EAI
The East Asia Institute at Tokyo Christian University
The East Asia Institute at Tokyo Christian University is a one-semester program that offers you the opportunity to
- Study about Japan and the Far East while experiencing it!
- Learn and speak Japanese every day both on and off-campus!
- Experience dorm life with Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and other international students from around the world!
- Worship and serve in local Japanese, Korean-speaking, Chinese-speaking, and/or English-speaking churches!
- Join in field trips that make your classroom studies come alive!
- Live and study in Japan at a fraction of the cost of comparable programs!!
2025 Fall ProgramThank you for your interest in the EAI program. Unfortunately, we have reached our capacity for the 2025 Fall program. Therefore, we are unable to accept any further applications at this time. We hope that you will still consider applying to the EAI program for 2026! |
Interested in applying for our B.A. program as a 1st-year or transfer student instead? You can find that page here.
Student's Voice
Elijah from Covenant College (2024 Fall)
I had the incredible opportunity to study at TCU during the Fall 2024 semester—a dream come true after years of longing to experience Japan. While I initially had fears about the language barrier, cultural differences, and being far from home, God’s faithfulness cleared every obstacle, making this semester one of the most transformative of my life. During my time in Japan, I gained a deeper understanding of cultural differences and the beauty of God’s global church. Visiting diverse churches and worshiping with believers from various backgrounds brought the words of Revelation 7:9-10 to life. I was also inspired by the unwavering faith of Japanese Christians, some of whom face opposition from their families for their beliefs. Their courage challenged me to reflect on my own faith and its strength under pressure. This experience taught me that God’s plan is always good and that His purpose will succeed, no matter how difficult the circumstances. I am deeply grateful to the TCU community for their kindness and support, which made me feel at home. The memories, friendships, and lessons I’ve gained will stay with me forever.
Sophie from George Fox University (2024 Fall)
I knew TCU would be small but I wasn’t prepared for how small. My university back in Oregon is “small” with roughly 2,000+ students so hearing that TCU has roughly 160 was a shock. That being said, I adore being at TCU! The size, the staff, the community. I have never felt so loved outside of my own home. TCU might be small but it has a very big heart. My time here is regrettably short as an EAI and I desperately wish my university would allow me to stay longer. TCU has taught me so much in my short time here, it’s taught me to be independent in ways I didn’t know I could be. I am so grateful to God for this opportunity to explore not only my faith at TCU but the ability to explore Japan. These places will hold a very special place in my heart and I will always remember fondly my time here at TCU.
Ella from Biola University (2024 Fall)
I came to Japan seeking a new experience, though I had no idea what that experience would be. I asked God to lead me where He wanted me to go, and His plan brought me here. I listened, followed, and I am far from disappointed. These past four months in Japan, and specifically at TCU, have been incredibly rich and fulfilling. Words cannot fully capture the happiness this journey and the amazing people I have met have brought me. I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything in the world. I truly believe this is why God led me here—to feel the love of so many brothers and sisters in Christ and to experience an adventurous life that is so wonderfully different from my home in California. To anyone reading this, I wholeheartedly encourage you to come to Japan and live among the students at TCU. You won’t regret it. I know I don’t.