Read this guide and get ready for life as a student in Japan!

What to do with this guide: Read it over now Take it with you to Ritsumeikan Keep it close by when you arrive in Japan

Study in Kyoto Program

2021 Fall Pre-Arrival Guide

Yokoso! Welcome to Ritsumeikan University! Whether you are at the Kinugasa (Kyoto) or Osaka Ibaraki Campus, you have chosen a wonderful place to study. Although amid a global pandemic, we hope your time with us will be an enjoyable experience! It is natural to feel a little nervous when preparing to leave home or when you first arrive in Japan.

Life at Ritsumeikan University (RU) may be different to what you are used to. We, the SKP staff, are here to support you and help you feel comfortable so you can realize your goals and excel in your studies.

[Important] Regarding the SKP 2021 Fall Semester

1. The Japanese government is currently suspending new entry to Japan. If the entry ban (Denial of permission to entry) is lifted in the future, border enforcement measures and quarantine measures may be updated. As such, documents to be submitted and actions to take before/during/after entry to Japan may also change. We (or other RU staff) will inform SKP students if new announcements are made, but please be sure to check your nearest embassy/consulate website for new information.

Latest Information on Procedures for Traveling to Japan < Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan > • Application for Visa for foreign nationals eligible for Phased Measures toward Resuming

Cross-Border Travel • Border enforcement measures to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) < Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare > • New Border Enforcement Measures

2. We are applying for the Certificates of Eligibility (COE) needed for your visa application.

However, it is still uncertain when or if the COE will be issued. Depending on when the Japanese Ministry of Justice issues the COEs, there is a possibility of late arrival to Japan. Also, even if your COE is issued, there is a possibility that new visa issuance will be suspended and you may not be able to enter Japan to participate in the program. We recommend that you check your course plan/ graduation plan and prepare a back-up plan in case you will not be able to come to Japan to attend the program for any reason. As visa application and visa issuance information differs by country/region, please contact the “Japan Visa Information Hotline” provided on the website of each Japanese embassy and consulate.

3. Final decisions regarding the SKP 2021 Fall Semester class format (i.e., face-to-face, online, or

in a hybrid format) will be made in September. If it is determined that face-to-face classes can be conducted in the country, please note that some courses may offer face-to-face classes only. Also, please note that even though you are in Japan, there may be a possibility that all classes will be held online if the COVID-19 situation in Japan worsens.

< If 2021 Fall Semester Classes Are to Be Held Online > If 2021 Fall Semester classes are to be held online, please check the following information.

◆ IJL Track and OSE Track Japanese Language Courses IJL Japanese classes and OSE Japanese classes will generally be live streamed in Japan time (i.e., Japan Standard Time).

◆ OSE Track and Business Track Courses Offered in English The class format for SKP 2021 Fall Semester OSE Track and Business Track courses offered in English will also be decided in September. If the situation in Japan allows face-to-face classes to be held, some courses may only offer face-to-face classes with no online classes. If classes will be held online, they will generally be live streamed or provided as archived videos.

Class Periods By Time Zone

UTC+09:00

Japan

Standard Time

UTC+0

London, etc.

UTC+01:00

Paris, etc.

UTC-08:00

L.A., etc.

UTC-5:00

Washington,

D.C., etc.

UTC+08:00

Singapore,

etc.

1st Period 9:00 - 10:30 0:00-1:30 1:00-2:30 16:00-17:30 19:00-20:30 8:00-9:30

2nd Period 10:45 - 12:15 1:45-3:15 2:45-4:15 17:45-19:15 20:45-22:15 9:45-11:15

Lunch 12:15 - 12:55 3:15-3:55 4:15-4:55 19:15-19:55 22:15-22:55 11:15-11:55

3rd Period 12:55 - 14:25 3:55-5:25 4:55-6:25 19:55-21:25 22:55-0:25 11:55-13:25

4th Period 14:40 - 16:10 5:40-7:10 6:40-8:10 21:40-23:10 0:40-2:10 13:40-15:10

5th Period 16:20 - 17:50 7:20-8:50 8:20-9:50 23:20-0:50 2:20-3:50 15:20-16:50

Grade Evaluation Methods

< IJL Track > Class attendance, in-class performance (including tests) and assignment submission in IJL Japanese courses are very important criteria for determining whether credits are to be awarded. If the attendance rate of a student falls below 2/3 of the total number of classes, the student will not be able to complete the course and will not receive credits. Also, please note that RU academic transcripts will not show failed courses. Syllabus Example

