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Nagoya Direct Enrollment - Nanzan University
We plan to run this program for Fall 2022. The Program Evaluation Date has passed for this program, and we will continue to review on-the-ground conditions and travel regulations as the start date approaches.
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
Academics
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.
Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following required and optional components:
- Japanese language course (required, 8 credits)
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
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 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.
You may enroll in the following course options:
Japanese Language Courses (8 credits, required)
All courses taught in fall and spring:
- Japanese I
- Japanese II
- Japanese III
- Japanese IV
- Japanese V
- Japanese VI (Spring only)
Japanese Studies Courses (English-taught Area Studies Courses) (3 credits)
These courses are offered to all CJS students. Previous courses have included:
- Contemporary Japanese Literature (A/B)
- Japanese Business (A/B)
- Japanese Cinema (A)
- Japanese Culture & Art (A/B)
- Japanese Economy (A/B)
- Japanese Foreign Policy (A)
- Japanese History (A/B)
- Japanese Popular Culture (A)
- Japanese Religions (A/B)
- Japanese Politics (B)
- Japanese Society (A/B)
- Language and Culture (A)
- Management Science in Japan (A)
- Modern Japanese Literature (B)
- Pre-Modern Japanese Literature (A)
- Teaching English in Japan (A)
Japanese Arts Courses (Japanese-taught cultural arts courses) (2 credits)
These courses enroll both Japanese and international students. Previous courses have included:
- Calligraphy (Shodō)
- Flower Arranging (Ikebana)
- Japanese Martial Arts (Budō)
- Tea Ceremony (Sadō)
- Traditional Japanese dance (Odori)
- Woodblock Printing (Hanga)
Japnese Seminar Courses (Japanese-taught seminar courses) (2 credits)
These courses are available to students based on their Japanese language class level placement. Previous courses have included:
- Academic Japanese Writing
- Advanced Translation
- Business Japanese
- Classical Japanese Literature
- Creative Writing
- Elementary Translation & Intermediate Translation
- Intermediate Projects in Japanese*
- Introduction to Academic Japanese Writing
- Introduction to Business Japanese
- Introduction to Creative Writing
- Introduction to Teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language
- Japanese forTourism
- Japanese for Volunteering
- Pre-Intermediate Projects in Japanese*
- Readings in Japanese Literature
- Readings in Science and Technology
- Readings in the Social Sciences
- University Preparatory Japanese
- Project Work for Students in Japanese I - III*
* Independent Research Opportunity
Additional Course Disciplines
During the fall semester, certain additional courses at Nanzan University are open to IES Abroad students. These 2-credit courses are part of the regular undergraduate program at the university and are available in several fields. In recent years, courses have included:
- An Introduction to the Social Studies of Latin America
- Intercultural Competence
- Japanese Society & Law
- Media Literacy in the Digital Age
- Seminar in American History
Nanzan University reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond its control.
Partner Institution(s)
Nanzan University
https://www.nanzan-u.ac.jp/English/academics/cjs/
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.
Advising & Support
In a direct enrollment program, you are enrolled as a full-time student at one of our international partner institutions. Even though your local host institution is where you’ll take your classes, we’re still here to fully support you.
Advising
Choosing and directly enrolling in courses abroad can be confusing and overwhelming. This is why we offer you predeparture advising that’s specific to your needs. Our goal is to provide support and guidance throughout your application and enrollment process.
On-Site Staff
As an IES Abroad student directly enrolled at Nanzan University, you have access to the IES Abroad Nagoya Center and staff who are specifically dedicated to your needs. Our on-site staff work with you and your local institution to answer any questions about academic requirements, housing, or well-being and safety.
Support
Our support services for direct enrollment students are specifically designed to help you achieve your study abroad goals. We know studying abroad is an adventure, and at times, you may need help or just someone to talk to — that’s why our staff is there for you.
Field Trips & Events
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. These trips are subsidized by IES Abroad. Below are a few possible destinations.
In addition to the IES Abroad trips, the Center for Japanese Studies (CJS) offers international students day trips and study tours each term. Past trips have included visits to see kabuki, Nagoya Castle, and tour the Toyota Motors Assembly Plant. CJS-organized trips are an additional cost.
Hiroshima & Miyajma
3 Days| Spring
Full of wide boulevards and crisscrossing rivers, Hiroshima is located along the coast of the Seto Inland Sea. Hiroshima is now a modern, cosmopolitan city with excellent cuisine, parks, and museums. See the Hiroshima Peace Park and enjoy the beauty of the Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit nearby Miyajima, historically considered a holy site, to tour the island’s Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines.
Kyoto
2 Days | Fall
Kyoto was Japan’s capital city from the late 8th century to the late 19th century. One of the oldest cities in Japan, Kyoto is home to many famous temples, shrines, lively markets, and closely packed neighborhoods. 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.
Takayama & Shirakawago
2 Days | Fall
Shirakawago is a historical village located near Takayama in Gifu prefecture. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is famous for its houses built in the gasshō-zukuri architectural style. Explore the village, visit the Toyota Shirakawago-Eco-Institute, and go on a night hike through the woods. The next day, go to Takayama, a beautifully preserved historic city in the mountains.
Nara
2 Days | Spring
See Japan’s first capital city, which is the site of many famous Buddhist temples, including Kofuku-ji Temple.
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.
IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
Daily Life
Part of making you feel at home in Nagoya is doing our best to help you feel safe and cared for. Whether it is an orientation program that makes you feel prepared, your housing that is well-located and comfortable, or the field trips that take you places off the beaten path—we’re all about our student services. This is just one of the things we’re known for.
