Japanese in Kyoto

Unique study opportunities

• Explore the contemporary role and meaning of manga, anime, and noh plays in Japanese culture.
• Learn the contemplative art of Japanese flower arrangement, Ikebana.
• Gain up to a year of Japanese language study in one semester.

Language

Japanese Language Courses are taught in Japanese. Humanities courses are available in English. 

Japanese Language Study: Required

If you demonstrate advanced Japanese language proficiency at the placement test at the start of the term, you may take courses taught in Japanese in Doshisha undergraduate programs, in addition to Japanese language courses.​

Courses and credit

Requirements While Abroad

To successfully complete this program:

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

Current Program Courses

Japanese language study is offered from beginning to advanced to suit your needs. Depending on the results of your placement exam, there will be a set number of Japanese language courses offered for your language level. Each course focuses on a different language skill and is 1.5 UC quarter units.

In addition to Japanese language, previous participants have received UC credit for courses related to religious studies, anthropology, political science and Asian Studies.

If you demonstrate advanced Japanese language proficiency at the placement test at the start of the term, you may take courses taught in Japanese in Doshisha undergraduate programs, in addition to Japanese language courses.​

Catalogs and resources

• Doshisha University Center for Japanese Language and Culture: Find class information in program guides and examples of syllabi.
• 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 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. 

Grades

You will earn direct UC credit and grades for all coursework. Grades for this program are usually available in late September. 

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.