Japanese Level I Comprehensive Class Syllabus:

https://ct.ritsumei.ac.jp/syllabuspage/f4/90/2b/00_pc_en.html Writing Class Syllabus:

https://ct.ritsumei.ac.jp/syllabuspage/f7/90/2b/00_pc_en.html Listening & Speaking Class Syllabus:

https://ct.ritsumei.ac.jp/syllabuspage/fa/90/2b/00_pc_en.html

< OSE Track & Business Track (BT) > We recommend that students look for courses they may be interested in from course lists offered in previous semesters, and check the online syllabus to check the grade evaluation methods for those courses. Please note that some previously offered courses may not be offered during the 2021 Fall Semester.

Course Lists from Previous Semesters: http://en.ritsumei.ac.jp/admissions/skp/course_lists/ RU Online Syllabus: http://www.ritsumei.ac.jp/acd/ac/kyomu/gaku/onlinesyllabus.htm Overview

< IJL Track > http://en.ritsumei.ac.jp/admissions/skp/tracks_of_study/ijl_ENG/

◇ Location: Kinugasa Campus (in Kyoto) (KIC) ◇ Class Placement: Students will be placed in Japanese language class levels from

Introductory (Level I) to Upper Advanced (Levels VII) according to placement test results. Class sizes will be kept small (i.e., approximately 15 – 20 students per class).

◇ Classes: 1 class session is 90 minutes long. Japanese Level I to Level V will have 8 language class sessions per week. Level VI will have 7 (or 9) language class sessions per week, and Level VII will have 3 language class sessions per week.

◇ IJL students will receive a fixed language class schedule prior to the start of the semester. ◇ Upon the completion of the placement test, students placed in Level VII can take regular

courses conducted in Japanese (though some courses are not available and approval by the college/ graduate school offering the course is required).

◇ IJL students who are native speakers of English or possess a minimum TOEFL score of iBT 68/PBT 520, IELTS 6.0, or equivalent may register for OSE and BT courses offered in English (depending on availability).

◇ IJL students may register for up to 20 credits per semester (including Japanese classes).

< OSE Track > http://en.ritsumei.ac.jp/admissions/skp/tracks_of_study/ose/ < Business Track > http://en.ritsumei.ac.jp/admissions/skp/tracks_of_study/bt/

◇ Location: OSE students – Kinugasa Campus (in Kyoto) (KIC) BT students – Osaka Ibaraki Campus (OIC)

◇ Classes: 1 class session is 90 minutes long. ◇ Students in the OSE Track and Business Track can register for courses offered in English.

However, for popular classes with limited space, enrollment may be determined by lottery. ◇ OSE and BT students may register for up to 20 credits per semester (including Japanese

classes). Important: Regarding Class Attendance Accommodations

At RU, the support and special accommodations students can receive (e.g., regarding missed classes, etc.) may be quite limited compared to what they receive at their home university. Please note that regular class attendance will be required to receive credits at RU.

Regarding Credits: At Ritsumeikan University, there are 15 weeks of classes per semester and each class session is 90 minutes long. Generally, 1 or 2 credits are awarded per course (though this may differ depending on the course). Please make sure to consult with your university regarding credit transfer calculations (i.e., credit equivalency) as well as the number of credits you are required to take during your time at Ritsumeikan.

< In the Event the Entry Ban is Lifted > Currently, new entry to Japan is suspended, but in preparation for the event in which border enforcement measures are eased, we are applying for your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) which is needed for your visa application. Please check the information regarding this below.

