About The Program
Located in the western suburbs of Tokyo, International Christian University is the perfect place for students with advanced Japanese language skills to add polish to their fluency. Japanese studies with local students will immerse you in the culture and society, as well as the language, of Japan. At this traditional Japanese academic community, you'll speed your mastery of the language with tutorials and conversation partners. Practice your Japanese during on-campus and off-campus university activities, like tea ceremonies and Kabuki. Summer is the ideal time to explore Japanese culture on your own. Take in colorful festivals with fireworks. Wear a light summer kimono, try Zen meditation in an ancient temple, and savor festival foods like yakitori, karaage, and okonomiyaki. Step into current Japanese culture with a trip to Nakameguro, a laid-back, artsy neighborhood with hip cafés and boutiques. Visit the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka to see how anime films are brought to the big screen. Techies and gamers won’t want to miss Akihabara, Tokyo’s premier electronics district, for the latest innovations.
Where you'll study
ICU is a small liberal arts college in Mitaka, a western suburb of Tokyo. ICU values different nationalities, races, and cultures, and purposefully creates a multicultural environment. Small classrooms, a direct connection with teachers, and a spirited debate culture are features of this intimate campus setting. Surrounded by rich natural forested beauty, the large campus takes time to navigate so you’ll want to have a bike. Join the local students and faculty taking in the natural beauty riding bicycles between campus facilities and where they live. The ICU campus is known for its spaciousness, greenery, and a famous Sakura Cherry blossom avenue.
TRIPS AND ACTIVITIES
Optional field trips and activities to introduce the local culture are available through your host university. Most events are free or discounted, but some come with an additional cost not included in UCEAP fees.
Meditation at a Buddhist temple
Japanese animation showcase at Ghibli Museum
Experience kabuki theater, a classical Japanese dance-drama
Calligraphy workshop