Summary

If you want to accelerate your Japanese language skills and develop a good understanding of contemporary Japanese culture, EAP offers a language and culture program at Tsuru University. Tsuru City is a small but lively 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, it has developed into a high-tech industrial city and college town. Located on a hill just above the town, the university is noted for education and research in Japanese literature, history, and culture. The student body is culturally diverse, including students from all over Japan. You will be actively integrated into campus life as well as into the local community.

Students attend classes with UC students.

Duration

Fall semester: late July to mid-December
Spring semester: late January to early July

Academic Focus

Japanese language and culture. Core courses are designed for UC students and focus on literature, history, society, politics, and economy; electives include additional subjects in the humanities and social sciences.

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)

See the MyEAP Course Catalog to search for courses previously taken by UC students.
Additional courses may be available at host institutions or program locations 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.

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

Internships and independent study for academic credit may be possible in this program. Arrangements are generally made at the Study Center after arrival at the host institution. Predeparture preparation may be required.

Units

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

Fall semester: 26 UC quarter units
Spring semester: 30 UC quarter units

Housing

UC students live in single university apartments (one bedroom with a kitchenette and private bath) within walking distance of the campus with other UC students or host country 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 their host country and provide assistance with academics, housing, safety, and other issues.

See the EAP Student's 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

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.

Visit the Tsuru University website

Academic Calendar

Academic calendars will be updated as they become available. Do not make any travel arrangements until the calendar for your academic year is posted.

Estimated Cost

The cost of study on EAP can be close to the cost of studying on campus and is typically far less than the cost of non-UC study abroad programs. You can also take your UC financial aid abroad! If you do not currently receive UC financial aid, you may qualify for aid while on EAP. Each year, EAP students receive $1.3 million in study abroad grants and scholarships.

The estimated total cost for options in this program are listed below. Future costs will vary due to currency fluctuation, etc. All estimated totals include:

• UC fees
• program-specific fees
• room and board
• mandatory insurance
• incidentals
• transportation
• books
• on-site orientation
• predeparture expenses
• intensive language program expenses where applicable

Application Requirements

Program-Specific Requirements

• Class level: sophomore, junior, senior (sophomores are encouraged to apply)
• Language prerequisite: Minimum of one year of first-year, university-level Japanese and maximum of two years of university-level Japanese (not higher than second year). 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.

In addition to program-specific requirements, all applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

• 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
• Willingness to abide by program regulations
• 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 host institution.

Application Deadlines

Application deadlines and information on the application process are available through your Campus EAP Office.

In addition to your campus deadlines, there are deadlines by which the Campus EAP Office must submit the completed applications and accompanying materials to the Universitywide Office of EAP (UOEAP). For participation in the Program, it is critical that both campus deadlines and UOEAP deadlines are met. If the application is incomplete and not accompanied by the required materials noted, it will be returned to the Campus EAP Office.

Supplemental predeparture materials will be required for many programs, including, but are not limited to, host institution applications, visa and housing applications, medical clearances, etc.

Visit your Campus EAP Office for more information:

• UC Berkeley
• UC Davis
• UC Irvine
• UC Los Angeles
• UC Merced
• UC Riverside
• UC San Diego
• UC Santa Barbara
• UC Santa Cruz