Study in Tokyo - Japanese Language & Culture (in English) - ISEP Exchange
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
• Experience the world-renowned culture of Tokyo while living 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 central neighborhood that offers quick access to public transportation, popular shopping centers, and delicious restaurants.
LIVE
Gain insight into Japanese culture and daily customs by living with a host family while staying in a private room. Practice your language skills and observe the workings of the local community through daily life with your host family. Please note that you may be placed in campus housing rather than in a homestay if there are not enough homestay families available.
DINE
Host families provide 16 meals per week, including breakfast and dinner on weekdays, plus breakfast, lunch, and dinner on weekends. While on campus, choose from TIU’s dining options including cafeterias, convenience stores, and food trucks. Enjoy staple Japanese dishes like miso soup or seafood, with options to satisfy all your tastebuds. If you are participating on an ISEP Exchange, you will receive a one-time 28000 JPY meal stipend.
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. Attend events throughout the semester, such as a welcome party and a university festival, or use weekends to plan your own adventures, from climbing Mount Fuji to attending cosplay conventions.
EXPLORE
Explore Japan’s natural and small-town beauty by bullet train, including natural parklands, scenic lakes, hot springs, and theme parks, or take the bus to the start of the Yoshida Trail, the most popular route to hike on Mount Fuji. Experience Tokyo’s in Shibuya, a neighborhood full of karaoke bars, late-night eateries, and arcades that cater to the city’s night owls. Discover the eclectic and youthful side in Harajuku, where you can find the latest in streetwear fashion as well as those dressed head to toe in elaborate cosplay.
THRIVE
Acclimate with the support of on-campus counseling services for your mental health needs, with two days per week of English language services. Enjoy access to gyms to maintain your physical wellbeing.
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 TIU offers unmatched opportunities to immerse yourself in Japanese culture while studying alongside a diverse international student body. You’ll be paired with a Peer Assistant who serves as a buddy and helps plan activities together throughout the semester. Whether you're attending a Japanese tea ceremony or practicing your language skills with your host family, there’s no shortage of experiences that will connect you to everyday life in Tokyo.
See ISEP Direct budget and estimated expenses (Fall)
See ISEP Direct budget and estimated expenses (Spring)
For ISEP Direct Students
This program is popular and may reach capacity before the priority deadline. ISEP will close this program’s application once the maximum number of students have applied. To be considered, your home coordinator must first approve your application in the ISEP Portal. We strongly recommend applying early for the best chance of securing your spot.
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. (Please note that Business-related courses may be competitive. Students should be prepared with several back-up classes.) 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)
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.) You can also use this course list as a resource.
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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