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Middlebury School in Japan: Tokyo (Outgoing Program)

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  • Locations: Tokyo, Japan
  • Program Terms: Academic Year, Fall, Spring
  • Homepage: Click to visit
  • Program Sponsor: Middlebury Schools Abroad 
  • Restrictions: Pomona applicants only
  • Dates / Deadlines
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Language of instruction: English, Japanese Housing options: Homestay, Residence Hall
Areas of study: Anthropology, Art History, Asian Studies, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, English, Environmental Studies, Film, Gender and Women's Studies, History, International Relations, Japanese, Linguistics, Literature, Mathematics, Media Studies, Music, Philosophy, Physics, Politics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology Class standing: 1 - Second Semester Sophomore, 2 - Junior, 3 - First Semester Senior
Language GPA: 3.0 Program type: Direct enrollment, Hybrid
Language level: Japanese 1b or the equivalent GPA: 3.0
Program Description:


Once a small fishing village, Tokyo is now a major international capital of culture, economy and politics. With a population of 12 million, the contrast of Tokyo's history and modernity can be seen throughout the city and its wards in the fast-paced approach to urban life juxtaposed against its architecture, traditions, and landscape, all of which make it an ideal location for study abroad. Because of the suburban location of the School in Japan--in the Mitaka neighborhood, 30 minutes west of Tokyo--Middlebury students benefit from the advantages and opportunities of Tokyo while living and studying in a campus-like environment.

Middlebury's host institution, International Christian University (ICU), a non-denominational university founded in 1953, and with an enrollment of 2,900 students, boasts a national reputation for superior language instruction. It was the first liberal arts college in Japan and its academic offerings include Japanese language and literature, history, art history, psychology, linguistics, and international studies, among others. On-campus housing with Japanese roommates provides a personal view of Japanese culture and allows students to meet their Japanese peers through all student-run extracurricular activities and clubs.


Academic Program
All students enroll in the Japanese Language Program at the appropriate level (1 Pomona credit), a community engagement practicum (0.5 Pomona credits), and a Reflective Writing course (0.5 Pomona credits). These courses 
Student on stepsare all taught in Japanese, and students commit to follow the Middlebury Language Pledge. Intermediate students enroll in two ICU content courses taught in English (one must be in Japan Studies; 1 Pomona credit each). High intermediate and advanced students enroll in one ICU content course taught in Japanese and the Middlebury course taught in Japanese, Exploration of Contemporary Japan (1 Pomona credit each). Highly advanced students may replace their Japanese language course with a second ICU content course taught in Japanese. Students enroll in 4 Middlebury credits to earn 4 Pomona credits. Starting in fall 2024, students may take one Middlebury-taught course per semester on a CR/NC basis. Students may also take International Christian University courses on a CR/NC basis, subject to Pomona's CR/NC policies and procedures for international programs.

Living Arrangements
Single semester students will stay at Dialogue House, the international dorm, with a fellow international student roommate. Year-long students share double-room dormitory space with Japanese students. Students have several opportunities to stay with host families during excursions, and optional short home-visit programs are available during the term so that students are partnered with local host families. Pomona provides a meal allowance. 

Number of Students
Middlebury enrolls approximately 10 students per semester, selected from a national pool.

Host Institutions
Middlebury Schools Abroad
International Christian University

Eligibility
By special arrangement with Middlebury Schools Abroad, Pomona College students may apply for the program with a minimum of two college semesters of Japanese language instruction (1b) or the equivalent. Pomona College students with less than four semesters of college-level Japanese language instruction will follow an intermediate track with ICU electives taught in English along with Middlebury courses taught in Japanese. Students with four or more semesters of college-level Japanese will complete all courses taught in Japanese. All students will follow Middlebury's Language Pledge.

Faculty Liaison
Sam Yamashita

Travel Advisories


Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline (Pacific Time) Decision Date Start Date End Date
Spring 2025 09/08/2024 10/04/2024 TBA TBA