1 semester of college-level Japanese; enrollment in a Japanese course in the last year
About the Program
Immerse yourself in Japanese culture through full-time enrollment at the Center for Japanese Studies (CJS) at Nanzan University. A distinguished private university, Nanzan University offers excellent learning opportunities to expand your Japanese language skills and cultural knowledge. You can choose to follow either the Modern or Intensive Japanese Track, both of which include Japanese language classes as well as the opportunity to choose from a range of CJS English-taught course offerings in Literature, Business, and History.
Enroll in Elective Japanese Arts Courses
Enjoy hands-on instruction in Japanese arts, such as ikebana and shodō.
Take Courses in Japanese
Enroll in seminars taught in Japanese with local students.
Live with Local Families or Students
Live in a homestay with a local family or in a dormitory.
Nagoya Will Be Your Classroom
Apply your lessons when you explore popular local sites.
Spring 2026
Program Dates:
January 04 - May 22
Application Deadline:
Program Advisor
Cyane Thomas
Once you’ve applied for a program, I’ll be your direct point of contact. From housing to course registration and everything in between, I’m here to help you prepare to study abroad. Once you’re accepted to your program, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!
1 semester of college-level Japanese; enrollment in a Japanese course in the last year
About the Destination
Why Nagoya?
Nagoya is often referred to as geidokoro, a center for art and culture, the perfect place to experience daily life like a local Japanese student. Along with its cultural traditions, Nagoya is an important port city and industrial center with major international businesses having a presence here. 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.
Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences. That is why we partnered with Nanzan University.
Partner Institution
Nanzan University
Nanzan University
Nanzan University began in 1946 as the College of Foreign Languages. Since then, it has grown into a full-fledged university with seven faculties and a worldwide reputation for academic excellence. The University has the advantage of a low student-teacher ratio, and undergraduate enrollment is presently limited to around 9,000 students.
The University’s Center for Japanese Studies (CJS) was established in 1974 to provide intensive instruction and training in the Japanese language. Today, CJS is well-known for providing an integrated and intensive learning experience in Japanese language and culture for English-speaking international students. Because communication is the key to understanding any culture, Japanese courses at Nanzan stress all language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Intensive courses in elementary, intermediate, and advanced Japanese are offered.
One place to continue your language practice is in the student-focused “Japan Plaza,” where students gather to meet local Japanese students and must speak only in Japanese. CJS also provides many extracurricular activities.
Course offerings vary from semester to semester. Exact course offerings are determined by Nanzan University shortly before the start of each semester. For this reason, you register for courses upon arrival.
You must take 15–18 credits per semester. Complete and up-to-date course descriptions are available by visiting Nanzan University’s Center for Japanese Studies website.
Modern Japanese Track:
Modern Japanese Course (2 credits, required) *This course has a research component and group work with Japanese Nanzan students.
Exploring Japan (Fall)
Contemporary Japan (Spring)
Japanese Language Courses (4 credits, required)
Japan Studies Courses (English-taught area studies courses, 3 credits, required)
The remaining 6-8 credits may be taken from a combination of the following optional course options:
Japanese Arts Courses (Japanese-taught arts courses, 2 credits): offered to both Japanese and international students
Japanese Seminar Courses (Japanese-taught seminar courses, 2 credits): topics of these courses vary by Japanese language level
Intensive Japanese Track:
Japanese language course (8 credits, required)
The remaining 7-10 credits may be taken from a combination of the following optional course options:
Japan Studies Courses (English-taught area studies courses, 3 credits): offered to all CJS students
Japanese Arts Courses (Japanese-taught arts courses, 2 credits): offered to both Japanese and international students
Japanese Seminar Courses (Japanese-taught seminar courses, 2 credits): topics of these courses vary by Japanese language level
Nanzan University reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond its control.
Must be currently enrolled in a four-year degree granting institution
Sophomore, Junior, or first-semester Senior standing when program begins. Neither graduating second-semester Seniors nor college graduates are eligible for this program
Final admissions decision rests with Nanzan University
Additional Requirements for students applying for the Intensive Japanese Track:
Minimum 1 semester of college-level Japanese language or the equivalent
Enrolled in a Japanese language course or confirmed independent study in the past academic year before departure
Application Requirements
Submit Your Online Application
Applications may be considered after the published deadline on a space available basis. Please note that late applicants may be required to submit a non-refundable confirmation deposit upon acceptance in order to secure a place in the program. Please contact us with questions about applying after the deadline.
After your Online Application is processed, submit the following in your MyIESabroad account:
Home School Authorization — Your on-campus study abroad advisor can either complete the Home School Authorization electronically through IES Abroad’s PartnerPortal system, or by filling out the PDF form. Consult your study abroad advisor to determine how they would prefer to complete your Home School Authorization.
