Nishihara, Okinawa, JAPAN

Okinawa, the southernmost prefecture in Japan, is comprised of about 160 islands and has a population of roughly 1.4 million. Throughout its history, Okinawa has been engaged in close cultural exchange with regions such as China, Southeast Asia, and Oceania, which imbued its culture with unique arts, ceremonies, and cuisine.

University of the Ryukyus campus map

Map of all MIX partner universities in Japan

This program is open to undergraduate students in all majors. Exchage students have two options for studying at the University of the Ryukyus:

Short-term Student Exchange Program (URSEP) - This one-year program offers content courses taught in English with basic, intermediate, and advanced Japanese language classes. The program provides a forum for international and local students to interact and to promote better understanding of each other as members of the global community.

Short-term Regular Program (STRP) - This program requires a fairly advanced level of Japanese proficiency. Exchange students enroll in regular university courses that are taught in Japanese.

Yes - the official language of URSEP is English, and the program is designed for students who do not yet speak Japanese well.

Courses in the STRP are taught in Japanese.

URSEP is a one year program that starts in early October and ends in mid August.

STRP is for the spring semester or for one academic year:

• Fall Semester: early October - mid February

• Spring Semester: early April - mid August

• Note: Due to the overlapping calendars, UHM exchange students may participate in STRP for either the entire academic year (early October through late July), or for the Spring semester.  

Exchange students may live in the University of the Ryukyus International House. The International House consists of four buildings, one of which contains private rooms for single students and researchers, and three that are for married students and researchers.

Exchange students also have the opportunity to live in the new dormitory, Shin-Konju-to. It is a place for international and Japanese students to live together. Other dormitories available are the male dormitory, Senbaru-Ryo, and the female dormitory, Konju-to.

Students may also opt to live in private off-campus apartments.

More information on housing options at University of the Ryukyus

MIX students register as full-time students at UH Manoa and pay regular UHM tuition.  They do not pay overseas tuition. 

- Students who normally pay in-state UHM tuition continue to do while on MIX. 
- Students who normally pay out-of-state UHM tuition continue to do so while on MIX.
- Students who normally pay WUE tuition continue to do so while on MIX. 

View UHM tuition & fees online

In addition to UHM tuition, MIX students are responsible for all of their living expenses, including health insurance, books/supplies, room & meals, personal expenses, airfare, local transportation, and any costs associated with obtaining a visa (if applicable).  It is recommended that you research online to get an idea of how much these expenses will be.    

Since you are still a registered UHM student while on MIX, you continue to be eligible to receive financial aid and scholarships.  If you submit a ‘MIX Student Budget for Financial Aid Purposes’ form, UHM financial aid will take into consideration your overseas living and travel expenses when awarding your grants/loans.  

National Health Insurance Program - International students residing in Japan for one semester or one year may be required to enroll in this program through their host university in Japan. Costs vary by region, but may be approximately $18.00/month. Japanese National Health Insurance may not be required if students purchase adequate health insurance in their home country.

University of the Ryukyus housing cost estimates

Visa Information - The requirements for visas vary depending upon nationality (citizenship), purpose of trip, and length of stay. As a rule, applications must be submitted in person to the Japanese Consulate. The Consulate General of Japan in Honolulu has a jurisdiction covering the State of Hawaii and American Samoa. If visa applicants reside outside State of Hawaii or American Samoa, please contact the Japanese Embassy or Consulate that handles visas for your area.

Once you have a valid passport and the other required documents, you will need to visit the Consulate General of Japan at Honolulu and apply for a VISA. The Consulate General of Japan is located at 1742 Nuuanu Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96817 USA. Tel: 808-543-3111.

If you are studying abroad for a semester or year, please be sure to apply for a “College Student” status VISA. It is a very difficult and sometimes impossible to get your status changed later.

You will need at least the following documents when applying for your College Student status VISA:

1. Visa application form with passport photos attached (download from Consulate General website).

2. Copy of Certificate of Admission to your host university in Japan. (This is a formal letter that will be sent directly to the MIX Office. You will receive an email when it is available for pick-up.)

3. Certificate of Eligibility (Issued about two months before your departure for Japan)

4. Your valid passport

Upon Arrival in Japan - When you arrive at the airport in Japan, you will go through an Immigration Inspection. Your passport and Certificate of Eligibility for Status of Residence will be checked, and your residence status and your formal period of stay will be decided.

Part-time work while studying in Japan - Exchange students who are granted the 'Student' status of residence may be permitted to work part-time (up to 28 hours per week) while in Japan, as long as it does not affect their studies. To apply for permission, please fill out an "Application for Permission to Engage in Activities other than that Permitted under Status of Residence Previously Granted" when you apply for your visa. More information is available at the Immigration Bureau in Japan website.