Nagoya, Japan

Direct Enrollment - Nanzan University

Study Abroad

Program Options:

Direct Enrollment

•

Length:

Fall, Spring, Academic Year

At a Glance

Program Dates:

Fall 2026: September 01 - December 24

Credits:

15 to 18 per Semester

Estimated Cost:

$20,132

Visa Required:

Yes

Housing:

Residence Hall

Language of Instruction:

English, Japanese

Language Prerequisites:

1 semester of college-level Japanese; enrollment in a Japanese course in the last year

About the Program

Immerse yourself in Japanese culture at the Center for Japanese Studies (CJS) at Nanzan 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 residence hall.

Nagoya Will Be Your Classroom

Apply your lessons when you explore popular local sites.

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!

📱 800.995.2300 ✉️ study@IESabroad.org

At a Glance

Program Dates:

Fall 2026: September 01 - December 24

Credits:

15 to 18 per Semester

Estimated Cost:

$20,132

Visa Required:

Yes

Housing:

Residence Hall

Language of Instruction:

English, Japanese

Language Prerequisites:

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.

Learn More About Nagoya

Get to Know Your New City

Go to the Nagoya Castle

Be sure to see the golden tiger-headed carp on the top castle roof.

See the Atsuta Shrine

This important Shinto shrine is one of the greatest centers of worship.

Take in the View at the Higashiyama Sky Tower

The tower features awe-inspiring views of the city.

Unwind at the Tokugawa Art Museum & Garden

Visit this museum full of Japan's historical treasures.

The Student Experience

Kaytin Taba

Kaytin Taba, Jun 2, 2026

Readjusting

Readjusting to life back in America after leaving Nagoya is a bit more difficult than I thought.

Re-Entry

Disposable camera picture of me in Osaka

またね, Nagoya

Photo from the airplane leaving to return home

The Art of Saying Goodbye

View All Blogs

Program Dates

Fall 2026

Program Dates:

September 01 - December 24

Application Deadline:

Mar 5, 2026

Academic Year 2026-2027

Program Dates:

September 01 - Late May

Application Deadline:

Mar 5, 2026

Spring 2027

Program Dates:

Early January - Mid May

Application Deadline:

Aug 27, 2026

Academics

Partner Institution

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.

Visit Website

Courses

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 will 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 Japan 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 Course (4 credits, required)
Two Japan Studies Courses (English-taught area studies courses, 3 credits each, required)

The remaining 3-6 credits may be taken from a combination of the following optional course options:

Additional Japan Studies Courses
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.

Helpful Links

two students stand arm-in-arm in front of lagoons in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

Transcripts, Credit Transfer & Accreditation

Two students jump for a fun photo in front of Neue Burg in Vienna

Refund Policy

See All Student Policies

Requirements

18 years of age
In good standing at your home school
3.0 cumulative GPA or better on a 4.0 scale
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.
One Professor Recommendation Form — Completed by a professor from your current college or university. Recommendation Forms should come from a professor of a class you are enrolled in at the time of application. Your professor should email your recommendation letter directly to IES Abroad at enrollments@iesabroad.org.  
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.

Apply Now

Renew (or Apply for!) Your Passport ASAP

Passport applications and renewals are taking longer than normal these days. Save yourself from the last-minute stress by making sure:

You have a passport
The expiration date is at least six months after your study abroad program ends

Visit  travel.state.gov  to locate U.S. passport agencies in your area.

Visa Requirements

A student visa is required to enter Japan. Upon admission, you will receive more information about the application process and any related fees.

Learn more about applying for a student visa for Japan.

Not a U.S. citizen? Consult the consulate website of your passport country and contact your IES Abroad Advisor.

IES Abroad Nagoya Staff

Caleb Foale

IES Abroad Tokyo Center Director, Acting IES Abroad Nagoya Center Director, & APAC Cluster Dean

Read Full Bio

Hyung-Hye Lee

Student Affairs Manager

Nami Kitamura

Program Manager

Marie Nakamura

Program Assistant

Housing

A student and their host mother cut tofu together in a Nagoya Homestay.

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.

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 ($).

CJS may also offer trips and tours each term at an additional cost.

NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.

A deer in a traditional japanese building

2 Days Spring

Nara

See Japan’s first capital city, which is the site of many famous Buddhist temples, including Kofuku-ji Temple.

