Year In Japan

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The Year in Japan Scheme is an opportunity exclusively for St Anne’s students to spend a partially-funded year studying and learning Japanese at the Japan University of Economics, Fukuoka.

The programme began in 1999 and over 122 students have taken part since then. 

 
 
 
 

              A YEAR IN JAPAN 2026-27

 

 

The Scholarships:

  • – Between 1 and 3 St Anne’s students to spend September 2026 to July 2027 in Fukuoka, Japan.
  • – Scholars will attend Japanese language classes in the mornings.
  • – They will also assist elementary school students and kindergartners in English class and after school class, and assist and mentor high school students in their learning English at university-high school exchange sessions.
  • – Scholarships cover accommodation, breakfast & dinner Mon-Sat and three hours of Japanese lessons per day. Scholars will need to pay for their own airfare (College may be able to help fund a portion of this expense on a means-tested basis).

Location:

The Japan University of Economics is a private University on the southern island of Kyushu.  It is a 40-minute journey from the campus to the centre of Fukuoka, a cosmopolitan city of over 1.6 million people. 

Who can apply:

Final year graduates and undergraduates in any subject. Undergraduates are not permitted to go out of residence to participate in the programme; only applications from finalists will be considered.

Criteria for selection:

You should:

  • – Have an excellent academic record containing evidence that achievement has been commensurate with your academic ability.
  • – Have been good citizens of the College and University and be able to demonstrate having made good use, while at Oxford, of opportunities offered.
  • – Have the potential and dedication for acquiring a difficult language.
  • – Possess cultural sensitivity and personal maturity. 
  • – Wish to study the culture and economy of Japan and Asia in English.
  • – Be able to give appropriate and clearly articulated reasons for wishing to study in Japan.

How to apply:

We will hold an online information session for students who are interested at the beginning of Hilary term 2026. We strongly recommend reading the information sheet and attending the information session before applying. Please register your interest here.

Please submit the following:

    • – A brief up to date C.V.;
    • – A cover letter explaining your reasons for wishing to study in Japan and what you hope to achieve from the experience. This should include your year, subject and the name of your Personal Tutor (undergraduates) or College Adviser / Course Supervisor (graduates).
    • – Reference from your Personal Tutor / College Advisor / Course Supervisor. This should be sent directly from them to the internships email address (please ensure you give them at least two weeks’ notice to write the reference)

Please send applications to Christine Robertson at internships@st-annes.ox.ac.uk by 4pm on Thursday 12 February 2026 (Hilary term Week 4) at the latest.

The selection panel from St Anne’s will interview towards the end of Hilary term.

Christine is happy to answer queries about the scheme via the internships email.

 

 

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“We had four teachers for different aspects of Japanese language, each contributing their unique flair, from strict Japanese etiquettes to colloquial Hakata dialect. Cultural excursions planned by JUE included pottery painting in Arita and experiences with traditional arts like kyogen and kabuki. Witnessing Japan’s ability to preserve its rich heritage while fostering modern metropolises was truly amazing.
Despite living in Japan for almost a year and achieving JLPT N2 by the end, I believe my understanding of Japan is still just the tip of the iceberg. Japan is a mesmerizing place, and I am grateful for the sneak peek provided by the Year in Japan Scheme.”  Earth Sciences student, Year in Japan scholar 2022-23
 
 

“I can’t really recommend the Year in Japan programme enough. To be living at studying at a Japanese university only minutes of travel from the beautiful ancient temple site Dazaifu Tenmangu in a subtropical climate was very much a joy and a privilege. We were lucky enough to be taught Japanese (and to teach English) to citizens who embodied the hospitality and traditions of Japan and shared them with us through Japanese language and history. For students who had never travelled to Asia before, the programme was also a wonderful springboard for visiting other parts of Japan and nearby countries like South Korea and Taiwan to experience their own fascinating cultures. Living, at extremely low cost, in Japan is something that would have been impossible for me without this programme and I would not take back a day of the insights I gained by doing so!”  English student, Year in Japan scholar 2017-18

Internships