAI program fee includes a food allowance for the fall break.
What about computers and the internet?
Most students are expected to bring their own laptops. The wireless LAN system is available in the classroom building, library, and dormitory rooms. There are also several printers you can use through a wireless LAN system
How much money should I bring?
When I arrive
You will need some cash upon arrival to Japan for transportation and other fees (at least 300 USD).
Personal travel within Japan
Many of our students attend Sunday church services in and around Tokyo. Some students also enjoy trips into the city on Saturdays. Roundtrip train fare between TCU and downtown Tokyo costs approximately 3,000 yen (approx. 20 USD).
Extra spending money
This amount will certainly vary from person to person, but TCU recommends that students plan on approximately 5,000 yen (approx. 32 USD) per week for extra spending money.
Meals taken outside the dining hall
On average, a meal at a restaurant costs approximately 1,000 to 2,000 yen. (Roughly $7 to $14 )
What about phone service?
Wi-Fi is relatively common in Japan, but not as common as in some other countries. We recommend you consider having a phone plan while in Japan to be able to contact someone in case of emergency.
Nowadays, there are various options for mobile phone services in Japan. Below are some examples. You can also refer to the Guide to Japan by Japan Airlines.
① Contact your phone provider for plans available in Japan.
② Order a sim card before/after arriving in Japan.
(Examples)
What is the weather like?
Inzai City, where TCU is located, has very hot summers with high humidity and mild winters without much snow.
What is the TCU dress code?
Most students dress very casually. But you need to be able to "dress up" for church and some school functions: a suit or coat, tie, and slacks for men, a dress or pant suit for women. Students from countries with other formal attire are encouraged to bring their own traditional dress for special occasions.