Academics

Fields of Study: Japanese, Humanities

Intermediate Japanese language skills are required for this program, where you will deepen your experience with Japanese language and culture by engaging with local and international students. An academic hallmark of International Christian University (ICU) is its emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches, small class size, and rigorous Japanese language instruction. ICU offers intensive Japanese language study for intermediate students.

Unique study opportunities

  • Build your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in intermediate-level Japanese language courses.
  • The Japan Studies course with local students explores a range of topics in humanities and social sciences through lectures, field trips and cultural visits.
  • Upgrade your Japanese grammar with the optional Japanese Grammar: Beginner to Intermediate course, taught by ICU Japanese language student teachers and ICU faculty.
  • Engage with local and international students on cultural topics important to the people of Japan.

Language

Language of Instruction: English, Japanese

Japanese Language Study: Required

Japanese Language Course will be taught in Japanese. Japan Studies course will be taught in English.

 

Courses and credit

Requirements While Abroad

To successfully complete this program:

  • Take two courses course for a total of 11 quarter/7.3 semester UC units (Summer 2025); Summer 2026 is still TBD.
  • Take both courses for a letter grade; pass/no pass grading isn't available on this program

Current Program Courses

Students are required to enroll in the following two courses: 

  • Japanese Language course   (Summer 2025: 5.5 UC quarter units; Summer 2026 TBD) - You will take a language placement exam upon arrival. Students must place into ICU level J2 (equivalent to second-year Japanese language at the UC) on the language placement exam to be successful on this program.  Language of instruction: Japanese.
  • Japanese Studies course (Summer 2025: 5.5 UC quarter units; Summer 2026 TBD) - Engage in Japanese cultural topics with local and international students, through lectures, field trips, and excursions. Language of instruction: English. 

Please note that results of the Japanese language placement exam at the host institution are non-negotiable. There is a possibility students may test into a lower level Japanese language class than they had completed at their UC campuses.

Catalogs and resources

  • ICU summer program (Summer 2025): the ICU ISPJ website includes a program overview, sample schedules, and course 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. 

This program is intensive. Classes meet on Monday-Friday, for at least 20 hours per week over the summer. Language classes range between 12-20 students and are conducted in the mornings. Japanese Studies lectures and/or field trips are conducted in the afternoons. 

Grades

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