International Center

What We Do at the International Center

■ Study Abroad Programs for Domestic Students

Study abroad programs

The International Center offers an extensive range of study abroad opportunities for students: short-term language programs and study abroad programs during spring and summer breaks; long-term study abroad programs lasting one semester or an academic year; exchange programs at partner institutions; and intensive language programs in Japan.

Study abroad counseling with International Center faculty members

Students can receive counseling regarding study abroad programs and language learning from a study abroad counselor, who also teaches exchange/visiting students at the International Center.

■ Support for International Students

Academic support

The Center offers Japanese Studies courses to help improve students’ Japanese language ability and enhance their understanding of Japanese culture. We also have an "International Student Peer Support System" in which Japanese students support international students who have questions about Japanese language and culture.

Daily life support

The Center arranges orientation sessions for new students when they first arrive on campus, offers advice concerning residence registration while at the university, and assist with paperwork and other tasks prior to departure.

■ Cultural Exchange

Events and activities

The Center hosts Japanese/English speech competitions for international and Japanese students. We also organize various events to provide a platform to meet new people, make friends across international borders, and enjoy meals and games together.

Special seminars

The Center invites guest lecturers to enhance students’ language skills and increase multicultural awareness.

Pagetop

A Message from the Director of the International Center

Globalization is progressing rapidly across every field of society, from the economy to culture, education, sports, tourism, healthcare, and social welfare. In this environment, what is required is not simply a command of foreign languages, but the ability to build good relationships with people of different cultures and values and to collaborate internationally. To meet these societal demands, Otsuma Women’s University (OWU) offers a variety of programs designed to cultivate practical communication skills in foreign languages and a global outlook in our students. The International Center coordinates these programs and works in close collaboration with each academic department at the university to help match students with the programs that best meet their needs.

As of March 2026, OWU has partnerships with 45 institutions in North America, Asia, Oceania, and Europe, offering a wide range of study-abroad programs that go beyond specialized academic study to include language enhancement, cross-cultural understanding, and fieldwork and internship activities. That said, “study abroad” comes in many forms: programs vary in length, from short-term to long-term (six months or a year), and study destinations differ by country, region, and institution. Students’ goals for studying abroad also vary—some hope to pursue a long-term or exchange program based on a certain level of language proficiency, while others may lack confidence in their language skills but still wish to gain a wide range of experiences overseas. If you are interested in studying abroad but are not sure where to start, please do not hesitate to visit the International Center’s reception desk. We have accumulated a wealth of experience from students who once had the same concerns as you and took on the challenge before you, so we are confident we can offer helpful advice.

In addition to supporting students who wish to study abroad, the International Center also supports international students who come to OWU from overseas. We provide multifaceted support to help international students make the most of their time here, including academic support in their specialized fields in each department, assistance in improving their Japanese language skills, and efforts to promote interaction between international students and our own students. Through this support, the International Center hopes to create even more opportunities for OWU students and international students to learn together.

Finally, experiencing different cultures while studying abroad and interacting with international students help you rediscover the importance of learning about Japan's history, culture, politics, and economy. I hope that, through studying abroad and interacting with international students, you will not only come to know the world but also take the opportunity to reflect on Japanese society and on yourselves. To this end, the International Center will continue to serve as a bridge connecting our students with the world. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Madoka Sato, Director