Sarah Lawrence College

Study Away in Japan

Bustling street in Japan with colorful signs, lanterns, and a prominent tower in the background. People walk along the lively pathway.

Explore the unique opportunity to study at one of two universities in Japan: Tsuda University in Tokyo, which is a women's college; and Kansai Gaidai University in Osaka, which is co-ed.

  • About the University

    Kansai Gaidai is a private university located near Osaka, Japan. The Asian Studies program at Kansai Gaidai welcomes more than 600 students from over 40 countries.

    Academic Program

    Sarah Lawrence students will join the Asian Studies program, dedicated to exploring Japanese and Asian studies through the classroom and interaction with the local community.

    Japanese language courses range from the introductory through the advanced levels. Previous Japanese language training is not required. Students will select electives from a variety of course offerings relevant to Japan and Asia. All electives are taught in English.

    Living in Osaka

    Kansai Gaidai University is located in the city of Hirakata, midway between the ancient capital of Kyoto and the dynamic business center of Osaka. These geographic advantages are extensively utilized in the Asian Studies Program through field trips, independent research, and/or case studies.

    Housing

    Students have two housing options:

    Residence Halls:
    Global Commons serves as an international residence with approximately 50 % of its residents being Japanese students. The residence serves as a location for many cultural and social activities.

    Homestays:
    Students may also select to live in a Japanese home. Living with a Japanese family will provide students with an opportunity to develop their language skills and to participate in the daily life and customs of Japanese people.

    Tuition & Expenses

    Students are charged the cost of Sarah Lawrence tuition each semester.

    Suggested costs to cover meals, airfare, and personal expenses are available here.

    Application & Deadlines

    Completed application and don recommendation are due:

    • Fall / Academic Year Applicants: February 15, 2026
    • Spring Applicants: March 15, 2026

    Apply now

    Please make an appointment with Chris Olson in the Global Education Office to learn more about the program at Kansai Gaidai.

  • About the University
    Umeko Tsuda, one of the first Japanese women to study abroad, founded the all-female Tsuda University in 1900. The University has well-developed foreign-exchange programs with more than 20 institutions around the world. Sarah Lawrence students must have proficiency in Japanese language to apply.

    Academic Program
    Tsuda University offers high-quality liberal arts and social science education. At the College of Liberal Arts, students have access to courses in the Department of English, Department of International and Cultural Studies, Department of Mathematics, and the Department of Computer Science. In addition, the undergraduate program offers some courses in the area of Multicultural Studies/International Cooperation as well as Media Studies.

    Living in Tokyo
    Tsuda University has three dormitories on the Kodaira Campus with a total capacity of 300 students. Each dormitory is conveniently located near classrooms, cafeterias, and libraries. All dormitory rooms are furnished. There are fully-equipped communal kitchens with all cooking utensils and cutlery provided, where students can prepare their own meals in the dormitories. Meals are not provided.

    Getting to Know the Tsuda Community
    The following organizations assist students in acclimating to life at Tsuda and to Tokyo. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the following opportunities:

    BIG SISTERS:
    Visiting students will be matched with two Tsuda students to help with acclimating to Tsuda and student life in Japan. 

    PLUM PARK:
    Plum Park is a students' association that supports all international students at Tsuda. Students are provided with support for studies (language assistance, tutoring, etc.), adjusting to Japanese life and culture, and opportunities to get together socially with Tsuda students.

    Tuition & Expenses

    Students are charged the cost of Sarah Lawrence tuition each semester.

    Suggested costs to cover meals, airfare, and personal expenses are available here.

    Application & Deadlines
    Completed application and don recommendation are due:

    • Fall / Academic Year Applicants: February 15, 2026
    • Spring Applicants: March 15, 2026

    Please make an appointment with Chris Olson in the Global Education Office to learn more about the program at Tsuda.

These study abroad opportunities are open to Sarah Lawrence College students only. Students are charged Sarah Lawrence tuition and will pay all applicable room and board fees directly to the respective program.

Global Education at Sarah Lawrence

Sarah Lawrence offers outstanding international experiences as well as opportunities to spend a semester or year with select exchange partners. Students may also elect to study at other accredited four year institutions throughout the United States.

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