Japanese in Osaka

Unique study opportunities

• Practice new vocabulary and expressions learned in the classroom while exploring the Kansai region.
• Participate with Japanese conversation partners/groups to practice language and receive feedback.
• Connect everyday life communication with the topic-based instructional style focused on narratives.

Language

Japanese Language Study: Required

An intensive five-week beginning Japanese language program, this program is designed for students who have no prior language experience and/or at the early beginning stage of their Japanese language studies. 

Courses and credit

Requirements While Abroad

To successfully complete this program:

• Take one course for a total of 9 quarter/6 semester UC units.
• Take the course for a letter grade or pass/no pass.

Current Program Courses

You will take the following courses on this program:

• Beginning Japanese (JF 100)

Additional or optional coursework, internships, and research for academic credit are not possible on this program.

You must learn and study Hiragana and Katakana prior to your arrival to fully engage with this intensive program. The University of Osaka sends the linked self-learning resources prior to arrival. 

Catalogs and resources

• The University of Osaka J-ShIP: Presents the program overview, schedule, and activities. Summer 2026 information will be posted as soon as it is available.
• UCEAP Course Catalog: See a list of courses UC students have taken on this program.
• 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 and prepare for these societal norms and values. 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. 

This program uses a topic-based instructional approach to learning Japanese. You and your classmates will split  into teams and take on a particular topic, such as your family background, favorite foods and eating out, daily life, travelling, and holidays. The textbook provides sample narratives in which each person talks on the topic of the unit. You will study the narratives and then create your own version. This instructional approach caters to different levels of Japanese proficiency as well as different rates of progress.​ You may find the courses and grading more rigorous than at UC. 

Grades

You will earn direct UC credit and grades for all coursework.  Final grades for this program are usually available by late August, and 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.