Beyond its academic dimension, the Nihon EuropA network has led to the establishment of mobility agreements with four Japanese universities, offering students enrolled in the second year of the Master’s degree in European Affairs at the University of Tours the opportunity to spend a semester in Japan.
This mobility programme begins each year on the first Monday of the first week of April, coinciding with the start of the Japanese academic year, and ends in late September. In fact, students from Tours generally return at the end of August.
During their stay, students may choose from a range of postgraduate-level courses (Master’s) in Japanese law (taught in English), international law, environmental law, and others. Typically, students select three courses.
In addition, each student may choose to follow semi-intensive Japanese language classes. Most importantly, during their semester abroad, students are required to complete a research dissertation or an internship report, should they have secured an internship in Japan. This dissertation will be defended at the beginning of the September term, either via video conference (if the students is still in Japan) or in person at the Faculty of Law in Tours.
Since the first edition of the programme in 2017, nearly 45 students have benefited from this mobility opportunity.
In 2024, 9 students took part in the programme – 4 at Chuo University (Tokyo) and 5 at Kobe University. For the spring 2025 mobility, 9 students will also benefit from this mobility – 4 at Chuo University, 3 at the University of Kobe, and, for the first time, 2 at Hiroshima University.
A double degree programme in European and Japanese business law is currently under discussion with Chuo University. It would involve a one-year mobility period for both Japanese and French students.
Partners universities for 2025-2026 :Chuo University, Tokyo – 3 students
Aoyama Gakuin University, Tokyo – 2 students
University of Kobe – 3 students (subject to confirmation)
University of Hiroshima – 2 students
Kagawa University (city of Takamatsu, twinned with the city of Tours) – 2 students (under negociation)
Applications open in early September for Chuo University and early October for the others. Students enrolled in the first year of the European Affairs Master’s programme who are interested in these mobility opportunities may contact Prof. Dr. Pierre-Yves Monjal, Professor of Public Law (pierre.monjal@univ-tours.fr), from April onwards in order to form the groups and prepare for the semester in Japan.
More information on these mobility opportunities
- Find jobs and fellowships in Japan
- Funding your research in Japan
