Japan Women's University in Tokyo, Japan

Mount Holyoke has an agreement with Japan Women's University for the reciprocal exchange of students for a full academic year, fall and spring semesters. The number of exchange places available is limited, and depends on whether JWU will have a student wishing to come to Mount Holyoke at the same time. Application for the exchange is open to all qualified students regardless of their financial aid status. 

Engage in a total immersion experience at a Japanese women’s university in the dynamic city of Tokyo. With fewer than 50 international students out of a university of 6,000 students, you will be fully immersed in Japanese culture. 

Japan Women’s University (JWU), ranked among the top private universities in Japan, has been a pioneering force in higher education for women in Japan for the past century. There are two campuses: the Mejiro campus and the Nishi-Ikuta campus. The Mejiro campus is located in a relatively quiet area in the center of Tokyo between Shinjuku and Ikebukuro. The Nishi-Ikuta campus is located on a quiet wooded hill only half an hour by train from Tokyo. 

Academic Program

• When Mount Holyoke Students can study at JWU:

  1. Academic Year: Fall semester (September – January) + Winter Intensive Japanese class (February – March) + Spring semester (April – August)

  2. Spring Semester: Winter Intensive Japanese class (February – March) + Spring semester (April – August)

  3. Fall Semester: Architectural Studies majors must choose this option as that is when Elementary Japanese and Architecture courses in English are available. You will need to request permission to finish your time at JWU in time to return for the start of the MHC spring semester.

Japanese language & culture

• JWU is an excellent choice for students wanting to make rapid progress in Japanese proficiency. Exchange students take 3 Japanese courses: in oral expression, writing, and vocabulary. Depending on your language ability and needs, you are required to register for at least 3 additional classes, either in Japanese or English with Japanese students. The Japanese class sizes are very small, with often just a couple students per instructor; this means that the classes are very customized and tailored to your needs. Additionally, you can take a 5-week intensive Japanese language course in February and March.

• Students who are proficient in Japanese may enroll in regular courses offered to degree-seeking students (course offerings include English, History, Psychology, Education, Sociology, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biological Sciences).

 Architecture & Design (fall semester only) in English

• New for MHC students starting in Fall 2026, JWU offers a fall semester elementary Japanese course and courses taught in English in the Department of Architecture and Design 建築デザイン学科. Courses include Architectural Design Ⅲ, Housing and Architecture Studies, Self-Building Public, and Sustainable Society and Architecture Design. In addition, students may apply for an unpaid internships at architectural design firms.

Living Arrangements

• Exchange students are guaranteed housing in a JWU dormitory, with a host family, or in a private student residence

Requirements

• Minimum GPA of 3.0

• Must have completed sophomore year (or at least three semesters, for spring entrants) prior to enrolling at JWU

• Architectural Studies students: apply for fall of junior year and have taken Intro Studio AND Environmental Principles or Digital Design (both preferred).

• Must have taken at least two years of Japanese language study. A high level of language proficiency who will be prepared to enroll in regular JWU courses.

Financial Arrangements

• Exchange student pays MHC tuition and JWU waives its tuition, if JWU has a student to come to MHC at the same time; otherwise, MHC student may apply to JWU as a visiting student and will pay JWU tuition

• Exchange student pays directly for room and hall fees, and is responsible for her own meals, as well as nominal university fees, round-trip travel to Japan, books, and personal expenses

• Students selected to study at JWU as exchange students who are eligible for need-based financial aid are guaranteed Laurel Fellowships; financial aid award will be based on total budget, including MHC tuition, MHC administrative fee, any nominal JWU fees, and allowances toward room and board, books, personal expenses, and round-trip airfare

• Students receiving merit aid (which ordinarily does not travel) may use that aid on the JWU exchange

How to Apply

• Submit Mount Holyoke's Request to Study Abroad in my.mtholyoke according to the instructions on the Deadlines page

• Students will be notified by the McCulloch Center if they have been selected for the exchange

• Exchange nominee will then complete the JWU application and submit it to the McCulloch Center for forwarding to JWU (students must also be accepted by JWU)