Japan Center for Michigan Universities (JCMU)
Location: Hikone, Japan
Programs: Semester, Year, or Summer
About JCMU
The Japan Center for Michigan Universities (JCMU) study abroad program is a product of the strong sister-state relationship between the State of Michigan and Shiga Prefecture. It is located on the shore of Lake Biwa in the City of Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, Japan. Our programs are dedicated to building relationships between Japanese, Americans, and other nationalities through active learning and participation in language, culture, family life and society. JCMU has been welcoming students of all majors since 1989. Students do not need to attend a member university to participate.
In participating in this exchange program:
- All financial aid and scholarships apply
- You receive direct UM-Flint credit for the program
- Programs are typically one semester (students may spend up to two semesters)
Program Dates & Deadlines
Fall Semester Dates:
-early September to mid-December
Final Deadline to Apply:
-Varies (usually early March)
Winter Semester Dates:
-early January to mid-April
Final Deadline to Apply:
- Varies (usually mid-September)
Summer Semester Dates:
-early June to early August
Final Deadline to Apply:
-Varies (usually early February)
Program Cost
Tuition/fees and housing costs will vary. Airfare, passport/visa, local transportation are additional expense that will vary.
Language(s) of Instruction
Japanese
English
Area(s) of Study
Japanese Language & Other. To view programs, visit http://jcmu.isp.msu.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ListAll.
Eligibility
Will vary based on program choice. Visit To view programs, visit http://jcmu.isp.msu.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ListAll for more information.
Housing
Students can live at the JCMU residence halls or choose a homestay.
Residence Hall Apartments at JCMU: Student apartments are designed for double occupancy, each with a private bedroom/study and shared kitchen and bathroom. Each apartment is separately metered for utilities, including telephones, and the Housing Fee covers apartment rent, utilities, maintenance, and interim period cleaning. Students must purchase their own food from the local grocery story and cook their own meals, though a CoCo's restaurant is attached to the JCMU Academic Building and many students eat there for lunch.
Home Stay: Home stays with local families offer the ultimate opportunity to meet and interact with Japanese people. All students participating in a home stay will have their own bedroom and no home stay will be further than an hour's commute from JCMU by train and bicycle. JCMU will cover the cost of commuting on class days if the student needs to use a train. Home stays will include two meals a day, breakfast and dinner. The student is then responsible for lunch and any additional meals or snacks they may want.
Apply
View JCMU application requirements and download an application at http://jcmu.isp.msu.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ListAll.
UM-Flint students are also required to submit a separate Application for Exchange & Agreement and a Release Form and forms to the Office of Study Abroad.
