Doshisha University
International Science and Technology Course

Q&A GUIDE
Addressing common concerns ofinternational students

Before Coming to Japan

Learning theJapaneselanguage enables
you to easily
communicate withthe locals andtruly immerse inthe culture.

Required Japanese level​

QA

I cannot speak Japanese, should I be worried when I
study at Doshisha?​
Not at all! The International Science and Technology
Course (ISTC) caters to foreign students who may or may nothave Japanese language background. However, being able
to speak Japanese can help you fully immerse in the culture
and lifestyle in Japan.

QHow should I continue to study Japanese in Japan?

AYou can apply for Japanese classes at Doshisha University.
To inquire about Japanese classes, you may inquire
to the ISTC team by visiting the site found at the last page.

Virtual Campus TourQDoes Doshisha have a campus tour so we
can see what the university is like?

AYes! In the past year, students have made avirtual campus tour called Panoramic View
Promotion (PVP) for international students tosee. This promotion video consists ofvarious laboratories in the campus. It's also
shown in a 3D fashion, where viewers get afeel of the surroundings!

You can also effectively learn Japanesethrough courses offered at Doshisha!

PVP Link

Davis Memorial Auditorium

Required Documents

QWhat documents do I need to prepare
when entering Japan?

Here is a cover photo of the PVP student project at Doshisha

The university will send you thedetails about your requirements,
so don't worry!

The required documents vary for every enrollee. In thepast, the following were some of the requirements for selffinanced international students when entering Japan:•Certificate of Eligibility•Admission Certificate​•Passport and Visa​•Graduation certificate*​•Notification of Contact Person
However, these documents, as well as those for students who are not selffinanced, the requirements may change especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Inknowing the full details of requirements for entering Japan, please follow instructions
from university offices. *For those who submitted a Certificate of Expected Graduation at the time of application.

AAfter Coming to Japan
QA

Your student tutor will guideyou in your life in the lab!

Who can help me after coming to Japan?
You can contact your tutor once you cometo Japan. Your tutor may help you in​matters related mainly to your research. Youcan know more about your tutor when​
you enroll in Doshisha.

Public Transport

QCan I get a student discount for bus/train fare?

A

Yes. First, you need a Certificate for Commuter
Pass issued by the university. Then, you can purchasea student commuter pass at the train station counter. *​Q

Are there certain etiquettes that need
to be observed while riding public transport?

A

Japan has several manners to keep in mind when it
comes to public transport such as refraining from talkingon the phone while inside the train. For moreinformation, please refer to the link found at thelast page.
*For more information, please contact the university
offices (links found at the back page).

Doshishamae literally means 'in front of Doshisha'!

You can visit sightseeing spots such as Kyoto Tower (left)
and Uji River (right). Many more await you!

Daily LifeQAQA

Are there places nearby where wecan have fun?
The campus consists of the Davis Memorial
Gymnasium where students can work out. Otherleisure activities that students might enjoy withtheir friends include bowling and karaoke.
These facilities are situated near Shintanabe Station. Students can also visit Kyoto City, which iseasily accessible via train for more fun activities
to choose from. Kyotanabe City also has a
shopping mall where you can buy various goods.

Where do I go if I seek counseling?
Doshisha has a counseling service
conducted in English. More details canbe found at the Doshisha Counselingsite by scanning the QR code below.

DoshishaCounseling Page

Doshisha also has convenience stores and a ramen shop!

Cellphone ContractQHow do I apply for a phone number?

AYou can apply for a cellphone number​ via credit
card. There are also shops of network providers near Shintanabe ​station​ you can visit topurchase a plan.

Phone Contract Links

AUDocomoSoftBank

Religion​

QA

Are there food considerations for those withspecific food requirements?​
Yes, some food in the cafeteria can be eaten by people
with religious restrictions. You can ask the cafeteria
staff for the ingredients. When you order lunch from thecafeteria, information such as calories are also written on
the receipt!

A delicious lunch from the school cafeteria

Networking​QA

We collaborate with Japanese students and fellow
international students through Co-Learning
program at Doshisha!

How can I make friends? Are there any eventsor organizations in the university?
You can make friends from peers within your laboratory,or just find a group of people in the university whom you
can share the same interests with. The university consistsof 170 official extracurricular activity groups and 240
groups registered under the Student Support
Services Center.
Doshisha University also has peer support programs that
aim to help international students adjust to both campus
and daily life with the support of a peer. Please visit theOIS website for the latest news.

Daily life of an international student
Take a look at our short video
introducing the daily life of a
Doshisha international student.
School facilities such as cafeteria,laboratories, and more are shown
here! This way, you get a feel ofthe campus even before enrolling.
We look forward to your fun andwholesome student experience at
Doshisha.

Video linkhere!

A screenshot of the student-made video about life in Doshisha

Important links:

Clubs

Japanese
Etiquette
websiteOIS

SIED
websiteJLPTInternational Science and Technology Course
Doshisha University
1-3, Tatara Miyakodani, Kyotanabe City, Kyoto, 610-0394

CampusMap

ISTC Site
ISTC
Facebook Page

Pamphlet made by2021 Co-Learning Program Team