Keio University

Unique study opportunities

• Build your career as an international professional through a program focused on law and economics.
• Discover Japanese traditional arts, cinema, and history through Keio International Program courses.
• Elevate your Japanese language skills through Keio Japanese Language courses.

Language

Language Study: Optional

Language study is available from beginning through advanced levels. Your language level is determined by your score on a self-assessment test.

If you have advanced Japanese language proficiency, you may take courses taught in Japanese.

Courses and credit

Requirements While Abroad

To successfully complete this program:

• Take a full-time course of study: Minimum of 21 quarter/14 semester UC units; usually 7 or 8 courses.
• You may take up to one-third (33%) of your courses for pass/no pass credit.

Current Program Courses

Undergraduate UCEAP students choose from one of two tracks—the Keio International Program (KIP) or the Economics Program. 

Keio International Program (KIP)

Program specifically designed for exchange students with coursework that focuses on Japan and Asia. You can also take regular Keio University coursework taught in English or Japanese from the various faculties and graduate schools.

Students enrolled in KIP are able to take courses from any combination of:

• International Center Courses
• Courses offered by Faculty/Graduate schools
• Keio Japanese Language Courses (KJC) 

Economics Program (Short-term International Students)

For economics and business majors only, this track offers a unique opportunity for UCEAP students to focus on economics coursework taught in English at Keio University. The main benefit of the economics track is that it gives you priority enrollment for courses in economics. 

In this track, you take courses from a combination of:

• Faculty of Economics courses (at least four courses must be taken from the Faculty of Economics per semester)
• International Center courses
• Keio Japanese Language Courses (KJC)

Catalogs and resources

Keio University program and course information:

• Keio International Program (KIP): Find details on this comprehensive program for international students.
• Courses offered by Faculty/Graduate Schools: View additional courses available to KIP students taught in English or Japanese.
• International Center Courses: See a list of courses taught in English, offered specifically for international students, primarily in the humanities and social sciences with a focus on Japan and Asia.
• Faculty of Economics (Short-term International Students): Find out about leadership and economics courses taught in English.
• Keio Japanese Courses (KJC): Read course summaries and view a comparison of language levels offered by the Center for Japanese Studies. 
• Syllabus Search: Look up details on offered courses.

Other catalogs and resources:

• UCEAP Course Catalog: See a list of courses students have taken on this program. This is not a current representation of course offerings on this program. Reference the above links to review recent course offerings. 
• Campus Credit Abroad: Learn the types of credit (major, minor, general education, elective) students from your campus received at this location.

Academic culture

Japan's collectivist culture places a high value on punctuality, courtesy, and proper conduct. As an exchange student, it's crucial to be sensitive to these societal norms and values. To ensure a smooth and enriching experience in Japan, it's essential to prepare for the country's academic and cultural norms. Even learning a few basic Japanese greetings can foster more meaningful connections with the people you meet.

If you're unsure about appropriate behavior in Japan, research different facets of Japanese culture before arrival; observe how locals conduct their daily lives, and/or consult the Study Center. Japanese professors and acquaintances are unlikely to point out cultural missteps directly, but your actions will be noticed and can reflect on both you and the program. 

Compared to the UC system, Japanese universities have a different academic culture. Japanese and other international students tend to be less focused on grades, and courses are often less structured; professors may not provide a detailed syllabus or might alter the content mid-term. However, classroom expectations are more formal. Attendance is mandatory, with tardiness often counting toward an absence. The student-professor relationship is also more hierarchical, where professors are viewed as the ultimate authority and are seldom challenged. 

Keio University has a western-style academic culture. Language courses are very small—approximately 20 students. Other courses are lecture and seminar style, focusing on class discussions, research projects and practical skills.

Grades

You will earn direct UC credit and grades for all coursework. Fall grades for this program are usually available late April. Spring grades are usually available in mid-October. Requests for early grades cannot be accommodated. If you intend to put yourself on your campus degree list for graduation while on UCEAP, consult your campus advisors before departure about possible delays in the degree verification process.

In Japanese universities, professors typically do not provide detailed rubrics; provide feedback on written work, or return final exams. The grade you receive is generally considered sufficient feedback. Language courses are known to be more demanding than at UC and focus more on reading and writing, often with rigorous grading. 

Poor grades are often caused by tardiness, excessive absences, missed assignments, and a lack of communication with instructors. Attendance at all classes, field trips, and academic events is required and is often factored into your final grade, unless you are formally excused for a valid reason.