Certificate of Eligibility (COE) & Student Visa Certificate of Eligibility (COE) A Certificate of Eligibility is a certificate issued for a foreign national who wishes to enter Japan. The recipient will be screened in advance to ensure that they meet the requirements for entry. Submitting this certificate when applying for a visa, or at the time of arrival at a Japanese airport, will make the screening process smoother. Receiving Your Student Visa *Visa issuance for new entry to Japan is currently suspended (except for those with special exceptional circumstances). For the most recent information regarding visa issuance, please contact your nearest Japanese embassy/consulate. < General Procedures > Ritsumeikan University is currently applying to the Japanese Ministry of Justice for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) on each student’s behalf. Once we send you your COE and Certificate of Scheduled Enrollment, you must submit them with your student visa application and passport to your local Japanese embassy or consulate. Please confirm with your embassy or consulate in advance regarding additional documents that may be required for your visa application and how long the process will take. Also, please purchase your flight ticket after your visa has been issued. If you purchase your ticket ahead of time and happen to not receive your visa by your planned departure date, Ritsumeikan University will not be held responsible for any reason. You will be issued your official student residence status upon arrival in Japan and receive your residence card at the airport.

(1) Apply for the COE （Proxy Application by Ritsumeikan

University）

(2) Ritsumeikan University will send your COE and Certificate of Scheduled

Enrollment

(3) Get your visa from your local Japanese embassy or

consulate

(4) Come to Japan with your student visa

(5) Go through immigration procedures at the airport

Receive your official “Student” status of residence and

Residence Card!

AMARYS System In preparation for the event in which the entry ban is eased and new entry to Japan becomes possible, Ritsumeikan University will set up an online system called AMARYS. Through this system, you will be able to share progress of pre-departure preparations as well as report your daily health condition to the university for a duration of 14 days starting from the day after you enter Japan. Information regarding AMARYS is scheduled to be emailed to you from late July should new entry become possible. After receiving the information, please be sure to log in to the AMARYS system and fill in the required information and upload the required documents. Also, if current quarantine measures are kept in place, new SKP students attending the 2021 Fall Semester should note that they will need to cover the accommodation fee for the 14-day quarantine period starting the day after entering Japan (i.e., accommodation for a 15-night stay (16 days)) and the taxi fare from Kansai/Narita International Airport to the hotel you booked. Please note that there is no financial assistance available from Ritsumeikan University for these fees. What if I’m already in Japan? Please contact the Ritsumeikan University International Center as soon as possible. However, please note that it is impossible to receive a visa with “Student” status of residence while staying in Japan as a tourist. If you are currently in Japan, you will be required to return to your country to complete the process. Residence Cards Everyone planning to stay in Japan for an extended period is issued a Residence Card at the airport. The card is proof of your status or residence and it is your duty by law to carry it with you at all times. Please remember to take it with you every time you go out. When does my status of residence expire? Your “Period of Stay (Date of Expiration)” will be written on your Residence Card. However, when the SKP program period is over, your status of residence will become invalid regardless of the date written on your card. You cannot stay in Japan for an extended period after the program finishes. If you need to stay in Japan for any reason after the program, please talk to the SKP staff at the International Center beforehand.

Yearly Schedule (Outline) *¹

AY 2021 Fall Semester

Around mid-July Housing/ Scholarship results will be announced

From late July If entry to Japan becomes possible, information regarding AMARYS will be sent to new SKP students. Follow instructions provided at that time. Log in to AMARYS and fill in your personal information.

Once the COE is issued

COE and Certificate of Scheduled Enrollment will be sent out to your home university*2

Around August (Date TBD)

IJL students/ OSE students wishing to take Japanese language courses take the online placement test (ROJPT)

After receiving your visa Log in to AMARYS and provide your visa acquisition status/ flight details

From early

September Arrival in Japan (subject to change)

14-day self-quarantine period

Self-quarantine at hotel (for 15 nights (16 days) starting from the day after arrival)*3

From mid-September Move-in for I-HOUSE residents (subject to change) After self-quarantine period is over (within 14 days)

Residence registration & national health insurance enrollment procedures

TBD Fall Semester Orientation (online)/ Course Registration (tentative)

Sep. 27 Fall Semester classes begin

2022

Jan. 19 Fall Semester classes end

Jan. 21 – Jan. 31 Final Exams Period, Fall Semester

Jan. 31 – Mar. 31 Spring Break

AY 2022 Spring Semester

Mid-Mar. – Late Mar. Spring Semester Course Registration (tentative)

Apr. 6 Spring Semester classes begin

Jul. 23 Spring Semester classes end

Jul. 25 – Aug. 2 Final Exams Period, Spring Semester *1 Schedule is tentative and subject to change. *2 For exchange students, the COE and Certificate of Scheduled Enrollment will be sent to your home university. *3 The implementation and duration of the quarantine period may change due to the border control measures taken by the Japanese government.