Hiroshima Itsukushima Shrine On The Water

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 and visit the Toyota Shirakawago-Eco-Institute. Then, go to Takayama, a beautifully preserved historic city in the mountains.

Actors dressed in historical ninja garb performing stunts with a variety of weapons and moves.

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.

Fall 2026

Tuition

15,595

Housing

4,237

Insurance

300

Total

20,132

Fall 2026

Nagoya Direct Enrollment - Nanzan University Fees

Program Fee (invoiced by IES Abroad)	Cost
Tuition	$15,595
Base Housing (& Meals, if applicable) plus one of the following supplemental fees below:	$4,237
• Option 1: Residence Hall (no meals provided)	+$0
Health Insurance	$300
Total IES Abroad Program Fee (total dependent on housing option selected)	$20,132-$20,132

+

Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition (invoiced by IES Abroad)	Cost
School of Record transcript (if required)	$475
Total Additional Fees

+

Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply; consulate fees may be subject to change)	Cost
Visa application	$40
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)	$900-2,400
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials	$200
Estimated Groceries for Duration of Program (varies by the number of meals included per week) Students in certain housing options may require less groceries based on personal preferences and number of meals included in meal plans
• Option 1: Residence Hall (no meals provided)	$1,700
Estimated Costs for Dining Out (based on one meal out per week) Students in certain housing options may require more meals out based on personal preferences and number of meals included in meal plans	$110
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 calculations and exchange rates at the time of printing
These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee
Estimated meal and grocery expenses are accessed from numbeo.com/cost-of-living/; costs of meals and groceries may vary based on your own spending habits
Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: additional meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), taxis, social activities and entertainment, toiletries, and laundry
Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad
The IES Abroad program fee does not include financial aid

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™ 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

Program Dates:

September 01 - December 24

Application Deadline:

Mar 5, 2026

Estimated Cost:

20,132

Academic Year 2026-2027

Tuition

31,190

Housing

9,421

Insurance

600

Total

41,211

Academic Year 2026-2027

Nagoya Direct Enrollment - Nanzan University Academic Year Fees

Program Fee (invoiced by IES Abroad)	Cost
Tuition	$31,190
Base Housing (& Meals, if applicable) plus one of the following supplemental fees below:	$9,421
• Option 1: Residence Hall (no meals provided)	+$0
Health Insurance	$600
Total IES Abroad Program Fee (total dependent on housing option selected)	$41,211-$41,211

+

Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition (invoiced by IES Abroad)	Cost
School of Record transcript (if required)	$475
Total Additional Fees

+

Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply; consulate fees may be subject to change)	Cost
Visa application	$40
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)	$1,100-2,700
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials	$400
Estimated Groceries for Duration of Program (varies by the number of meals included per week) Students in certain housing options may require less groceries based on personal preferences and number of meals included in meal plans
• Option 1: Residence Hall (no meals provided)	+$3,400
Estimated Costs for Dining Out (based on one meal out per week) Students in certain housing options may require more meals out based on personal preferences and number of meals included in meal plans	$210
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)	$60-300
Local Transportation	$300
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)	$5,200
Total Other Estimated Expenses

= Total Estimated Budget:

The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars
Estimated expenses are based on calculations and exchange rates at the time of printing
These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee
Estimated meal and grocery expenses are accessed from numbeo.com/cost-of-living/; costs of meals and groceries may vary based on your own spending habits
Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: additional meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), taxis, social activities and entertainment, toiletries, and laundry
Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad
The IES Abroad program fee does not include financial aid

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™ 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

Program Dates:

September 01 - Late May

Application Deadline:

Mar 5, 2026

Estimated Cost:

41,211

Spring 2027

Tuition

Housing

Insurance

Total

Pending

Use Our Budget Worksheet to Calculate Your Costs

See the Worksheet

Orientation

Health & Safety

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.

Helpful Links

Blogs on Mental Health

Study Abroad Safety Tips for Traveling

Blogs on Safety

Learn More About Health & Safety

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply?

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.

I’ve never been abroad before. When should I apply for a passport?

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!

How do I know if I will receive credit for the classes or internships I complete abroad?

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.

How do scholarships and financial aid work? Can I use my existing scholarships or apply for more?

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.

How does IES Abroad work with my school?

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.

What is the university or location where I will take my classes 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.

What are IES Abroad’s health and safety resources and policies?

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).

Do I have to find my own housing on my IES Abroad program?

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.