Study in Tokyo - Japanese Language & Culture (in English)
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
• Experience the world-renowned culture of Tokyo while living in a neighborhood in the heart of the city alongside local students.
• Offering the best of modern and traditional Japan, the Language and Culture Program is designed for students to complete their semester with a higher level of Japanese complemented by a deeper understanding of the social life and culture of Japan.
• Join a campus group to connect with the local student community – from sports to a club devoted to eating Udon – there's a little something for everyone to enjoy at TIU!
• Enjoy the modern conveniences of Tokyo by taking a weekend trip to the countryside on a bullet train or digging into conveyor belt sushi with your new group of international friends.
LIFE ABROAD
Enjoy the dynamic energy of Tokyo while living in Ikebukuro, a neighborhood located in the heart of the city that offers quick access to public transportation, popular shopping centers, and delicious restaurants.
LIVE
On this program, students get the immersive cultural experience of living in a private room with a host family. Host families provide not only insights into Japanese culture and daily customs, but also supply unlimited opportunities to practice your language skills and observe the workings of the local community.
DINE
16 meals per week are provided by your host family and consist of breakfast and dinner on weekdays and breakfast, lunch, and dinner on weekends. While on campus, you will have access to TIU’s dining options, including cafeterias, convenience stores, and food trucks. Enjoy access to Western-style food like Mcdonald's or staple Japanese cuisine like miso soup or seafood – there are options to satisfy all your tastebuds.
EXPERIENCE
Join optional field trips, including a three-day trip to famous sites in Kyoto and other sites in the Kansai Area. Past field trips have included activities such as tea ceremonies on a local farm, Japanese drumming experiences, and hands-on pottery making classes in the traditional Japanese art style. There are also events that you can attend throughout the semester, such as a welcome party, an international fair, and a university festival. If you prefer to go on your own adventures, many students take advantage of the weekends to take trips, such as climbing Mount Fuji or attending cosplay conventions.
EXPLORE
Opportunities to explore Japan’s natural and small-town beauty are easily accessible by bullet train, including natural parklands, scenic lakes, hot springs, and theme parks. Just a 2-hour and 30-minute bus ride away (and for only 18 USD) is the start of the Yoshida Trail, the most popular route to hike on Mount Fuji. As evening approaches, watch Tokyo come alive by visiting popular nightlife destinations such as Shibuya, a neighborhood full of karaoke bars, late-night eateries, and arcades that cater to the city’s night owls. For those wanting to experience the eclectic and youthful side of Tokyo, explore Harajuku, an area where you can find the latest in streetwear fashion as well as those dressed head to toe in elaborate cosplay.
THRIVE
For all of your mental health needs, there is an on-campus counseling service with two days per week of English language services. You will also have access to gyms for use between or after class or as a part of club activities.
VOLUNTEER
Students in the past have volunteered with Tsunami cleanup groups in Northern Japan, service groups that work with physically and mentally handicapped children, English-education events for children, and on local organic farms.
What We Love About TIU
We love that there are approximately 1,300 international students at TIU each semester! To celebrate the truly global atmosphere of TIU and Tokyo, an International Festival is held each year for students to enjoy food, booths, and performances. In the past, students have learned about the local culture through participation in activities such as traditional and modern dance groups, community center courses in pottery, tea ceremonies, Japanese cooking classes, flower arranging classes, martial arts groups, and community sports teams.
See ISEP Direct budget and estimated expenses
Course Description
Offering the best of modern and traditional Japan, the Language and Culture Program (JSP – Japan Studies Program) is designed for students to complete their semester with a higher level of Japanese complemented by a deeper understanding of the social life and culture of Japan. A Japanese language class is required. Students can then choose from the Japan Studies classes or choose to take a class or two from the E-track (English Track) courses.
Credits Earned
Students must earn credit for at least two or more courses to receive a certificate of completion.
Students who complete the program in good standing can expect to earn 12-16 credits which ISEP recommends is the equivalent of 12-16 U.S. Credit Hours. Each course is usually worth 4 credits. Some language classes may be worth up to 8 credits.
If you use financial aid, please speak with a qualified financial aid advisor to understand your academic obligations and the requirements for using financial aid.
Sample Classes Available:
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Foreign Language and Literatures |
Language and Culture |
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Japanese Language Seminar |
Comparative Culture |
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Contemporary Japanese Literature |
Japanese Society |
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Intermediate Japanese 1 |
Topics in Japan Studies: A contemporary Social Issues in Japan |
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Pre-modern Japanese Literature |
Japanese Popular Culture |
Academics
Other Academic Conditions
Students are required to take a language class and are encouraged to take a culture class. They can also take additional classes from the E-Track program if they prefer. Students with Advanced Japanese language proficiency can take elective courses in the Japanese-taught undergraduate schools (J-Track program).
A homestay is required for this program – it is integral to the immersion component of the language and culture learning.
Elective Classes (Culture and E-Track options)
Students wishing to study for a full year should consider starting their program at the beginning of the academic year in March. Be sure to search for courses using the correct semester parameters: SM1 (Spring) is March to July; SM2 (Fall) is September to December.
Students arrive: Third week of March, First week of September
Classes start: First week of April, First week of September
Classes end: Second week of July, Third week of December
Exams: During July, During December
Semester & Prices (based on your filters)
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