Support
UCEAP students are supported by a network of people throughout the world. Your study abroad experience will be guided by trained staff who are there to support you as you prepare to study abroad, while you are abroad, and throughout the program. While on a UCEAP program, all student participants have travel insurance coverage and 24/7 emergency assistance.
On-site support
In western Tokyo, Japan, the UCEAP Tokyo Study Center is on the campus of International Christian University (ICU), about 40 minutes from downtown Tokyo. Located in one of the main classroom buildings, the center is easily accessible to students. Enjoy the scenery and relaxing atmosphere when visiting. The center is one stop away from the Studio Ghibli Museum, located in Mitaka. Staff members are fluent in both Japanese and English. A snack box offers standard treats as well as traditional Japanese treats if you want to try something new. Photocopying, scanning, and international faxing are available for a fee.
Talk to study center staff about
- Host university resources
- Volunteer opportunities
- Internships in the greater Tokyo area
Program Assistant, Tokyo Study Center
Teneal helps students with all the logistics of study abroad in Japan and is a listener for any student who needs it. She recommends buying a rechargeable train card and joining a student club to learn something new, make friends, and practice the language.
She says, “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes when speaking Japanese. Just try your best!”
Teneal hopes students will find their time in Japan an opportunity for self-growth and learning new life skills that will be valuable for their future. She wants students to have fond memories of their time in Japan so they come again.
Kazumi Onnagawa (she/her)
Tokyo Study Center in Tokyo, Japan
Kazumi helps students with day-to-day logistics and adjusting to life in Japan. She also helps them register for courses as well as find internships and volunteer opportunities in Tokyo. She recommends joining student and community groups to immerse in the local society.
She says, “Find a favorite ramen shop, café, and grocer, and become a regular. Your experience studying abroad in Japan will give you the confidence to face future challenges.”
Kazumi hopes students will expand their perspectives and deepen their understanding of the world.
Kayo Takahashi (she/her)
Program Manager, Tokyo Study Center in Tokyo, Japan
Kayo helps students with applying, registering for classes, and getting credit at their home campus so they can have a rewarding study abroad experience.
She says, “Studying in Japan offers many interests you may never discover if you stay at home. Walk in the parks regularly—you’ll be greeted by locals and feel like a local yourself.”
Kayo hopes students will discover themselves while gaining an understanding of a new culture.
Orientations
To help navigate the transition of leaving home and going abroad, you’ll attend various in-person and online events. At these events, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and meet the staff who will be supporting you while you study abroad. You’ll learn things like:
- What student services are available at your host location
- Where to find local health care
- How and when to register for classes
- What to do and who to contact in an emergency
- How to travel to and from where you live to classes
- How to handle money matters like opening a bank account
- How to use technology, including your phone, and get access to the Internet
On-site orientations may include a tour of the campus and other local sites to help you settle in. At orientations, you'll also meet other students (local, international, and/or from UC campuses) who will be part of your experience.
Students with dis/Abilities
Students with dis/abilities can and do study abroad. A successful experience is dependent upon careful planning, coordination, and communication.
Focus on programs that best fit your interests, academic goals, and career aspirations. You'll work with the staff at the disability services and study abroad offices on your UC campus. They can help you identify strategies to remain flexible and think creatively about accessibility and realities abroad as some international locations can be different than what you are typically accustomed to in the US. They can also help you get the necessary paperwork you'll need to apply.
After you apply, your UCEAP program specialist will coordinate with the institution abroad and connect you with those who can arrange for an accessible experience. If your needs cannot be accommodated at any point in the process, your advisors will help you choose another program. You will not be alone in this decision.