Orientation
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins at home with our virtual orientation to help you prepare for your IES Abroad experience. You will continue with a four-day orientation after you arrive in Nagoya with the IES Abroad Nagoya staff, complete with daily language instruction. Designed specifically for direct enrollment students, our orientation introduces you to your program, teaches you about emergency services on campus, and connects you with your fellow students and to Nagoya. Topics such as academics and special language sessions are covered.
Detailed information about housing, public transportation, culture, health and safety, and other important topics are also covered.
After the IES Abroad orientation, you begin an academic orientation session at Nanzan University. During the academic orientation, you take a Japanese placement exam to determine your proper Japanese language level.
Housing
As part of IES Abroad’s direct enrollment services, we work with Nanzan University to offer well-located, comfortable housing for all students because securing independent housing can be challenging. IES Abroad’s housing options reflect the local student culture and meet our safety and security standards.
Homestays - 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.
Dormitories - Interact with Japanese and international students from Nanzan and other surrounding universities, as well as young professionals. 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.
Extracurricular Activities & Cultural Events
Take advantage of the cultural events we organize in Nagoya, such as:
- Observe a Japanese Taiko performance
- Watch a musical
- Make Japanese food
- Listen to a Rakugo performance
Get to Know Your New City
Go to the Nagoya Castle
Constructed in 1612, this breathtaking castle is worth a visit. Be sure to see the golden tiger-headed carp on the top castle roof.
See the Atsuta Shrine
Known as Atsuta-ku or Miya, this important Shinto shrine is one of the greatest centers of worship—its also home to more than 70 ceremonies and festivals every year.
Take in the View at the Higashiyama Sky Tower
Located in the Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens, the tower features awe-inspiring views of the city—don’t forget your camera!
Unwind at the Tokugawa Art Museum & Garden
Explore the treasures of the art museum—think samurai armor and swords, tea utensils, Noh masks, and much more—then visit the beautiful Japanese gardens next door.
Visit the Osu Kannon Temple & Osu Shopping District
Stop by the popular Buddhist temple to see the wooden statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, then head to the nearby shopping area that is home to more than 1,200 businesses, old and new.
Program Cost
Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your study abroad office to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your home school policies, and other factors.
Scholarships & Aid
Featured Scholarships
Dr. William Louis Gaines Need-Based History or International Relations Scholarship
This scholarship is named in honor of Dr. William Louis Gaines, President of IES Abroad from 1974-1992. Dr. Gaines was dedicated to strengthening IES Abroad's academic framework, broadening the scope of IES Abroad locations, and securing the financial foundation of the organization.
Open to students majoring in History or International Relations.
Kathleen Kervin Diamond Endowed Scholarship
Kathleen Diamond is a consultant, entrepreneur, and business leader in the language services industry. In 1979, she founded Language Learning Enterprises, Inc. (LLE®), a full-service language company based in Washington, D.C. She is recognized as an early pioneer in Telephone Interpreting, launching LLE-LINK in the early 1990s. Over the next 20 years, under her leadership, the company grew into a dynamic, multimillion dollar corporation, serving a wide range of clients, in both the private and public sectors, across the United States, and worldwide. In 2009, Ms.
Use our budget worksheet to calculate your costs
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
Our Center
While in Nagoya, we want to ensure you have every opportunity to immerse yourself in new experiences. That’s why our IES Abroad Nagoya staff is committed to providing outstanding academic and student support services. We take care of the details, so you can soak up every moment of your Nagoya experience.
Situated on a wooded campus in Nagoya, Nanzan University is a distinguished private institution attended by students from around the world. The university’s Center for Japanese Studies (CJS) hosts the IES Abroad Nagoya Program.
Features of Nanzan University include:
- Excellent academics and Japanese language instruction
- More than 300 faculty
- Library with 600,000 volumes
- Cultural clubs and activities
- Athletic facilities and swimming pool
Our Staff
Satoshi Tsukamoto, Ph.D.
Director of Student Services
A native of Nagoya, Dr. Satoshi Tsukamoto has been the Director of the IES Abroad Center in Nagoya since 2000. He earned his Ph.D. in Cultural Foundations of Education from Syracuse University. His fields of study include the philosophy of education, multicultural education, cultural studies, and qualitative research methods. In addition to his work for IES Abroad, he is a professor in the Department of International Communications at Aichi University in Nagoya.
IES Abroad Nagoya Staff
Reisa Ukai
Program Coordinator
Faculty
IES Abroad students are taught by the faculty of the Center for Japanese Studies at Nanzan University.
Health & Safety
With 70 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 what time zone you’re in.
In response to COVID-19, enhanced safety guidelines will be implemented this year—such as social distancing and personal protective equipment (PPE) in on-site classes, in-country field trips and travel only, and apartment or residence hall housing (no homestays) that ensures proper space should self-quarantining be necessary.
How We Support You
We plan for "what if" so that you don't have to. From international health insurance included in the cost of your program to highly-trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.
Learn more about the support you can expect to receive on our programs, including:
- International health insurance through CISI 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
- Location-specific health and safety information presented at orienation by on-site staff
- TripTracker system allowing you to share independent travel plans in case you need to be contacted swiftly in a crisis
- A mandatory cell phone policy so that you can be contacted locally and receive any emergency updates via call or text
- Crisis drills so that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise
- And more!
Health & Safety Resources
You safety begins with being accurately informed from the moment you're considering study abroad through to the day you return home.
Take note of ways you can maintain your health and stay safe abroad while reviewing our resources, including:
- IES Abroad MAP for Student Health, Safety & Crisis Management
- Study Abroad Safety Tips for Traveling
- IES Abroad Student Blogs on Safety and Mental Health
- And more!
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Contact a Past Student
From budgeting tips to housing insight, IES Abroad Ambassadors volunteer their study abroad and internship experiences and advice.
