This FAQ will be continue to be updated as we receive questions from JCMU partners, potential participants, and others. If you have a question that is not answered here, please contact us.
(Last updated 9/16/2021)
What is the current COVID-19 situation in Japan and how is JCMU affected?
While cases are up over most of Japan compared to last year, overall case counts do appear to have peaked around August 28, 2021 and have since been in decline. This is likely in response to ongoing vaccination efforts and recent state of emergency restrictions (that will continue until at least the end of September). Japanese officials reported on September 12 that 50% of the population is now fully vaccinated with a goal of 60% by the end of September. Recent projections show as much as 80% of the population could be fully vaccinated by the end of fall.
We will continue to update the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates page as necessary.
This COVID-19 tracker is helpful for getting a sense of case counts across all of Japan, including Shiga prefecture: https://covid19japan.com/
Is it possible to get a visa to enter Japan?
At this time, visa applications for Cultural Activities or Student visas are not being processed by the Consulates General of Japan in the U.S.
However, it is currently possible to apply for and receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for both visa categories. This is a process the JCMU office regularly facilitates during the post-acceptance application phase. JCMU will plan to apply for all spring COEs by mid-October. COEs typically take 6-8 weeks to process.
With a valid COE, visas are generally issued and returned within 7-10 business days of submission. We will plan to facilitate visa applications as soon as possible (and by no later than early January 2022).
Is it currently possible to enter Japan?
The Government of Japan continues to enforce strict travel regulations that bar most foreigners from newly entering the country. Foreign tourists and non-resident foreign student travelers remain prohibited from entering Japan at this time.
However, conditions in Japan are expected to improve in the coming months as vaccination efforts and other measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 continue. Universities in Japan that typically receive large numbers of foreign students are currently planning to host those students for programs scheduled to begin in mid-January 2022.
What are the quarantine requirements after arrival in Japan?
Currently, all travelers entering Japan are required to observe a 14-day self-quarantine upon arrival, and are prohibited from using public transportation (including domestic flights, taxis, public buses, and rail services). The self-quarantine period can be completed at the traveler's final destination within Japan (i.e., the JCMU campus). JCMU is planning to arrange privately chartered travel between the designated arrival airport and JCMU to comply with these requirements.
Travelers arriving from certain areas where cases are high may be required to quarantine for a period of time in a government-designated location. This requirement currently applies to several U.S. states, but not Michigan. JCMU will continue to monitor and plan for these requirements, as necessary.
Does JCMU require COVID-19 testing? If so, how frequently?
All travelers inbound to Japan, regardless of vaccination status, must present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure of the international leg of their trip. Domestic travel prior to the international flight is NOT counted within the 72 hours. JCMU will continue to monitor these requirements and advise accepted participants accordingly.
There are not currently any indications as to whether regular testing will be required at JCMU or by the government, except in the case of an individual's suspected exposure to COVID-19. JCMU will plan to adhere to any government-issued requirements regarding testing and will help students to comply with local regulations.
JCMU will, to the extent possible, assist students with finding and receiving testing if it is still required in order to return to the student's home country after the program ends.
Does JCMU have a mask requirement?
Masks are (and will continue to be) required in all common areas of the JCMU Residence Hall and Academic Building. Students may remove their masks when alone in their respective apartments but will be asked to mask if meeting with other students.
Does JCMU have a COVID-19 vaccination requirement?
We anticipate that valid proof of full vaccination being required by the Government of Japan for landing/entry permission and/or by the Government of Shiga Prefecture for those living within the JCMU facilities. Even if these requirements are amended or waived by the national or prefectural governments, JCMU is likely to implement its own vaccine requirement, given the nature of the program and our need to be in alignment with policies at JCMU's partner institutions across the U.S.
Are students able to obtain a COVID-19 vaccination (or booster) locally?
We ask that participants plan to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before entering Japan. However, if a booster or additional vaccinations become available and/or required while in Japan, it will likely be possible for foreign residents of Japan (including those on cultural activities or student visas) to receive them as needed/available according to government health guidelines. JCMU staff will assist with this process as needed.
Are medical facilities available locally to US students?
Yes.
Does JCMU have staff available 24 hours a day in case a student becomes ill or needs assistance?
Yes, program staffing will include our Resident Director and Student Services Coordinator, who both live onsite. At all times, a member of the JCMU onsite staff will be available via the JCMU emergency response line, or "duty phone" (in addition to other emergency assistance options).
Are you offering in-person classes? Full capacity classrooms or with social distancing?
We intend to offer in-person classes. Per usual, classes will be small (less than 15 students per class—likely significantly less than that within some levels of Japanese language). The classrooms allow for ample room to socially distance at current projected levels of enrollment.
At present, the only elective options that we have confirmed for spring 2022 are those offered by our Resident Director, Benjamin McCracken. These classes will be held on-site on the JCMU campus. With housing restricted to single-occupancy in the dorm apartments, this means there will be 30 or fewer students per class. Social distancing will be practiced to the extent practicable, and all students will be required to be vaccinated and masked.
Will students be able to complete classes online if there is a lockdown?
JCMU Hikone is formulating contingency plans for conducting courses remotely in case some or all students must quarantine, JCMU goes into a strict lockdown period, or the program is suspended.
We do not anticipate a complete lockdown of the Center that would prohibit attending classes. Quarantining of individuals or specific classes, as needed, is a more likely scenario.
Will home stays be available for spring 2022?
JCMU will not offer home stays for spring 2022. All students will be placed in the JCMU Residence Hall apartments.
Will students have individual or shared rooms?
Although the JCMU Residence Hall apartments are designed for double-occupancy (each apartment has two bedrooms with a shared kitchen and bath), all students will be housed individually (1 student per 2-bedroom apartment) until at least the end of the spring 2022 semester.
What are JCMU's refund policies if a student withdraws or if the student's home institution withdraws support for study abroad for that term/program (but JCMU has not cancelled/suspended programming)?
Before the program arrival/move-in date:
On or after the program arrival/move-in date:
What are the refund policies if JCMU cancels the program or suspends it once it has begun?
Before the program arrival/move-in date:
On or after the program arrival/move-in date:
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