Description
The University of the Ryukyus (Ryudai) is located in Okinawa, the southernmost prefecture of Japan. The university aims to nurture well-rounded individuals imbued with knowledge and capabilities for social contribution on a global and regional scale.
Quick Facts
Partner Program Type – Exchange
Minimum GPA – 2.85
Prerequisites – Open only to History Majors
Eligibility – Good academic and disciplinary standing, Min Age: 18, Junior or Senior class standing by the time of departure
Term Options
Fall Semester – late September to mid-February
- students must miss both fall and winter quarters in order to participate in this session
Spring Semester – early April to mid-August
Academic Year – late September to mid-August
Partner Program deadline dates
Cost
Location
City & University
Okinawa, an island prefecture located in the sub-tropics, has a unique ecosystem and distinct traditional culture.
Accommodations
Guaranteed housing is available at the International House (single room/shared room) and the Senbaru Student Dormitory (single room). There are also privately owned apartments near the university. Learn more about Ryudai Accommodations.
You are responsible for applying for, securing, and paying for accommodations directly to the housing provider. Visit the host university website for actual costs.
Student Support
The Global Education Section at University of the Ryukyus welcomes incoming exchange students. The team supports international students and offers resources and opportunities for you to integrate successfully into the culture and society.
Country Information Resources
- U.S. Department of State Country Information Page
- CDC Travelers’ Health
- OSAC Country Security Report
Students with Disabilities
If you need support services abroad, notify your UCSC Disability Resource Center (DRC) Coordinator.
Disability accommodations are available at Ryudai.
Identities Abroad and Away
UC Santa Cruz Global Learning is committed to inclusion and equity in our various program options as well as striving to make everyone’s experiences abroad enriching, positive, and safe.
Learn more on our Identities Abroad and Away webpage.
Academics
Host University Courses
As a Ryudai exchange student, you will enroll full-time in courses alongside other local and international students for a semester or full academic year.
Course Search
Ryudai has limited coursework taught in English, primarily in history. The international office at Ryudai will send a list of English-taught courses to nominated students at the beginning of the course registration period.
Satisfying Requirements
It may be possible to satisfy major, minor, GE, and/or electives on this program.
Learn more about:
- How to request major or minor credit
- How to request GE credit
Course Load Requirements
You are required to enroll in a full-time course load while abroad as defined by your host institution:
- Students need to obtain at least 14 credits in a semester. Students can take 26 credits at the maximum in a semester.
As a UCSC student, you must also continue to meet UCSC Satisfactory Academic Progress, which requires students to enroll in a minimum of 12 UCSC quarter credits per quarter. AtRyudai, you are required to ensure you meet this requirement by enrolling in the equivalent of at least 24 quarter credits in fall semester and at least 12 quarter credits in spring semester after conversion (see below).
Credit Conversion
Ryudai uses semester credits. These will be converted to UCSC quarter credits when added to your UC transcript.
- 1 semester credit = 2 UCSC quarter credits
- 2 semester credits = 3 UCSC quarter credits
- 3 semester credits = 5 UCSC quarter credits
- 4 semester credits = 6 UCSC quarter credits
Academic Restrictions
Some courses abroad may have enrollment limitations and/or restrictions, such as prerequisites. Review course information provided by the university partner to understand any course limitations and/or restrictions prior to official course enrollment abroad.
If you are unsure about your eligibility to enroll, please contact UCSC Global Learning at globallearning@ucsc.edu before applying to this program.
Academic Differences
Please note that the academic system, such as assignments, exams, course structure, grading system, etc., at your host institution may be different from what you are used to at UCSC. We highly recommend researching the academic system at your host university in advance to best prepare for your experience abroad.
Academic Calendar
We recommend comparing the host university academic calendar to the UCSC academic calendar to see how the academic calendars, holidays, and breaks differ.