UMUC Asia offers the Bridge Program to ESL learners who have had previous study in the English language but have not achieved the required test scores to become regular students. The goals of this program are to improve both oral and written English skills and to facilitate transition into the U.S. higher education system. The classes are designed to build fundamental skills that will provide a foundation for success in future classes.
The Bridge Program is currently established in Okinawa, Misawa, Sasebo, and Yokota. The program may soon expand to other areas in Japan. If there is no Bridge Program available at your location in Japan, you may still be admitted as a regular student. This program is open to individuals with or without SOFA status, though different admission procedures apply.
Non-SOFA Students must have an official certificate of English proficiency from TOEFL, EIKEN, or IELTS prior to admission to the Bridge Program.
Non-SOFA Japanese citizens who wish to take courses with UMUC must first be approved by their prefectural governmental agency*. In areas without a designated agency, please contact the Bridge Program coordinator.
Students with SOFA status for whom English is not a native language are also welcome in the Bridge Program. English proficiency scores will not be required.
*Base employees (IHA/MLC) and students who attended a U.S. High School and/or U.S. college or university and completed an English Composition course can be admitted without a designated agency referral and are not required to have an English Proficiency test. Please contact the UMUC Asia Bridge Program Coordinator at BridgeProgram-asia@umuc.edu or 098-961-0195 or DSN 634-0195.
Required Test Scores
*Bridge Students
Students with TOEFL scores between 450-549, or EIKEN Grade 2, will be admitted to the Bridge Program. They are required to take a series of courses, lasting one academic year, designed to improve English proficiency. Once the sequence is complete, students will be allowed to take regular courses.
**Regular Degree-Seeking Students
Students with TOEFL scores of 550 and above, or EIKEN Grade Pre-1, can be admitted as regular students and may take any course they wish.
Bridge Course Sequence
| Session 1 | UMEI 030 | Pronunciation Oral Communication for Nonnative Speakers (3 cr) |
| Session 2 | UMEI 020 | Writing for Non-Natives (3 cr) |
| Session 3 | EDCP 100 (optional) and EDCP 103X |
Principles and Strategies of Successful Learning (3 cr) and Fundamentals of Writing and Grammar (3 cr) |
| Session 4 | WRTG 101X | Introduction to Writing (3 cr) |
| Session 5 | SPCH 100X (optional) | Foundations of Speech Communication (3 cr) |
Contacts
Okinawa Area
Okinawa International Exchange and Human Resources Foundation
www.oihf.or.jp
Phone: 098-942-9214
Sasebo Area
Executive Committee for College Study
Liaison Office for U.S. Navy Colleges
Sasebo Municipal Office
Phone: 0956-24-1111 Ext. 2566
Tokyo Area
Fussa Yokota Friendship Club
Phone: 042-530-2506
Misawa Area
Aomori International Exchange Association
www.kokusai-koryu.jp/about/misawa.html
Phone: 017-735-2221
Other Areas
UMUC Asia Bridge Program Coordinator
Jackie Cillizza
bridgeprogram-asia@umuc.edu
Phone: 098-961-0195 or DSN 634-0195
