Support for foreign students
Support and assistance programs available in Fukuoka
In Fukuoka Prefecture, a wide range of support programs are offered to cater to the needs of students from overseas, whose number has been increasing year by year. These programs include scholarships, events for communicating with local residents, support for job seekers, and consultation services regarding housing issues. Universities, municipalities, authorities and private organizations throughout the prefecture are proactively working on these support programs.
Joint job fair for students from overseas
In Fukuoka Prefecture, a joint job fair has been held each spring to support foreign students who seek jobs at Japanese companies. Commenced in 2004, the fair is attended by foreign students in Fukuoka, other Kyushu prefectures and the Chugoku region, successfully providing employment opportunities to many students.
Fukuoka Overseas Students Association (FOSA)
FOSA was established in 1987 to provide foreign students in the prefecture with opportunities to communicate with one another and with residents, so as to deepen understanding of each other’s culture and thereby promote international communication and friendships. Consisting of foreign students at universities, junior colleges and vocational schools in the prefecture, FOSA conducts various activities to help students better communicate and build friendships, which include tours, sports events and shows to introduce the culture of their home countries. Tour programs are particularly popular because participants can visit famous sightseeing sites and enjoy various Japanese cultural features and natural environments.
Fukuoka International Student Support Center (FISSC) established
Currently, there are nearly 7,000 foreign students studying in Fukuoka Prefecture, whose number is expected to grow further. To support these students who will be playing active roles in the international community, FISSC was set up to provide various support and assistance in collaboration with local businesses and communities. The center offers comprehensive services to establish livable and supportive environments in the prefecture so that foreign students can feel comfortable as if at home.
About the logo
The round figure expresses the relationship between Fukuoka Prefecture and students from overseas, using seas and continents as motifs to indicate international partnerships.
Logo colors
Blue expresses youth and confidence, while green represents harmony.
Major activities
- 1.Publicity
- Websites are operated in different languages and promotion leaflets are issued to promote Fukuoka’s advantageous learning environments for students in and outside Japan.
- 2.Part-time jobs
- Free services are available to help foreign students find adequate part-time jobs.
- 3.Employment
- Seminars are held to provide foreign students with business-level Japanese lessons and information regarding job opportunities, and networking events are organized for foreign students and businesses.
- 4.Communication with local residents
- A service is offered to help foreign students become acquainted with Japanese families who provide various support by inviting students to their home and offering suggestions to deal with problems.
- 5.Consultation
- A consultation service desk is available for students with daily life issues.
Accommodation
In Fukuoka Prefecture, approximately 33% of foreign students are living in dormitories run by schools and nonprofit foundations; the national average is around 24%. Others live in privately run apartments and housing, with monthly rents usually ¥30,000 to ¥60,000. In addition to rent, it is often necessary to pay deposits such as key money and commission to real estate brokers, amounts equivalent to one to six months’ rent. Cosigners may be required for lease contracts.
University dormitories
Many universities offer dormitories at a reasonable cost. Some dormitories are exclusively for foreign students while others are for both Japanese and non-Japanese students. Most dormitory rooms are studios for one person, although some dormitories offer larger rooms for couples and families. Some universities offer housing information and financial assistance for students who wish to live in privately owned housing.
* JASSO operates dormitories for foreign students in addition to university dormitories.
Governmental organizations of various countries and areas are located in Fukuoka Prefecture.
Consulates / consulates-general
- Consulate-General of the Republic of Korea
in Fukuoka
- Consulate-General of the People’s Republic
of China in Fukuoka
- Australian Consulate-General in Fukuoka
- Consulate-General of the Socialist Republic
of Viet Nam in Fukuoka
- Consulate of the United States, Fukuoka
Trade promotion organizations
- Korean Trade Center, Fukuoka
- Taiwan Trade Center, Fukuoka
- Thai Trade Center, Fukuoka
- China Jiangsu Provincial Small and
Medium-sized Enterprise Japanese
Representative of Bureau
- Italian Trade Commission Fukuoka
Foreign government-related organizations
- Fukuoka Branch Taipei Economic and Cultural
Office in Osaka
- Fukuoka American Center
- Institut Franco-Japonais du Kyushu
- Korea Tourism Organization Fukuoka Office
- Tourism Authority of Thailand Fukuoka Office