REGARDING ACADEMIC TRANSCRIPTS: Spring Semester academic transcripts (April – July) will be issued after September 26. Fall Semester academic transcripts (September – January) will be issued after April 1. For exchange students who have completed the program, academic transcripts will be sent to their home universities. For those completing the program in July, academic transcripts are expected to be sent out in early October. For those completing the program in January, they are planned to be sent out in mid-April. (Please note that Ritsumeikan University does not issue digital transcripts. Also, transcript data cannot be sent via email.)

When Should I Arrive?

As you will be coming to Japan on a student visa, the current tentative period for arrival in Japan is from early September onwards (subject to change). It is strongly recommended that you book a flight that lands in Kansai International Airport (which is relatively close to the university) to limit the risk of getting infected by COVID-19, and also because the accommodation fee for self-quarantine and the transportation fee from the hotel to Kyoto/Osaka will not be covered by RU. A flight arriving in Narita will result in a larger financial burden. Please do not enter the country in August with your student visa. If you enter earlier than expected, your visa may expire before the end of your study period. For students planning to live in university-provided housing, the move-in period is fixed. For details, please check the Fall 2021 Housing GuideHousing placement results will be sent via email by mid-July. Once your self-quarantine period is finished and shortly after moving into your residence, you will need to carry out important procedures for starting your life in Japan such as residency registration. Therefore, as this period is important for preparing a smooth beginning to student life, please do not make plans to be away from Kyoto or Osaka, and take other precautions to prevent infection during this period. Also, if you are looking for an apartment on your own, the one address you will stay at for the duration of the program must be decided by the end of September.

Orientation Schedule (Online)

Soon after you arrive at Ritsumeikan, you are required to take part in orientation with other new SKP students. Orientation, including the course registration guidance session, is scheduled to be held online with details provided at a later date.* You will be introduced to Ritsumeikan University and the Study in Kyoto Program in more detail, and students will also have a chance to meet the SKP Buddies. During the orientation period, there will be a medical examination. This examination is a common practice in Japan, and all students, including international students, are required to go through it. The examination involves taking a chest X-ray. Some additional procedures follow depending on the student’s condition and medical status. For the X-ray, students need to change into a provided examination shirt – however, please be assured that there will be changing rooms. *The finalized orientation schedule will be announced at a later date.

Japanese Placement Test

IJL students as well as OSE students wishing to take Japanese language courses will be required to take an online placement test around August. Details including dates will be sent to applicable students by email.

Preparing for Departure

Clothes and Luggage Students are advised to bring clothing suitable for a wide range of climatic conditions as Japanese summers are often hot and humid, while winters can be cold enough for snowfall. Students in Japan usually attend university in casual clothing, but they are mindful of what they wear, such as skin exposure, when visiting places such as temples or hospitals. Please follow suit and be considerate. Please ensure that you only bring as much luggage with you as you are able to carry by yourself because some areas of Japan lack elevators and escalators. If you would like to send your luggage to the housing you have been assigned to, please time your luggage to arrive after your own arrival. Print your full name and room number clearly on any item you send ahead of time so that the dorm manager can easily identify it. Please be careful not to send luggage to the Ritsumeikan University address as the university will not accept it.

Voltage/Electricity Electricity in Japan is 100 volts. Outlets in Japan generally accept Type A plugs (flat blade). If your appliances’ plug has a different shape, you may need a plug adapter. It may be worthwhile to get one that is a combined voltage converter and plug adapter.

