Summer in Japan - Japanese Language & Culture (in Japanese) - ISEP Direct
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
• Spend 8 weeks in Japan studying Japanese Language and Culture at the beginning to advanced levels—no prior Japanese study required!
• Experience Japanese culture during included field trips and excursions in Nagoya and the surrounding region
• Spend your free time shopping in the world-famous Osu Kannon district or visit historical landmarks like Nagoya Castle and Osu Kannon Temple.
• Get out and explore the rest of Japan—located in the center of the main island, Nagoya is the perfect base for exploring Japan’s other top destinations like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto
LIFE ABROAD
The Nanzan University eight-week language program includes courses in Japanese cultural studies and arts (hanga and ikebana), optional excursions and opportunities to interact with local students. Nanzan is located in Nagoya, one of Japan's largest cities, offering students endless opportunities for cultural immersion.
Excursions & Cultural Experiences
Nanzan offers many interesting field trips, and they are a very popular part of the program. Excursion locations and prices vary per year. Examples include a visit to Iga Ueno Castle, an Edo period castle rebuilt entirely out of wood, a trip to watch a grand sumo wrestling tournament, and the chance to try traditional pottery making. Additional activities may consist of a trip to a Toyota car factory, a visit to a Japanese garden, and the opportunity to see a Kabuki performance. Longer, one-day bus trips with Japanese students are also offered.
Housing & Meals
Choose a housing option to suit your lifestyle. Live in the conveniently located Janssen International Residence, offering fully furnished single bedrooms with shared kitchens, living areas, and modern amenities. Students have access to cooking facilities, grocery stores, street food, and restaurants. Be sure to budget for meals during your stay. Alternatively, immerse yourself in Japanese culture and daily life by living with a host family. This option provides an excellent opportunity to improve your language skills while experiencing traditional Japanese culture. Most meals (breakfast and dinner) are included in the program fee for students who choose a homestay.
Explore Nagoya
Nanzan University’s beautiful, tree-filled campus is in the vibrant central Japanese city of Nagoya, capital of Aichi Prefecture. The city is conveniently located between Kyoto (35 minutes away) and Tokyo (100 minutes away) on Japan’s main bullet train line. Students can enjoy many historical locations such as Nagoya Castle and the Tokugawa Art Museum. At the same time, students can experience modern Japanese culture, at nearby theme park Nagashima Spaland, a Summer Cosplay Summit, Toyota factory tours, the dynamic Osu Kannon shopping zone, and lively local festivals with dancing and processions.
SCHOLARSHIP
This program fulfills the minimum eligibility requirements for the Freeman-ASIA Summer award. This scholarship provides up to $3000 USD for a study abroad program. Please see the IIE website for more details on eligibility and applications.
See ISEP Direct budget and estimated expenses
Course Description
Students take eight weeks of intensive Japanese language classes at six levels (from real beginners to pre-advanced). This includes a required 24 hours of outside-class conversation practice with Japanese TAs. Courses such as Japanese Language Seminars, Japanese Arts Courses, Open Courses (regular undergraduate classes) and special Japan Studies courses are also offered.
Please note that you are expected to know both hiragana and katakana to join the lowest level language class.
Summer Japanese language courses are 4 Japanese credits each. Japanese Seminar and Japan Studies courses are 2 Japanese credits each. If you take 3 or fewer Japanese Art courses, you will not receive credit for those classes. However, if you take all 4 Japanese Art courses, you will receive 2 credits. There is no maximum number of credits students can take, though classes whose time schedules conflict cannot be taken together, which might limit the number of credits students can actually take.
Please note that if you use financial aid, you may be required to earn 6 US credits to be eligible for summer aid. Please speak with a qualified financial aid advisor to understand your eligibility and the requirements for using financial aid.
You may find a sample course list and syllabi from 2023 for the program here. ISEP students can take courses under the “Course A” track on this list.”
A sample schedule:
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Japanese Language |
Japanese Seminar |
Japanese Studies |
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Japanese I |
Writing for Communication |
History of Fine and Decorative Visual Arts |
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Japanese II |
Elementary Translation |
Traditional Japanese Dance |
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Japanese III |
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Japanese IV |
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Japanese V |
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Academics
Other Academic Conditions
The deadline for this program is February 15.
Please note, the priority deadline listed on this webpage is standard for all ISEP programs, but Nanzan’s internal deadline is much earlier. To be considered for the program, please submit a complete application by February 15.
This program does not have a minimum language requirement. However, please note that you are expected to know both hiragana and katakana to join the lowest level language class.
PASSPORT: All students must have a valid passport to participate in this program. If you do not have a valid passport, we suggest you start the application process as soon as possible.
VISA/RESIDENCE PERMIT: Some students attending this program will be required to obtain a visa/residence permit. For more information on the process and estimated cost, please review the ISEP Country Handbook here.
Semester & Prices (based on your filters)
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