What and why?
Characteristics of exchange programmes
- You will apply via Leiden University and must meet certain eligibility criteria.
- There are limited spaces available, so you are not guaranteed a place on an exchange programme. Leiden University selects students on the basis of their grades and motivation.
- You will remain registered as a student of Leiden University and won’t need to pay additional tuition fees to your host university.
- If you get advance permission from your Board of Examiners, the credits you earn can be counted towards your study programme at Leiden University.
Two types of exchange
There are two types of exchange programme:
- University-wide
- Via a faculty or study programme
Characteristics of university-wide exchange
- As a rule, for students of all disciplines. Conditions may apply.
- Also open to master students, though restrictions generally apply at both Leiden University and partner universities.
- At your host university, you can generally follow courses offered by any programme or faculty.
- All destinations are outside Europe.
- The programme is organised by the international exchange coordinator for university-wide exchange, whom you can contact with any questions.
Characteristics of exchange via a faculty or study programme
- Only for students from specific study programmes or faculties.
- You may only follow courses offered by specific study programmes or faculties at your host university.
- Destinations are both within Europe (Erasmus+) and outside Europe.
- The programme is organised by the international exchange coordinator at your faculty or programme, whom you can contact with any questions.
Exchange Programmes
The Faculty of Humanities has a large network of student exchange partnerships within Europe. These are the so-called Erasmus+ partnerships, for more information see Where?.
Going abroad indepently
Students who independently apply to a university of their choosing are called 'Free movers'. For more information, see Going abroad independently.
Mandatory Studies Abroad
A number of BA and MA programmes in the Faculty of Humanities have a mandatory study abroad period as a component of the programme. These students are usually not considered to be exchange students. For more information, please check your programme specific tab.
Every year Japanese Studies students are selected to attend a university in Japan, as part fulfillment of their MA degree. The Japanese Studies MA programme has agreements with the following Universities: Sophia, Rikkyo, Kyoto, Waseda, Doshisha, TUFS, Ritsumeikan, Kobe, Nagasaki, Yamagata, Tôhoku.
Selection process
The selection process starts in early September when students are asked to write a short (400 word) statement of intent (see attached form) explaining which university they would like to attend and why. The statement of intent should also list second and third preferences for a university placement. A further document is attached (see attached guidelines) to help you write your statement of intent. A meeting will be organized early in the first semester to explain this procedure, but students are strongly encouraged to begin planning their year in Japan before this meeting. Students are encouraged to discuss their plans with potential MA thesis supervisors in Leiden, but a potential supervisor is under no obligation to provide students feedback on their statement of intent.
Successful completion of the application process is a prerequisite for the placement at a Japanese university. The assembly of the required documents and submitting them in time is the responsibility of the student. All questions concering the Year in Japan placement should be directed to Dr Doreen Mueller.
To receive a contribution towards the costs of your study abroad period, you may apply for the Sustainable Humanities scholarship. Questions regarding application procedures should be directed to Mrs. Gaye Eksen.
Before you depart
Students depart for Japan in late March or early April. Before your departure make sure to make the necessary arrangements for the re-enrollment for your second year, which will begin in September (while you are in Japan!). Formal responsibilities during the year in situ include submitting the Academic Year in Japan Study Plan, maintaining a close contact with your thesis supervisor (at least once in every 1-2 months), and reporting on the progress of your thesis through the Dissertation Progress Reports.
Academic Year in Japan Study Plan
All students are will earn 45 EC in Japan by following a program aimed at improving their language skills, taking relevant courses in their field of study, and conducting research for their MA thesis. These credits will be registered as Academic Year A, B, and C (for details, see the e-gids). Students should consult with their thesis supervisors prior to course enrollment, and submit the Academic Year in Japan Study Plan form for approval to the Examinations Committee by June 1st (Semester I) and October 1st (Semester II). Student may also submit a plan for the entire year on June 1.
Dissertation Progress Reports / Thesis Tutorial 1 & 2
Dissertation Progress Reports are due to your supervisor on September15, December 15, February 15 and May 15. The procedure of submitting the reports is explained in detail in the provided form. Dissertation Progress Reports are part of the assessment of the Thesis Tutorials.
Preparation for re-enrollment for the second year of the MA programme
Before your departure for Japan, make sure to check your registration address with the university administration. Your re-enrolment form for the second year will be sent to that address. It is, therefore important to arrange for your post to be forwarded to you in Japan. Also make sure to arrange beforehand for the payment of your Leiden University tuition fee for the second year (or authorise someone to do it for you). Handling these things from Japan is usually quite bothersome!
For more information on re-registering in September please contact the Front Office Student Affairs (tel. 0715278011).
Communication and senpai advice
If you have informal questions concerning Year in Japan, please join our Facebook group 'MA Japanese Studies 120 Leiden' to communicate with students currently in Japan.