Narcotics & Other Drugs Both possession and use of narcotics in Japan are serious crimes for which you can receive a heavy fine and/or jail time, leading to expulsion and deportation! Please be aware that some drugs that are approved in your country may be illegal in Japan. Prescription Medication Keep any medication you are allowed to bring to Japan in its original packaging and write your name on it. If you need to bring medication with you that is not approved in Japan, you will need to complete a “Yakkan Shomei-sho”.* For details, please be sure to check the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare website. Travel Insurance Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Japanese government requires students to take out private medical insurance (including travel insurance covering medical expenses during their period of stay in Japan) before entering the country. Please be sure to submit the insurance certificate through AMARYS. Smartphones and PCs When you enter Japan, you are required by the government to install the location-tracking app “Overseas Entrants Locator” (OEL), a video calling app (e.g., MySOS, etc.), and a contact-tracing app (e.g., COCOA, etc.) on your cell phone or smartphone. If you do not have a smartphone, you will be able to rent one through AMARYS for the period of your quarantine. (Payment by the student will be required.) Also, as online orientation may begin during the self-quarantine period, it is recommended that you bring a PC or smartphone with you.

Arrival in Japan Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is strongly recommended that you arrive at Kansai International Airport (KIX) as it is the closest and most convenient international airport to Kyoto and Osaka. Please also note that the accommodation fee and transportation fee to Kyoto/Osaka from the hotel you will stay at during the self-quarantine period will not be covered by RU (and that traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto/Osaka will cost about 15,000 JPY). Be sure you have enough cash in yen to cover these fees as it may not be possible to pay with a credit card.

Arrival Procedures at the Airport (as of June 2021) 1. A shuttle will take you from your arrival gate to immigration and customs. 2. The quarantine process at Kansai International Airport for all arrivals from other countries is as

follows:

A certificate of negative test result for a COVID-19 test conducted within 72 hours prior to departure from the country/region of origin must be submitted. Depending on whether the country/region of origin is subject to denial of permission to enter Japan by the Japanese government, there are different things that must be prepared and rules that must be followed before and after arriving in Japan. Please be sure to check the most recent information at your nearest Japanese embassy/ consulate or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. 3. You will go through immigration (入国

にゅうこく

審査し ん さ

) before collecting your luggage. You will need your passport with a visa, completed disembarkation card, and completed customs declaration form. You will line up in front of the counter.

4. You will be issued a Residence Card at immigration. This will be your main form of identification while in Japan, so please keep it in a safe place. At immigration, you also have the opportunity to apply for a part–time work permit* (see below for more information).

5. Collect your luggage after clearing immigration. 6. Proceed to customs (税関

ぜいかん

). Please also have the address and phone number of your

accommodation with you. If you have not found an accommodation yet, please list the address of the hotel or hostel you will be staying at while looking for an apartment.

7. Exit international arrivals on the first floor. NOTE: You may not have internet access for a while after arriving in Japan. We ask that when you arrive at the airport in Japan you take a few minutes to call or email your family to let them know you have arrived safely. *The “part–time work permit” is officially known as “Permission to Engage in an Activity Other Than That Permitted by the Status of Residence Previously Granted,” which allows you to work part–time up to 28 hours a week. Additional details will be provided at orientation. If you apply for the permit at the airport during immigration inspection, the permit will be issued immediately. However, if you decide to apply afterwards, it can take a few weeks to process the request. If you wish to apply for the permission at the airport, please fill in the application form which can be downloaded from the link below. Please submit the completed form to the immigration officer when you enter Japan. Once you receive this permission, it will be stamped on the back of your Residence Card - please be sure to double-check this. (Application for Permission to Engage in an Activity Other than That Permitted by the Status of Residence Previously Granted)

Life in Japan

Housing Wherever you end up living, please be mindful not to make noise after 9 p.m. It is common courtesy to always be conscious of others, so we ask that you be conscious of those living around you and keep noise to a minimum while staying in Japan. Please note that the International Houses (I-HOUSE) are university-run dormitories. To ensure all residents have a safe stay, there are many rules at these dormitories that everyone is expected to follow. Food Many students eat at the university cafeteria where a meal costs about 500 JPY. Ready-made “bento” lunch boxes (弁当

