Overview
This beginning Japanese language program is designed for students with no prior exposure to Japanese language. It offers language study in an intensive summer program. You will spend at least 24 hours per week in lectures, oral practice, and tests. Classes focus on conversation, listening, reading, and writing.
Students attend classes with other UC students only.
Course Opportunities
The program consists of beginning Japanese language and intensive written and conversational courses (limited solely to students with no prior Japanese language exposure).
Units
You are required to take a full-time course of study while abroad; 12 UC quarter units are required.
Language of Instruction
Japanese
Language Study
You will take only language classes.
Internships, Research, and Independent Study
Due to the full-time language program, internships and independent study for academic credit are not possible in this summer program.
Duration
Go to the Participants section to see current or past calendars.
Summer: mid-June to mid-August
You are encouraged to extend your participation in Japan (must meet program requirements).
Housing
You may live off campus in a furnished apartment or dormitory arranged by EAP.
On-site Support
EAP students are supported by UC’s network of EAP offices at every UC campus and partnerships with EAP host universities throughout the world. UC faculty and local staff abroad help students integrate into the culture of Japan and provide assistance with academics, housing, safety, and other issues.
See the EAP Program Guide for program-specific details about host institutions, program structure, and courses; academic culture and conduct; internships, research, & independent study; units, exams, and grades; orientation; housing; and information about the intensive language program (if applicable).
Host Institutions
Intercultural Institute of Japan, Tokyo
One of the oldest Japanese language schools in Japan, the Intercultural Institute was first opened in Tokyo in 1977 and rapidly expanded its branches and services. The Japanese Teachers Training Institute and a U.S.-Japan Cross-Cultural Center were established in Los Angeles in 1978, and branch schools in Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, and other locations in Tokyo were set up in the 1990s.
The Institute provides Japanese language instruction at several levels designed for a variety of student needs (e.g., language instruction at embassies, offices, and universities; short-term Japanese cultural experience courses for international high school and university students; and foreign language courses for native Japanese speakers). The Institute has three main organizations: a Japanese language school, Teachers Training school, and the Intercultural Language Center (ILC). Short-term courses range from one to twelve weeks in length. Spoken Japanese is the focus and is facilitated by small class size and emphasis on learning expressions used in everyday conversation. Long-term courses (regular, business, and preparatory Japanese for university or professional schools) are also offered. 500 to 700 students from over 20 countries are currently enrolled at the Institute.
44 trained, professional instructors with bachelor’s or master’s degrees and up to 35 years of classroom experience conduct the classes in Japanese. Instructional methodology is communicative and interactive to encourage students to think about and discuss class topics with one other.
The Institute also organizes opportunities for students to interact with locals, such as volunteers and individuals from schools and colleges. It sponsors annual events such as the New Year's activities of Kagamibiraki (mochi decoration), Setsubun (scattering parched beans to drive out bad luck the day before spring), and Tanabata (the Star Festival), as well as overnight trips to hot springs, resorts, and off-campus activities.
Visit the Intercultural Institute of Japan website
Estimated Cost
Participation in EAP is a great value! The cost of EAP programs is typically less than that of non-UC study abroad programs. The dollar figures listed in the chart represent: 1) the amount of the fees that are paid directly to EAP in the current year, and 2) an estimate of the amount needed to cover personal living expenses in this location. Personal travel and entertainment are not included here.
Don't forget that you take your financial aid with you and the amount of your financial aid package will be based on the estimated TOTAL COST of this experience, as it is estimated below.
These expenses are estimated for 2009-10. Amounts will vary for 2010-11 participation due to proposed changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. For a more detailed breakdown of 2009-10 payment information, visit the
Participants Portal and select the appropriate program.
Here’s what is included in the estimate:
- Predeparture expenses (visa, etc.)
- Round-trip transportation from California
- UC fees
- Tuition at partner institution
- Accident and medical insurance
- On-site orientation
- Room and board
- Program excursions
- Books and other incidental expenses
- Automatic transfer of credits and grades to your UC transcript
Estimated EAP Costs*
| Option |
Cost |
| * Based on most recent costs for 2009-2010 to the nearest $100. |
| Summer |
$10,700 |
Application Requirements
Class Level
Sophomore, junior, senior, graduate (language study only, not research)
Language Prerequisite
This program is only for students with no prior background or study of Japanese.
GPA
2.85 cumulative GPA at the time of application and maintained through the end of the last term prior to departure. No exceptions. Graduate students are required to have a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
Minimum Criteria
All applicants must also have:
- Serious academic goals and a clear plan for integrating EAP studies into
the student’s UC degree program
- Social and cross-cultural sensitivity; maturity; ability to adapt successfully
to a different environment and a new education system; ability to assess and
exhibit appropriate behavior in a variety of situations
- A willingness to abide by program regulations
- An endorsement by the Campus EAP Selection Committee and completion of all
campus-specific requirements (an interview may be required)
These are minimum program requirements only and do not guarantee selection. The Campus EAP Office determines selection. The final admission decision is made by the Intercultural Institute of Japan.
Deadlines
Application deadlines and information on the application process are available through your Campus EAP Office. Supplemental predeparture materials will be required for many programs, including, but not limited to, host institution applications, visa and housing applications, medical clearances, etc.
For participation in the program, you must meet all deadlines and submit complete application materials.
Visit your Campus EAP Office for more information:
