IES Abroad Mandatory Orientation During the IES Abroad orientation program, you will get to know the other members of the group and begin the process of adjustment to life in Japan. The IES Abroad Nagoya Center Director and the Program Coordinator will present important information about living in Japan and explain IES Abroad academic policies, regulations, and other topics. You will be responsible for paying for your lunches and for local transportation, but other expenses—lodging, the orientation program, and other meals—are covered by the program fee. Take a look at a few student blogger’s...

Course Load All students will take courses through the Center for Japanese Studies (CJS) at Nanzan University. You must carry a full load while studying abroad at Nanzan University, which is the equivalent of 15–18 IES Abroad credits per semester. Because there are so many different points and credit systems in the US, please check with the academic advisor on your home campus to ensure that credits will transfer. You will decide to follow one of the two tracks listed below: Modern Japanese Track (MJP) You will complete a language placement test and complete final registration for courses when...

Nagoya is often referred to as geidokoro, a center for art and culture, and the perfect place to experience daily life like a local Japanese student. Nagoya is an important port city and industrial center and is the fourth-largest city in Japan with lots of festivals, traditional arts, and sports to enjoy. Not only is it easy to get around the city, but its central location in Japan also makes it easy to explore Tokyo, Osaka, and more! Visit our Study Abroad in Nagoya page for more information on the Top 5 things to do while in Nagoya! Food Japanese food has become popular in other countries...

Cells Phones in Nagoya For reasons of safety and security, it is essential that the IES Abroad Nagoya Center staff are able to contact you at any time during your stay in Japan. There may also be times when you need to contact the IES Abroad Nagoya Center staff, your homestay family, or dormitory management staff. While on the IES Abroad Nagoya program, you will need a cell phone with a voice and data plan that will allow you to freely access the internet in case of a major disaster, such as an earthquake. During the March 2011 earthquake, the cellular phone network failed, and communications...

Please note: You will not have as much personal storage space in Japan as you may be used to, so please bring only necessary items. Also, because postage rates in Japan are considerably higher than in other countries, it will be more expensive to ship things back home. You will likely accumulate more possessions in Japan, so pack light!

Once you arrive, call the IES Abroad Nagoya Emergency Number for instructions on how to proceed.

Overview Dormitories are a good housing option if you wish to interact with Japanese and international students from Nanzan and other surrounding universities as well as young professionals. Your dormitory will typically be single sex but may be mixed gender divided by floor. Please be aware that assignments for dormitories are made completely by Nanzan University and are made based on availability of space. IES Abroad has no influence in your dormitory placement. Dormitories At-A-Glance Housing Type Private bedrooms within a designated dormitory Furnished Yes (bed, closet, desk, and chair)...

By far the most popular housing option is the host family. Because housing with families is difficult to arrange in Japan, and there are not enough homes in which to place all of Nanzan University’s international students, living with a family is a privilege and cannot be guaranteed. Nonetheless, historically, Nanzan staff have usually been successful in placing students in their preferred housing. If placed with a host family, you will be notified of your housing assignment one to three weeks before the start of the program. Students applying to live with a Japanese family should be prepared...

Nanzan University Orientation After the IES Abroad orientation, you will return to Nagoya and then participate in an academic orientation session at Nanzan University and the Center for Japanese Studies (CJS). More information will be provided upon arrival on-site.