Official Transcript(s) — Submit transcripts for each college/university you have attended since high school. If you have multiple transcripts, IES Abroad will average the GPAs for all colleges/universities you have attended and use that cumulative GPA when reviewing your application. (Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. must obtain a professional course-by-course transcript equivalency report. You may choose any organization that provides professional international transcript equivalencies.)
Color Copy of Your Passport — Submit a copy of the signature page and photo page only showing that your passport is valid at least 6 months beyond the program end date. Must have a valid passport at the time of application.
Student Photo— Please upload a passport-style headshot in JPEG format. This photo must be clear and recent, with a full front view of your face and shoulders with a white background. Your photo will be used by Nanzan University for official documents in preparation for your arrival.
Two Professor Recommendation Forms— Completed by two different professors from your current college or university. At least one should be from one of your Japanese language professors. Each professor should email your recommendation letter directly to the Center for Japanese Studies at Nanzan University.
Nanzan University application — IES Abroad will review all your application, ensuring its completeness before it is submitted to Nanzan University.
(If Applicable) English Language Proficiency Exam — Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. may need to submit English language proficiency exam results. Contact your IES Abroad Representative for more information.
The Center staff are highly trained local professionals providing on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad.
The IES Abroad Nagoya Center is nestled within the Nanzan University campus’ Center for Japanese Studies (CJS). Nanzan is a distinguished private institution attended by students from all around the world. While on campus, the Center is your study abroad hub.
A limited number of placements with host families are available throughout Nagoya. Housing details vary by family, but you will have a single room, and eat breakfast and dinner each day with your host family. You can purchase lunch at student cafeterias on campus or in restaurants in the area.
Consistent with the daily lives of most Japanese people, a commute from home to school is normal. Living with a host family may make your commute longer than students who live in dormitories, but the cultural opportunities are more than worth it. Those with particularly high commuting costs receive a monthly stipend to help defray transportation expenses.
Residence Hall
Interact with Japanese and international students from Nanzan University. You will have a single room and most dorms have shared bathroom facilities. These dorms are typically single sex, but may be mixed gender divided by floor. Internet access is available, bed linens are provided, laundry is available, and there is shared kitchen space. Meal plans vary between dormitories.
Field Trips
Even though your adventure starts in Nagoya, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).
NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
2 Days
Spring
Nara
See Japan’s first capital city, which is the site of many famous Buddhist temples, including Kofuku-ji Temple.
Hiroshima & Miyajma
3 Days
Spring
Hiroshima is a modern, cosmopolitan city with excellent cuisine, parks, and museums. See the Hiroshima Peace Park and enjoy the beauty of the Itsukushima Shrine. Visit nearby Miyajima to tour the island’s Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines.
Kyoto
2 Days
Fall
Kyoto is home to many famous temples, shrines, and lively markets. Visit the famous Kiyomizu Temple and Kinkaku-ji, design cloth towels with colorful dyes, be entertained by maiko and geiko, and take a rickshaw ride through Arashiyama.
Kanazawa
2 Days
Fall
Kanazawa is a traditional city on the coast of the Sea of Japan. You will visit the gardens of Kenrokuen, and the old tea houses of Higashi-Chayagai. Experience making sweets and crafts with gold leaf, and stay at a ryokan.
Shirakawago & Takayama
2 Days
Fall
Shirakawago is a historical village famous for its asshō-zukuri architectural style. Explore the village, visit the Toyota Shirakawago-Eco-Institute, and take a night hike through the woods. Then, go to Takayama, a beautifully preserved historic city in the...
Iga
1 Day
Spring
Explore the hidden passages and escape routes of the Iga Ninja house. Additionally, you’ll learn the techniques of making special local clay pottery known as Iga-yaki.
Program Cost
Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.
Additional Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition & Housing (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Tuition
a fee for Art Courses; Flower Arrangement, Tea Ceremony, Calligraphy/Dance ($7), Martial Arts($7), Manga Drawing ($7)
$14
School of Record transcript (if required)
$375
Total Additional Fees
+
Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply)
Visa Application Fee (U.S. Students)
$43
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)
$1,300-2,100
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials
$200
Average Cost of Meals by Housing Option (not included in housing fee)
Dormitory (with kitchen access)
$3,300
Homestay
$1,800
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)
$30-150
Local Transportation
$150
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)
$2,600
Total Other Estimated Expenses
=
Total Estimated Budget
The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars. Estimated expenses are based on August 2024 exchange rates. These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee. Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), social activities and entertainment, toiletries, laundry, and communications facilities (e.g. Internet café, phone centers.) Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad. The IES Abroad program fee does not reflect scholarships, financial aid, or grants such as the IES Abroad Public University Grant.
Visa / Consular / Residency Fees
Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ ($150) to obtain their visa.
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs.
Cell Phone Usage
Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location.
Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition & Housing in Addition to Housing Cost Listed Above (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Tuition
Textbooks
$200
School of Record transcript (if required)
$475
Total Additional Fees
+
Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply)
Application fee
$43
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)
$900-2,300
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials
$300
Average Cost of Meals by Housing Option (not included in housing fee)
Option 1 Dormitory (with kitchen access)
$3,400
Option 1 Homestay
$1,600
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)
$30-150
Local Transportation
$460
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)
$2,700
Total Other Estimated Expenses
=
Total Estimated Budget
The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars. Estimated expenses are based on August 2024 exchange rates. These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee. Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), social activities and entertainment, toiletries, laundry, and communications facilities (e.g. Internet café, phone centers.) Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad. The IES Abroad program fee does not reflect scholarships, financial aid, or grants such as the IES Abroad Public University Grant.
Visa / Consular / Residency Fees
Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ ($150) to obtain their visa.
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs.
Cell Phone Usage
Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location.
Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition & Housing in Addition to Housing Cost Listed Above (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Tuition
Textbooks
$200
School of Record transcript (if required)
$475
Total Additional Fees
+
Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply)
Application fee
$43
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)
$1,000-2,600
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials
$600
Average Cost of Meals by Housing Option (not included in housing fee)
Option 1 Dormitory (with kitchen access)
$6,800
Option 1 Homestay
$3,200
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)
$60-300
Local Transportation
$920
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)
$5,400
Total Other Estimated Expenses
=
Total Estimated Budget
The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars. Estimated expenses are based on November 2024 exchange rates. These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee. Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), social activities and entertainment, toiletries, laundry, and communications facilities (e.g. Internet café, phone centers.) Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad.
Visa / Consular / Residency Fees
Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ ($150) to obtain their visa.
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs.
Cell Phone Usage
Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location.
We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.
With 75 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in your program cost to highly trained local staff who can connect you with English-speaking healthcare providers, we work around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.
Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs
CISI International Health Insurance
In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.
24/7 Emergency Support
Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.
Mandatory Cell Phone Policy
Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.
Location-Specific Information
Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.
TripTracker System
Allowing you to share independent travel plans.
Crisis Drills
So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.
Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.
Students who wish to participate in an IES Abroad program will typically apply to both their college/university, as well as to IES Abroad. Start by visiting your school’s study abroad office website to learn more about their application process and deadlines. Note that some university’s deadlines can be as early as one year before your desired term abroad. After you have reviewed the process at your home school, start your online application on the IES Abroad website—there's no application fee! Once we create an account for you, we’ll then ask you to submit the required admissions forms in your MyIESabroad account. After we have received all of your materials, we will review your application and send you an admission decision via email.
As soon as you know you are interested in going abroad, begin applying for your passport. In order to go abroad, you’ll need to have a passport that is valid until at least six months after your program’s end date. For most of our programs, you will need your passport in-hand in order to apply for the required student visa. Rest assured, our IES Abroad Program Advisors will be available to help you every step of the way, but it’s in your best interest to start this process as soon as possible!
You can find a list of the potential courses and/or internship opportunities available for students to pursue under the Academics tab of your program page. Syllabi for each course can typically be found by clicking on the hyperlinked course title, which you can review with your on-campus advisors to ensure that you can earn credit and stay on track for graduation. If a part-time internship opportunity is available on your program and something you want to pursue, discuss the possibility of earning credit for this with your study abroad office on-campus.
You can apply for our IES Abroad Scholarships at any point before the deadline—even if you haven’t yet been admitted into one of our programs! Our scholarship opportunities are competitive, so it’s in your best interest to apply for our scholarships as early as possible. If you’d like to use your existing scholarships/aid towards your program fees, this will depend on your school’s policies and how you’re billed for the program. Talk to your school’s study abroad and financial aid office to learn their policies.
IES Abroad works as a partner to campus study abroad offices around the world to provide high quality academic programs for undergraduate students. In order to participate in one of our programs, we require that you gain approval from your home school’s study abroad office. While IES Abroad is here to help with your predeparture needs, you’ll also want to stay connected with your study abroad advisor on-campus to ensure you’re staying on track with their deadlines and aware of their policies for your program abroad.
The location of your courses will depend on the type of IES Abroad program that you select. Most IES Abroad programs are based at the IES Abroad Center in the host city. Our Centers are physical spaces within the city where we have staff offices and classrooms and they serve as the student hub for many of our programs. On these programs, your classmates will be other IES Abroad students from U.S. campuses and are taught by local or international professors. In some cases, it may also be possible to take one or two courses at a local university and the rest at the IES Abroad Center. Alternatively, some IES Abroad programs are direct enrollment programs, which means that you will take all of your classes at the local university alongside other students enrolled at that university.
IES Abroad places student health & safety at the forefront of all that we do. All IES Abroad students are required to be insured under our mandatory CISI health insurance policy, and this cost is factored into your program fees. Students will be expected to complete a physical within the six months prior to your departure so that our student affairs staff on-site have up-to-date information and can offer support for any health or medical needs you may have while abroad. Mental health services may be available for students upon request. Please discuss any specific health and safety needs with our Dean of Students’ office as early as possible. You can also read more information about our Health & Safety protocols (including COVID-19).
Our experienced housing coordinators work hard to screen and place students in IES Abroad housing, so you won’t need to find your housing on your own. Options can include homestays (highly rated!), residence halls, or apartments depending on your location. You will be given an opportunity to indicate any preferences you may have for housing once you are admitted into the program, which our staff will take into consideration to the best of their ability as they are making arrangements for students. While it’s not recommended, it is possible for you to arrange your own housing abroad if your home school approves you to do so.
Students who wish to participate in an IES Abroad program will typically apply to both their college/university, as well as to IES Abroad. Start by visiting your school’s study abroad office website to learn more about their application process and deadlines. Note that some university’s deadlines can be as early as one year before your desired term abroad. After you have reviewed the process at your home school, start your online application on the IES Abroad website—there's no application fee! Once we create an account for you, we’ll then ask you to submit the required admissions forms in your MyIESabroad account. After we have received all of your materials, we will review your application and send you an admission decision via email.
IES Abroad works as a partner to campus study abroad offices around the world to provide high quality academic programs for undergraduate students. In order to participate in one of our programs, we require that you gain approval from your home school’s study abroad office. While IES Abroad is here to help with your predeparture needs, you’ll also want to stay connected with your study abroad advisor on-campus to ensure you’re staying on track with their deadlines and aware of their policies for your program abroad.
As soon as you know you are interested in going abroad, begin applying for your passport. In order to go abroad, you’ll need to have a passport that is valid until at least six months after your program’s end date. For most of our programs, you will need your passport in-hand in order to apply for the required student visa. Rest assured, our IES Abroad Program Advisors will be available to help you every step of the way, but it’s in your best interest to start this process as soon as possible!
The location of your courses will depend on the type of IES Abroad program that you select. Most IES Abroad programs are based at the IES Abroad Center in the host city. Our Centers are physical spaces within the city where we have staff offices and classrooms and they serve as the student hub for many of our programs. On these programs, your classmates will be other IES Abroad students from U.S. campuses and are taught by local or international professors. In some cases, it may also be possible to take one or two courses at a local university and the rest at the IES Abroad Center. Alternatively, some IES Abroad programs are direct enrollment programs, which means that you will take all of your classes at the local university alongside other students enrolled at that university.
You can find a list of the potential courses and/or internship opportunities available for students to pursue under the Academics tab of your program page. Syllabi for each course can typically be found by clicking on the hyperlinked course title, which you can review with your on-campus advisors to ensure that you can earn credit and stay on track for graduation. If a part-time internship opportunity is available on your program and something you want to pursue, discuss the possibility of earning credit for this with your study abroad office on-campus.
IES Abroad places student health & safety at the forefront of all that we do. All IES Abroad students are required to be insured under our mandatory CISI health insurance policy, and this cost is factored into your program fees. Students will be expected to complete a physical within the six months prior to your departure so that our student affairs staff on-site have up-to-date information and can offer support for any health or medical needs you may have while abroad. Mental health services may be available for students upon request. Please discuss any specific health and safety needs with our Dean of Students’ office as early as possible. You can also read more information about our Health & Safety protocols (including COVID-19).
You can apply for our IES Abroad Scholarships at any point before the deadline—even if you haven’t yet been admitted into one of our programs! Our scholarship opportunities are competitive, so it’s in your best interest to apply for our scholarships as early as possible. If you’d like to use your existing scholarships/aid towards your program fees, this will depend on your school’s policies and how you’re billed for the program. Talk to your school’s study abroad and financial aid office to learn their policies.
Our experienced housing coordinators work hard to screen and place students in IES Abroad housing, so you won’t need to find your housing on your own. Options can include homestays (highly rated!), residence halls, or apartments depending on your location. You will be given an opportunity to indicate any preferences you may have for housing once you are admitted into the program, which our staff will take into consideration to the best of their ability as they are making arrangements for students. While it’s not recommended, it is possible for you to arrange your own housing abroad if your home school approves you to do so.
No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.
Stressed about your academic accommodations when you go abroad? Worried that your learning differences may pose a challenge? If so, here are three tried and...
