University Co-op & International Students

What is a University Co-op?

University co-operatives all across Japan have four missions. They are cooperation of undergraduates, postgraduates, international students and faculty; collaboration in the realization of university philosophies and goals; independence of organization; and participation of members.

Perhaps the service that is often used by students is the co-op store. University co-ops do not only offer services used on a daily basis such as bookstore and cafeteria, but also services such as housing, mutual aid and ticket sales. A university co-op helps its members to lead a better college life. In addition, the members are deeply involved in a university co-op’s operational activities.

Members themselves decided on the course of the university co-op in order to build a better co-op for its members. Foreign students are also actively involved in a co-op’s activities. University co-ops have been providing convenient services for foreign students. University co-ops also provide a forum for exchanges among its members. Through these activities, the co-op members will not only gain rich experience; but also the university itself will be more attractive to its students.