べんとう

) are also available on campus. If you begin to miss food from home, there are also some foreign food stores around Kyoto and Osaka that sell a variety of ingredients. Resident Mentors/ SKP Buddies Several Japanese resident mentors (RM) reside at each of the I-HOUSE dormitories. The RMs are available to help you with any problems you may have and to assist in communicating with the I-HOUSE managers if necessary. SKP Buddies will help you get settled during your first few weeks in Japan and will be able to answer many of your questions regarding life at Ritsumeikan. SKP Buddies will arrange various events throughout the semester to help introduce you to Japan. Campus Facilities Students are able to use all campus facilities such as the libraries, computer rooms, and gyms. Additional information will be provided during orientation. Club Membership & Extracurricular Activities There are many different types of clubs on campus that students may choose to join. Joining a club and sharing similar interests with other Ritsumeikan students can make for a fulfilling study abroad experience. More information regarding clubs and circles can be found from the Student Affairs Office. More details will also be provided during orientation.

Banking and Cards In Japan, cash tends to be more convenient than credit cards. You will not be able to pay any university and dorm fees with a credit card. Personal checks are not used at all. There are several ATMs that accept ATM cards with the Cirrus or PLUS logos. Before you depart, please make sure to confirm with your credit card company whether you will be able to use it in Japan. We advise you to have enough money in yen upon your arrival to cover the transportation cost from the airport to your accommodation as well as living expenses for the first month. If this is not possible, you can exchange money at currency exchange counters in the airport, etc. once you have arrived in Japan. After arriving, all students will be encouraged to open a local Japanese bank account to which money from overseas may be transferred. Details on how to open a bank account will be explained during orientation.

Living Expenses (Estimated)

Expense One Semester (JPY) Two Semesters (JPY) Housing*1 Food (absolute minimum) Insurance *Personal Liability Insurance & Special Clause for Persons Living Alone *National Health Insurance *Academic Insurance

Local Transportation*3 Leisure Activities

200,000~ 180,000

About 13,500/year*2

9,000 650

35,000

100,000

400,000~ 360,000

About 13,500/year*2

18,000 650

70,000

200,000 *1 For OIC International House (Business Track) students, the cost is different.

Details will be sent to BT students in a separate email. *2 Students staying less than one year will be able to receive a partial refund before returning to their home country after carrying out necessary procedures.

*3 These are estimated costs for students who are commuting by public transportation. At the beginning of the program, you will have expenditures such as dormitory fees (1 month rent deposit plus rent for September and October), mandatory insurance fees, Japanese Traditional Arts Courses activity fees, and bus commuter pass fees. Also, rent for November will be due at the end of October. As you will need to pay these costs in cash (150,000~200,000 JPY), please be sure to have enough money to cover these initial costs.

Mandatory Insurances

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Japanese government requires students to take out private medical insurance (including travel insurance covering medical expenses during their period of stay in Japan) before entering Japan. The following are the mandatory insurances which students are to enroll in after the 14-day quarantine period. 1) Japanese National Health Insurance (NHI) Upon enrolling in the NHI, you will be able to receive medical treatment while paying only 30% of incurred medical fees and prescription drug costs. The remaining 70% of the costs will be covered by the NHI. Enrollment is mandated by law (approximately 9,000 JPY per semester). 2) Personal Liability Insurance & Special Clause for Persons Living Alone This insurance covers claims made against the student in the case that they inadvertently injure someone or damage their property in an accident. Students living in the I-HOUSE dormitories or private accommodations without fire insurance must also enroll in the “Special clause for persons living alone.” This provides coverage if you suffer damages in the event of a fire, flood, etc., at your residence. 3) Personal Accident Insurance for Students Pursuing Education and Research (GAKKENSAI) This insurance covers injuries sustained during university-related activities such as during class or while participating in clubs (650 JPY regardless of study period). Further details on insurances will be provided during orientation.

Contact Information

International Center at Kinugasa Campus

Ritsumeikan University Study in Kyoto Program 56-1, Toji-in Kitamachi

Kita-ku, Kyoto 603-8346, Japan

TEL +81-75-465-8230 (9:00 - 17:30 Japan Time (JST)) FAX +81-75-465-8160 skp@st.ritsumei.ac.jp

http://en.ritsumei.ac.jp/admissions/skp/

*Business Track students may also direct questions to the above contact.