Eligibility
- 18 years of age or above
- Good academic and disciplinary standing at Penn State
- 3.0 cumulative GPA or better at the time of application
- Sophomore standing or above at the start of the program
- 2 semesters of college-level Japanese language or equivalent required
- Students must be enrolled in a Japanese course within the academic year prior to the program start date
Program Description
Immerse yourself in Japanese culture through full-time enrollment at the Center for Japanese Studies (CJS) at Nanzan University. A distinguished private university, Nanzan University offers excellent learning opportunities.
In addition to required intensive Japanese language classes (worth 8 credits), you will choose from a range of CJS English-taught course offerings in Literature, Business, History, and Pop Culture. You can also enjoy hands-on instruction in Japanese arts, such as ikebana, shodo, hanga, and sado . Students with very advanced language skills are encouraged to enroll in seminars taught in Japanese with local students.
Dates
Academic Year: early September - mid May
Fall: early September - late December
Spring: early January - mid May
Refer to IES Abroad's website for the specific dates, if available.
Location
Tradition meets modernity in the thriving Japanese city of Nagoya. Countless cultural traditions began here and have been passed down through generations—Nagoya is referred to as a geidokoro, a center for art and culture. Don’t miss the rituals and festivals that take place at temples and shrines throughout the area. Along with its cultural traditions, Nagoya is an important port city and industrial center with major international businesses having a presence here. Not only is it easy to get around the city, its central location in Japan makes it easy to explore Tokyo, Osaka, and more.
Nagoya will be your classroom. You can easily find opportunities to apply your lessons when you explore popular local sites, such as the Atsuta Shrine and Higashiyama Park. Visit some of the city’s many museums, like the Toyota Automobile Museum or the Tokugawa Art Museum. Everything you do will be part of your learning experience.
Education Abroad in Countries with a Penn State Restricted Travel Designation
In order to comply with Penn State’s International Travel Policy, students interested in studying abroad in countries that Penn State has designated as “restricted” for travel, a petition for a waiver must be submitted. Once a petition is complete, and if the student is approved for study on the program in question, the student may be asked to meet with the Director of Education Abroad and the petition will be reviewed by the Penn State International Restricted Travel Committee (IRTC). The necessary petition will be included in the online application process for this program. To see if your program is taking place in a restricted travel country, please visit the Global Programs website.
General Information
Studying abroad can be one of the most exciting and transformative experiences of your college career. It is an opportunity to develop independence, build cross-cultural competencies, grow as a person, and enhance your academic program. Entering a new culture can be challenging for everyone. You may ask yourself: is this the right country for me? What are their cultural norms? How will my identity be perceived there? What can I do to prepare for this experience? What will my daily life be like? Below are resources to help you answer these questions.
Accessibility
Penn State Education Abroad works closely with campus resources and our partner institutions around the world to ensure that students of all abilities reach their goal of studying abroad. While we cannot guarantee the accessibility of all program sites and locations, specific accommodations may be arranged on an individual basis. If you have accommodation needs or further questions please consult with the Student Disability Resources office and your Education Abroad Adviser. Additional resources are available through the Global Program Website. Disability information will not be used during the admissions process, but rather is meant to provide students with resources to help in planning a successful experience abroad.
Gender and LGBTQA
There are dramatic and subtle differences in how gender, identity, sexual expression, and sexual health are perceived in different countries. Before going abroad, it is important that you research the specific country or countries you will be visiting and have a full understanding of their cultural norms. Below are some resources to help you with that research and provide guidance for your life abroad.
Race, Ethnicity, and Faith
When choosing a study abroad location and preparing for your travels, you will want to be mindful of how your experience will be different than what you are used to in the United States. Your racial, ethnic, and spiritual identities may be interacted with and labeled by others differently than what you expect. Here are resources to help you prepare for these differences.
IES Abroad Country-Specific Diversity and Access Resources: Japan
Just as each study abroad experience is unique, each location offers a different adventure. IES Abroad offers students comprehensive resources specific to their host city and country. Please visit the IES Abroad Japan - Diversity Resources website for valuable information on the following:
- Day-to-Day Life in Japan
- Dietary Concerns
- Diverse Racial, Ethnic, & National Identity
- Gender Identity, Gender Expression, & Sexual Orientation
- Religion & Spirituality
- Disability Resources & Mental Health Support
Non-U.S. Citizens
It is possible for non-U.S. Citizens to study abroad through Penn State. To do so successfully, you must plan early because this process may involve obtaining visas and other governmental procedures. Check with your DISSA Adviser prior to committing to a study abroad program and speak with your Education Abroad Adviser for specific information on the host country. If you plan on traveling to other countries during your study abroad experience, you will need to research and make plans to adhere to immigration policies for all of the countries that you plan to travel to and through. You are responsible for applying for visas for all applicable countries on your own. Advisers in the Education Abroad office cannot apply for your visa for you. Additional information may be available through your country's embassy and the consulate for your study abroad country.
