Japan

Japan: Programs with Course Work in English and Japanese

Host Institutions

International Christian University, Tokyo (Year)
Sophia University, Tokyo (Year)
Keio University, Tokyo (Year)
Doshisha University, Kyoto (Year or Spring)
University of Tsukuba (Fall or Year)

Highlights

Programs at these universities offer students excellent opportunities to improve their Japanese language skills while taking course work taught in English. (details)

International Christian University (ICU) is a relatively small institution located in a western suburb of Tokyo on a peaceful and spacious campus just over an hour from downtown, but close to shops, small restaurants, and supermarkets. Courses are offered in both English and Japanese. ICU is noted for its excellent Japanese language instruction. EAP students can study with Japanese and foreign students in a Japanese cultural environment.

Sophia University, located in the center of Tokyo, is distinguished by the international character of its student body and teaching staff. UC students take courses in the humanities and social sciences taught in English in the College of Liberal Arts.

Also in Tokyo, at Keio University, the oldest institution of higher education in Japan, students take Japanese language and Japanese studies courses taught in English; those who pass a rigorous language placement test may take regular university courses taught in Japanese.

Doshisha University is located adjacent to the Imperial Palace in the heart of the renowned historical and cultural city of Kyoto. Japanese language study and a few courses taught in English are complemented by opportunities to study aspects of traditional culture such as calligraphy, tea ceremonies, and shrine festivals.

The University of Tsukuba, 40 miles northeast of Tokyo, is known for its emphasis on international exchange of students, teachers, and researchers. It is part of the Tsukuba Science City, a center for private and government research and educational institutes. Courses in the Junior Year at Tsukuba program are taught in English for UC and other international students.

Duration

Fall term (Tsukuba): early July to late November
Spring semester (Doshisha): early April to late July
Academic year (ICU, Tsukuba): early July to late June/early July
Academic year (Doshisha, Keio, Sophia): late July to late July

(calendars)

Space permitting, Tsukuba fall students may apply to extend their participation to the Tsukuba year program. Extension from Tsukuba fall to other EAP options in Japan is not permitted.

Academic Focus

Regular university courses in English and Japanese in a broad range of fields. At all universities, students who are proficient in Japanese (four years of university-level Japanese or the equivalent) may apply to take courses taught in Japanese. (details)

See the EAP Course Finder for courses previously taken by EAP students.

In addition to language study, Doshisha offers a very limited number of courses in Japanese culture, arts, society, history, politics, economy, and intercultural communication.

Tsukuba offers courses in international relations; Asian studies; Japanese language; and the comparative study of Japanese government, politics, economy, society, and culture.

Additional ICU courses are listed, with descriptions, in the previous year’s “Bulletin of the College of Liberal Arts,” available at the Campus EAP Office.

Sophia and Doshisha course descriptions are available on the host university websites, both of which are accessed from Japan links page.

Descriptions of Tsukuba courses offered the previous year are found in the booklet “Junior Year at Tsukuba Program,” available at the Campus EAP Office.

All students attend classes with international students and host country students.

Language of Instruction

English and Japanese

Language Study

Fall and year programs begin with a mandatory six-week Japanese intensive language program (ILP) in Tokyo. Spring programs do not have a mandatory ILP preceding the program.

Japanese language study is required each term in all programs.

Units

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

ILP: 9 UC quarter units (may be reduced to 3 units on the variable unit option)
ICU and Tsukuba: 12 UC quarter units per quarter
Sophia and Keio: 18 UC quarter units per semester
Doshisha: fall, 19.5 UC quarter units; spring, 21 UC quarter units

Housing

ICU: Many EAP students live on campus in ICU dormitories. Other students may live off campus in apartments, boarding houses, or private s.
Sophia: Options include dormitories, international houses in the suburbs, homestays, and apartments.
Keio: Students live off campus in university-affiliated apartments or dormitories.
Doshisha: Students live off campus in an international house, university-arranged student residences, or private apartments. Spring students live off campus in university-arranged student residences.
Tsukuba: Students live on campus in dormitories.

All students live with international students, UC students, 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.