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 

Program Website

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: 

 
 
 
 
 

Foreign Language and Literatures 

 
 
 
 

Language and Culture 

 
 
 
 

Japanese Language Seminar 

 
 

Comparative Culture 

 
 
 
 

Contemporary Japanese Literature 

 
 

Japanese Society 

 
 
 
 

Intermediate Japanese 1 

 
 

Topics in Japan Studies: A contemporary Social Issues in Japan 

 
 
 
 

Pre-modern Japanese Literature 

 
 

Japanese Popular Culture

Website for Course Availability

ISEP STUDENT SERVICES OFFICER Rachel Brown 703-504-9994 | RBrown@isep.org Thanks for your interest in ISEP Study Abroad! I’m your Student Services Officer and main point of contact here at ISEP. As you search for programs, I'll be available to answer any questions you might have. Feel free to contact me at any point in your search process for help, tips or advice.

Academics

Undergraduate
(in English)

*This program is OK for Sophomores

Fields of Study

  • Business

    Economics

  • Foreign Languages and Literatures Recommended!

    Japanese Language and Literature

  • International/Global Studies

    International Relations and Affairs

  • Language and Culture Recommended!

Academic Requirements

  • U.S. GPA: 2.5 or higher
  • TOEFL iBT Score: 79
  • IELTS Score: 6
  • LPR accepted as alternate to TOEFL or IELTS
  • LPR Writing Score: B2 - Intermediate High-Advanced
  • LPR Reading Score: B2 - Intermediate High-Advanced
  • LPR Listening Score: B2 - Intermediate High-Advanced
  • LPR Speaking Score: B2 - Intermediate High-Advanced
LPR = ISEP Language Proficiency Report

Special Application Instructions

Students must have the equivalent of a 2.5 GPA out of 4.0. If you are unsure of how your transcript translates to a 4.0 GPA, please contact your home ISEP Coordinator or ISEP Student Services Officer for advice. 

Students are required to submit an internal application following their placement which is required of the host institution. Instructions will be sent by the ISEP Host Coordinator by email.

Due to the homestay arrangement, students with strict dietary requirements (including vegetarian and vegan diets) should consider participating in the TIU Business & International Relations program instead of the Language & Culture program.

ISEP Direct Students Only: Please note that although your ISEP application does not require it, you will need to prepare an academic reference/letter of recommendation for the TIU internal application. In order to save time, we encourage you to reach out to your professor(s) or academic advisor(s) early once you have decided to apply to this program.

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: Most 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.

Special Needs Support

  • Mental Health
  • Learning

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.

Website for Language Classes

Elective Classes (Culture and E-Track options) 

Please use the link here to search for syllabi. Note that the website goes down for maintenance daily from between 2:00-5:00 JST. (You can convert this to your local time using this website.)

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)

Select a semester to calculate the price. Semesters are named according to host university's calendar.


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Tokyo International University

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