OPEN SPACE,
OPEN MIND

Study abroad / international exchange

Student exchange

Types of study abroad programs and support available

Our university offers two types of study abroad programs: exchange programs with partner universities and study abroad programs through our affiliated organization, the Study Abroad Foundation (SAF).

Exchange programs involve studying abroad at overseas universities with which our university has academic exchange agreements. The duration is typically between three months and one year, and is primarily designed to meet the needs of students who wish to conduct research. This program sends outstanding students with clear objectives who aim to further develop their current research.
Overseas universities with which we have concluded academic exchange agreements areCLICK HEREPlease Confirm.

Studying abroad through SAF is primarily suited to those who want to improve their language skills. Its key features include the ability to utilize long vacations and participation in programs offered by over 50 top-tier universities overseas.
Regarding studying abroad at SAFCLICK HEREPlease Confirm.

Future University Hakodate Overseas Study Grant

To help students studying abroad at universities and other institutions overseas, the university provides its own grants to cover a portion of their study abroad expenses. The grant provides 15 yen per student to cover round-trip airfare and overseas study insurance costs.

Overseas Study Support Program (Agreement-Based Dispatch) Scholarship (Japan Student Services Organization)

This scholarship, provided by the government to support the studies and research of students studying abroad under student exchange agreements, offers a fixed monthly allowance (6 to 10 yen, varying by country/region) for living expenses. To receive this scholarship, the university must be selected for the JASSO exchange program, and many students at our university utilize this scholarship.

Examples of study abroad destinations

Examples of study abroad destinations from our university are as follows:
To cultivate global talent capable of independently developing advanced information technologies and taking on international leadership roles through cutting-edge research and international experience, students are sent to universities that are leading outstanding research in the field of information technology.
During their study abroad period, students gain research and development capabilities, language skills, and valuable experience through collaborative research on advanced information technology at their host institution.

University nameAddress URL
IT University of Copenhagen
IT University of Copenhagen
Denmark
Denmark
https://en.itu.dk
Gustave Eiffel University
Gustave Eiffel University
France
France
http://www.univ-mlv.fr/
De La Salle University
De La Salle University
Philippine
Philippines
http://www.dlsu.edu.ph/
University of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia
Canada
Canada
https://eli.ubc.ca/

Study Abroad Reports and Experiences

Eriko Okada, Doctoral Program (Affiliation is as of the time of her study abroad)

After graduating as part of the first graduating class, I worked as an in-house designer for a manufacturer for 14 years before returning to Future University to attend Graduate School. Having strongly recognized the need to learn from the world through my professional experience, I consulted with my professor as soon as the application guidelines for studying abroad were released, and I went to Denmark to study.

Visiting various locations in Denmark, a country renowned as a leader in "participatory design," which is my area of ​​research, was an invaluable experience.

Although I used to struggle with English, I had been diligently studying it for several years, and during my six-month stay, I gained confidence in my ability to communicate, even if not perfectly, and I began to feel closer to the world. I was also greatly helped by the warmth and consideration of the Danish people, which is somewhat similar to the temperament of the Japanese, and I had a very fulfilling time in Denmark.

I had a lot of challenges studying abroad with my then 5-year-old daughter, but I was reminded once again that one of the great things about Future University is that they accept and support each individual's circumstances. For my daughter, who traveled with me, her stay in Denmark must have been an unforgettable cross-cultural experience, and she recently sent a letter to a friend she made there.

Shuto Hasegawa, Information Systems Course (Affiliation is as of the time of his study abroad)

Since I was little, I've always admired Africa after seeing it on TV, and I dreamed of going there someday. When I was in my fourth year of technical college, I learned that Professor Bagenda at Future University was from Uganda, and I wanted to study under him, so I transferred to the university as a third-year student after graduating from technical college.

I decided to study abroad to put what I had learned up to that point to good use and to realize my dream of filming in Africa, so I went to Makerere University in Uganda with three friends from university.

One of our activities in Uganda was "planning and running a poster competition." We asked girls in nine elementary schools in impoverished sub-counties to create posters expressing their concerns about things they wanted to stop doing. I believe these posters served as an opportunity for the children to think about gender equality in a place where patriarchal views are still deeply rooted. For the video, we mainly filmed scenes of everyday life in Uganda. We plan to edit the more than 10 hours of footage into a short road movie. After completion, we plan to submit it to various film festivals and video contests.

Noriki Fukatsu, Doctoral (First Stage) Program (Affiliation is as of the time of his study abroad)

I decided to study abroad because I want to work on a global scale in the future.
After studying English in Australia for three months, I decided to test my skills in multilingual Asian countries and traveled alone to Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.
Taking the plunge and experiencing life abroad will change you in a profound way.
Simply being able to communicate in English broadens your horizons, and exposure to different cultures provides new inspiration, allowing you to grow as a person.
Since information science knows no borders, I think it will also lead to confidence that you can work anywhere in the world.

Accepting international students

Studying abroad as an undergraduate

At our university, 2020 Entrance Exam ( 2019 We have introduced a new undergraduate entrance examination, the "Special Selection for International Students," specifically for transfer students. Why not further develop the knowledge and skills you have cultivated so far in Hakodate, Hokkaido?
Here, we offer a curriculum that goes beyond simply accumulating knowledge; it fosters the ability to tackle challenges, apply skills in society, and maintain a continuous learning mindset.

Studying at a vocational school

Over the past five years, more than 50 international students from 10 countries around the world have come to study at our university, thanks to academic exchange agreements and student exchange agreements with other universities. These international students are diligently pursuing their research in our open and progressive environment. Furthermore, our university will continue to focus on accepting international students as a means of international contribution and exchange.

The fusion of science and art is a defining characteristic of learning at Future University. We aim for a profound education that combines academic learning as a science with practical skills as an art, fostering individuals who can design society through information technology.

Regarding admission to our university's Graduate School

Our university's Graduate School entrance examination includes a "Special Selection for International Students." Please refer to the URL below for details.

Japanese Cafe

Many international students studying in Japan want to learn Japanese in addition to their research.
Our university offers a "Japanese Cafe" where interested international students can learn Japanese at a level suitable for everyday life. A Japanese language teacher residing in Hakodate provides instruction tailored to three levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced.
One of the features of the Japanese Cafe is that, unlike regular classes, it allows individuals to learn Japanese at their own pace.

Other support for international students

Our university offers a tutoring program for international students and has created a guide to help students settle into life in Hakodate. Please see below for details.

International exchange support

Tutoring program for international students

This system provides individualized support to international students in their studies and daily lives, acting as tutors to help them smoothly transition into university life in Japan.
This not only enhances the quality of the study abroad experience for international students, but it also provides an opportunity for student tutors to experience international exchange through supporting international students.

Connections Cafe

Connections Cafe, located on the 5th floor of Future University, is a space designed for practical and enjoyable English communication. A key feature is that, in small groups, it goes beyond simple Q&A sessions where participants answer questions from a facilitator, fostering the ability to proactively continue conversations. Seasonal events such as Christmas and Halloween also include social gatherings with international students.