Tokyo Tech's Young Scientist Exchange Program (YSEP) enables undergraduates at partner universities around the world to spend their fourth year of college in Japan. It is open to students at the nearly 50 universities in more than 20 nations that have exchange agreements with Tokyo Tech. The instruction is in English, and the program runs from September to August to accommodate the academic years at most of the partner universities.

"YSEP eliminates the language barrier for students who are interested in studying in Japan," explains program coordinator Professor Yuriko Sato. "All of the instruction is in English, and we provide a full range of assistance to help the students cope with living in Japan. At the heart of the program are hands-on research projects. Each student carries out a project in the field of his or her choice under the guidance of a faculty supervisor."

"The program," adds Sato, "minimizes the economic burden on students. Successful applicants are exempt from entrance and tuition fees, and about one-half of them receive scholarships from the government-affiliated Japan Student Services Organization. The scholarships cover the round-trip airfare and some of the living expenses in Japan. Accommodation is available for all the students at Tokyo Tech dormitories."

Prospective applicants can find a list of universities that participate in YSEP. Note that some of the exchange agreements are between individual departments and only permit applications from students enrolled in those departments.

Although the instruction for YSEP is in English, the participants study Japanese. That helps them cope with life in their host nation. It also enriches the cross-cultural value of their experience living abroad. The program also includes overnight stays with Japanese families, visits to factories, and other activities designed to deepen the participants' understanding of Japan.