Academics

Field of Study: Humanities

The Japanese language program at The University of Osaka offers you both intensive study of the Japanese language as well as immersion in Japanese society, culture, traditions, and life within a vibrant community. While you may have time for visiting sites around the Kansai region, you'll concentrate on developing beginning Japanese language skills in this five-week program.

Unique study opportunities

  • Get paired with a native Japanese conversation partner to receive feedback and language practice.
  • Benefit from the topic-based instructional style focused on narratives.

Language

Language of Instruction: Japanese

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.

It is highly recommended that you learn Hiragana and Katakana prior to your arrival for this program. The University of Osaka sends the linked self-learning resources prior to arrival. 

Catalogs and resources

  • The University of Osaka J-ShIP: The Japanese Short stay In session Program (J-SHIP) includes course overview, sample schedule, and various materials and general information.
  • 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

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.

Grading is typically conducted by detracting points for errors, rather than rewarding points for correct work. Instructors may lower grades due to excessive absences, tardiness, missing assignments, and lack of communication.

Grades for this program are expected in late August.