Japan

Japan: Engineering and Science Programs in Japanese

Host Institutions

Highlights

At Osaka University engineering students study at the large campus in Suita, a northern Osaka suburb. Osaka is Japan’s second largest city, a major port, and the site of some of the world’s leading industrial and research development.

Engineering students at Tohoku University study at one of Japan’s oldest universities, noted for its excellence in a wide range of fields. The School of Engineering, the largest branch of the university, emphasizes research through laboratory work and seminars. Founded as a feudal town and graced with historic gardens and temples, Tohoku today is an area of rapid growth, while remaining a lovely and comfortable city in which to live.

EAP offers engineering programs at two host universities in Tokyo. Both the University of Tokyo and the Tokyo Institute of Technology (TIT) are good choices for students who have a strong interest in engineering, architecture, or related natural sciences, and who want to work on group projects and do their own research.

The University of Tokyo is one of Japan’s most highly ranked universities. Its Faculty of Engineering has 22 departments covering the full range of engineering and research in interdisciplinary and basic engineering fields.

The Tokyo Institute of Technology, considered the MIT of Japan, has distinguished engineering faculty members who are receptive to working with UC students. The university places strong emphasis on practical research.

(details)

Duration

Academic year: late July to late July/early August (calendars)

Academic Focus

Engineering, architecture, and related sciences. The program of study consists of research in a research unit and/or independent study, Japanese language study, and regular university courses (advanced language skills permitting). Students with less Japanese language background concentrate on language study and research; students with greater language ability (a minimum of three years prior study) take more courses taught in Japanese. UC students with three years of university-level Japanese should be able to take most courses, taught in Japanese or English; students with less Japanese will find the courses taught in Japanese too difficult. Alternatives may be either courses taught in English (available at some universities) or classes taught in Japanese but with English textbooks and the option of taking exams in English. (details)

See Course Finder for courses previously taken by EAP students. Some course descriptions, in Japanese, are available in bulletins or catalogs from previous years at the Campus EAP Office.

Students attend classes with host country and international students.

Language of Instruction

Japanese

Language Study

Programs begin with a mandatory six-week Japanese intensive language program (ILP) in Tokyo. Japanese language study is required during the academic year. Students who have adequate Japanese language skills may substitute regular courses taught in Japanese for the language requirement.

Units

Students are required to take a full-time course of study while abroad.

ILP: 12 UC quarter units (may be reduced to 3 units on the variable unit option)
Term: 18 UC quarter units per semester

Housing

Osaka University: Students live in off-campus dormitories organized by the university.
Tohoku University: EAP students stay at the International House, an off-campus dormitory for foreign students.
Tokyo Institute of Technology: EAP students may live in privately-arranged apartments or dormitories for exchange students.
University of Tokyo: Some students will stay at the International Lodge in Shirokanedai, located approximately 45 minutes from the main campus in Hongo. Other possibilities include the Wakeijuku Dormitory or privately-arranged apartments.

All students live with international students and/or host country students. (details)

Estimated Cost

For estimated program costs, see the Financial Overview page.

To Apply

If you are interested in applying for this program, see the Selection Criteria and Application Deadlines.