Overview
This program provides you with the opportunity to accelerate Japanese language skills and learn about Japanese culture on a small campus. Tsuru University is located in an attractive scenic town nestled in the mountains near the northern foot of Mt. Fuji, about two hours by bullet train from Tokyo. From its origins as a castle town and silk-producing center, Tsuru City has developed into a high-tech industrial city and college town. The university is noted for education and research in Japanese literature, history, and culture. You will be actively integrated into campus life as well as into the local community.
Students attend classes with other UC students.
Course Opportunities
The program focus is Japanese language and culture. Core courses are designed for UC students and concentrate on literature, history, society, politics, and economy; electives include additional subjects in the humanities and social sciences. Special courses are supported by a one-to-one Japanese tutor system.
Use the following resources to learn about courses on EAP:
- EAP Program Search provides information on general areas of study.
- MyEAP Course Catalog lists courses previously taken by UC students. Additional courses may be available and not all courses may still be offered. Since courses in new programs have not yet been taken for credit, they may not appear in the MyEAP Course Catalog.
Units
You are required to take a full-time course of study while abroad. During the fall semester, students take 26 UC quarter units. During the spring semester, students take 30 UC quarter units.
All students are required to take:
- Two intensive language courses (5 quarter units each)
- Three additional language courses (2 or 2.5 quarter units each)
- Three core courses in Japanese studies (2 or 2.5 quarter units each)
- Two electives (2 or 2.5 quarter units each)
Language of Instruction
Japanese
Language Study
The program includes an initial seven-week intensive language instruction segment. Language study is required during both segments of the program.
Internships, Research, and Independent Study
Independent study for academic credit may be possible in this program if you take it as one of the electives. You can take an independent study project in Japanese or Asian studies under the direction of a Tsuru professor; however, resources in English are limited and resources for independent study topics are difficult to find. Past EAP participants have used the Internet in computer labs on campus for research with varying success. See your Campus EAP Advisor or your campus library for information on access to the California Digital Library.
If you are interested in pursuing an independent study project, you need to submit a proposal. You will receive detailed instructions about the proposal requirements once you are enrolled in the program. Tsuru will use the proposal to match you with an appropriate advisor. The independent study project requires a ten-page paper written in English and a supplementary one-page paper written in Japanese. Arrangements are generally made at the Study Center after arrival.
Duration
Go to the Participants section to see current or past calendars.
Fall: late July to mid-December
Spring: late January to early July
You are encouraged to extend your EAP participation in Japan.
Housing
UC students live in single university apartments. Apartments feature one bedroom with a kitchenette and private bath, and are within walking distance of the campus. You may live with other UC students or Japanese students.
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 (PDF) 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
Tsuru University
Tsuru University is a public university located in Tsuru City, a small but lively scenic town nestled in the mountains at the northern foot of Mt. Fuji, about 90 minutes by train from Tokyo. From its origins as a castle town and silk-producing center, it has developed into a high-tech industrial center and college town.
The university, located on a hill above the town, is noted for its education program and research in Japanese literature, history, and culture. It consists of the College of Humanities, which includes five liberal arts departments (Primary Education, Japanese Literature, English Literature, Social Science, and Comparative Culture) and the Graduate School of Literature. Tsuru enrolls about 2,600 students, many of whom will become teachers. The student body is both regionally and culturally diverse, and students come to Tsuru from all over Japan. You are actively integrated into campus life and the local community.
The university’s modern library contains a collection of approximately 170,000 books and is networked with other university libraries and academic information centers.
Visit the Tsuru University 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. |
| Fall |
$13,100 |
| Spring |
$13,500 |
Application Requirements
Class Level
Sophomore, junior, senior (sophomores are encouraged to apply)
Language Prerequisite
Minimum of one year university-level Japanese. If at the time the program starts it will have been a year or more since you last took a course in Japanese, it is recommended that you refresh your proficiency prior to departure. Consult with your Campus EAP Advisor for details.
GPA
3.0 cumulative GPA at the time of application and maintained through the end of the last term prior to departure, and 3.0 language GPA by the end of the last term prior to departure (or earlier if required by the Campus EAP Office). No exceptions.
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 Tsuru University.
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:
