Students who participate in the University of Miami's study abroad programs can experience firsthand this fascinating mixture of old and new which challenges our ideas of social, economic, and cultural life as we enter the twenty-first century. Students will have the chance to become an active participant in, and not simply an observer of, the diverse realities of the Asian world. The many beautiful parks and gardens in this area provide a peaceful environment to Chiyoda-ku in spite of its location in the heart of metropolitan Tokyo. The university, which is adjacent to the Akasaka Palace, is a mixture of modern and historic buildings. Approximately 11,000 students are enrolled at Sophia on two campuses, the Yotsuya campus where classes are given only in Japanese, and the Ichigaya campus where classes are given in English except for the language courses.
International students take the language proficiency examination at the beginning of the semester.
Students with Japanese proficiency at the appropriate level required for classes delivered only in Japanese may take classes at the Yotsuya campus. Exchange students without the equivalent of a minimum of one year of college Japanese are required to enroll in the Japanese language course. Exchange students generally study at the Faculty of Comparative Culture on the Ichigaya campus which offers courses in the humanities, the social sciences, business, and Japanese language, culture, and society. These courses are also taken by regular full-time Sophia students. Students must arrive by the first day to attend the mandatory orientation.