Study abroad in Japan

• Step 1: Open an application
  • Go to the International Center’s UF in Japan page and click the “Apply Now” button. Login using your GatorLink username. Select desired term and click “Apply.”
  • You may begin filling out the Questionnaires and Signature Documents or otherwise wait until after your appointment with a Heavener School of Business International Programs advisor (see below).
• Step 2: Do your research and meet with an International Programs Student Ambassador (IPSA)
  • Our IPSAs are students that have previously attended our programs and can provide a student’s perspective on what it is like abroad.
• Step 3: Submit a color scan copy of your passport to the International Programs Passport Portal.
  • Passport must be signed, and expiration date must be valid at least 6 months after the program end date. 
• Step 4: Meet with a Heavener Study Abroad advisor to complete your Academic Advising Form.
  • Review course offerings prior to meeting with an International Programs academic advisor. 
  • If you’re interested in exchange programs, please review the Heavener Course Equivalencies Database for approved courses related to your desired program. 
  • Call 352-273-0151 to set up an appointment.
  • During this appointment, the Academic Advising Form will be filled out, where you will make preliminary course selections.
• Step 5: Meet with other departments/colleges (if needed): 
  • For non-business students and students planning to utilize the academic coursework you are taking abroad towards a non-business major and/or minor, you will need to acquire approval on the Academic Advising Form from additional departments and/or your college.
  • For Innovation Academy students, you will need to acquire approval on the Academic Advising Form from your Innovation Academy advisor to add to your application.
• Step 6: Complete the online application by submitting the following: 
  •  Submit your Academic Advising Form(s) via UFIC’s contact form. 
  • Ensure all Questionnaires and Signature Documents are complete on the online application.
  • Pay the non-refundable deposit via the online application.  
  • Submitting deposit does not guarantee program placement. Applications are processed on a rolling basis. Spots are first come first served to students with completed applications. Programs may close early, if capacity is reached.

At this stage, your application will be reviewed by the Heavener International Programs office and UF International Center. Note that reviews may not happen immediately. They are done in batches on a rolling basis, typically beginning about two months before the application deadline and continuing biweekly thereafter. If your application is approved, you will have additional tasks to complete prior to departure (see below).

Once your application status is changed to “pre-approved,” students are required to complete the following tasks listed below. A more detailed version of this checklist with dates and deadlines will be sent to you upon approval.

• Complete Pre-Departure Modules:
  • Complete the Pre-Departure Modules and assessments and their corresponding quizzes within two weeks of their application status change. 
• Attend the First Meeting: 
  • This meeting is mandatory. You will meet the rest of the students on the program, and all the post-approval tasks will be reviewed.
• FIE application:
  • Complete FIE’s online application. Instructions will be sent to you upon approval of your UF study abroad application.
  • Note that this application includes submitting the following documents:
    • C.V. (Resume)
    • Personal Statement
  • The Heavener International Programs staff will upload your transcript and passport color scan directly to the FIE online application, so you do not have to do those yourself on the application. The Heavener International Programs staff will also handle the Study Abroad Advisor Confirmation.
• Clear registration holds:
  • The Heavener International Programs office will register you for your chosen UF online business courses, as there are special sections reserved for study abroad students.
  • Do not register yourself, add, drop, or change any courses without notifying the Heavener International Programs office.
• Flight information:
  • Once your application status is changed to “approved,” complete the flight information questionnaire on your UF study abroad application online.
  • Refer to the program website for arrival and departure dates. Always double-check with the Heavener International Programs office prior to booking if you are unsure about the flight.
• Attend the Pre-departure Session:
  • This session is mandatory and will cover important information and details specific to the program.
  • Note: Attendance at this session is in lieu of the UFIC Pre-Departure Orientation, although students are still welcome to attend that event.
• Additional FIE requirements:
  • There may be additional tasks to complete through FIE beyond the initial application.
  • Pay careful attention to your FIE application online, as well as email, and follow through with instructions provided by their staff.

• Obtain/Renew passport:
  • If you do not have a passport, or if your current passport is set to expire sooner than six months after your expected return date, you must obtain a new passport.
  • Visit Travel.State.Gov for more information. UF Passport Services offers passport support on campus.
  • You will need to have this passport almost immediately after the program deadline. Choose Expedited Service as needed.
  • Applicants may be withdrawn if they are unable to obtain a passport accordingly.
• Apply for scholarships:
  • Apply for a Heavener School of Business scholarship.
  • Apply for a UFIC scholarship.
  • Apply for an FIE scholarship.
  • Review additional possible scholarships.
    • If you receive a Pell Grant, consider applying for the Benjamin A. Gilman scholarship.
  • Research other scholarship opportunities; the list above is not comprehensive.

Note that scholarships have different requirements, deadlines, and notification dates. Some require an open study abroad program application, some require an approved study abroad program application, etc.

(6 credit hours)

This program satisfies the UF Summer credit requirement and the Heavener internship requirement for business majors. Students will enroll in the following:

• GEB 4956: Cross-Cultural Communication in Business (3 UF GPA credit)
  This course is designed to provide an overview of Japanese culture, including effective business communication across cultures. 
• GEB 4956: Business Consulting in a Global Setting (3 UF GPA credits)
  Using a project-based model, this course will provide an overview and understanding of management consulting and the various consulting frameworks used by organizations to solve complex business problems to improve operations, enhance performance, and increase revenue. 

Program fee includes:

• Academic expenses (tuition/fees)
• Orientations
• Co-curricular activities & excursions
• Housing/utilities
• Breakfast
• Company visits
• International travel medical insurance
• 24/7 emergency support
• $395 deposit due at the time of the application deadline

Billing and program payments are handled through the UF International Center. Learn more about the deposit, administrative charge, and program fees timeline.

UF students may apply for Bright Futures, Pre-paid, and other scholarships toward program expenses. Students should submit a UFIC Deferment Request Form as needed.

Non-Florida residents pay the same program fee as Florida residents.

In addition to the program fee, students can expect to incur the following out-of-pocket expenses at various stages before or during the program:

Pre-departure expenses: 

• Passport (if needed): $160
  • Expedited: $60 additional fee
• Flight: $600-$1400
• Textbook/Supplies: $100-$350

During program (in-country): 

• Phone: $15-50/month
• Meals: $250-1100/month
• Other personal expenses: $100-1200/month 
  • Ex: shopping, leisure, travel, etc.

The currency in the Yen (¥).The above figures are general estimates. All expenses, except the passport, will vary between students depending on circumstances and preferences. Student are strongly encouraged to devise a budget for out-of-pocket expenses during the program.

Students wishing to withdraw from their study abroad program must do so before the following date to avoid fee liability: 

• Summer: April 1st

Students become financially obligated for the full cost of their study abroad if they withdraw after April 9, 2025. Only in extreme circumstances (e.g., serious personal injury, family emergency, etc.) will a student be allowed to petition for withdrawal before the start of the program.

Petitions will be reviewed by the Associate Dean and Director of the Heavener School of Business. With successful petitions to withdraw from the program after the financial liability deadline, the program partner abroad reserves the right to charge students a withdrawal fee. For more information, please contact the International Program Office.