Languages, Literatures and Cultures

The course is taught in English, and is not designed as a language study abroad program (although learners of Japanese will, of course, have ample opportunities to use their language abilities). The class is divided into three parts: Tokyo, Kyoto, and online work back home. Students will spend two weeks each in Tokyo and Kyoto. Tokyo is Japan’s modern capital, while Kyoto is Japan’s ancient capital. These two cities offer a wide variety of historically and culturally significant sites to visit and activities to enjoy. Students will learn about and visit modern hubs of fashion and pop culture like Akihabara and Harajuku, famous preserves of traditional culture such as Kiyomizu Temple and Tōdai-ji, and politically charged sites like Yasukuni shrine and the Imperial palace. Students will then complete a project after returning home, before the end of the Summer A session.

The study abroad program at Aoyama Gakuin University is located on a beautiful campus in the heart of Tokyo. All coursework must be submitted in Japanese and for this reason the program is targeted at those with advanced proficiency in Japanese (3 or more years of study). Academic-year and 1-semester options. Housing option: dorm. (NOTE: It is not uncommon for students to have commutes of approximately one hour to campus.)

Accepts 1-4 students annually selected by Japan Studies. Japanese language courses + (Japanese) electives, all for UFGPA credit. Must have completed at least 3 years of Japanese by arrival date. This exchange is specifically for students who have demonstrated a high degree of proficiency, typically beyond the third year of language study. Non-majors or minors are also encouraged to apply, but may have a lower possibility of acceptance. To apply, see pages 3-4 of the Study Abroad Handout.

This study abroad program at Kansai Gaidai University is located midway between Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, and Osaka, the mercantile and comedy center of Japan. Students take Japanese language courses (1 year of previous study required), and Asian-studies related electives taught in English (e.g., political science, art history, anthropology, manga drawing, among many others). Academic-year and 1-semester options. Housing options: homestay or dorm. (NOTE: It is not uncommon for students to have commutes of approximately one hour to campus.)

Accepts variable number of students yearly (selected by Japanese Studies). Japanese language courses + (English) electives, all for UFGPA credit. Must have completed at least 1 year of Japanese by arrival date. The Asian Studies program at Kansai Gaidai runs on the American academic calendar. To apply, see pages 3-4 of the Study Abroad Handout.

The program at Nagoya University, called NUPACE (Nagoya University Program for Academic Exchange) is ideal for students in international studies and STEM majors, in addition to Japanese majors, because it offers over 800 courses in a wide variety of subjects e.g., (environmental studies, engineering, global studies, among others). No previous study of Japanese language is required, but all students in the program must take a Japanese language course (can be used to satisfy the UF language requirement). Nagoya University is among the top 5 national universities in Japan. Nagoya is a major metropolis midway between Tokyo and Kyoto. Academic year or spring-term 1 semester option. Housing option: dorm.

Accepts 2 students per semester; option to extend an additional semester. Japanese language courses + extensive English elective courses, all for UFGPA credit. No Japanese language requirements. Spring semester runs April – August; Fall semester runs October – February.

The study abroad program at Shimane University offers courses in Japanese language and intensive Japanese studies, all of which are taught in Japanese. The academic year and the fall/spring 1-semester options require advanced proficiency in Japanese (3 or more years of study), while the summer C option is open to students with 2 years of Japanese language study. Matsue is a former castle town, and is located in a very old area rich in cultural history on the Japan Sea side of Japan. Housing option: International House (single or double room).

1 year exchange accepts 2 students per semester; option to extend an additional semester. Japanese language courses + Japanese electives, all for UFGPA credit. Must have completed at least 2 years of Japanese by arrival date. Spring semester runs April – August; Fall semester runs October – February. This exchange will appeal to students who are able to attend UF summer term in lieu of fall or spring terms, or wish to pursue internships or other opportunities that might not necessarily follow the semester pattern.

The program at Waseda University is located on a beautiful campus in the heart of Tokyo. This program is run by the Department of Economics, and students may apply to it directly through UF’s International Center. Academic year or spring semester options.

UF Exchange @ Waseda Page by the Department of Economics
Waseda Summer Session