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Nagoya Summer - Language & Culture
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
Academics
All courses are arranged by CJS. Your classes will include students from the United States and other international students.
Courses
All students enroll in a required 4 credit Japanese language course, which includes 24 hours of conversation practice (levels go up to pre-advanced). In addition to your Japanese language course, you’ll also have the option to take additional courses (see below) for a total of up to 8 IES Abroad credits during your summer studies at Nanzan University.
For your optional courses, you can choose from three different areas of study:
- Japanese Studies Courses taught in English (2 credits). Possible courses include Contemporary Politics & Economy and Japanese Culture.
- Open Courses with Japanese undergraduates (2 credits). Possible courses include Introduction to Global Studies or Introduction to Sustainable Studies.
- Japanese Arts courses taught in English and Japanese (credits may vary). Possible courses include Hanga (woodblock print), Ikebana (flower arrangement), Sadō (tea ceremony), and Odori (Japanese dance). However, if you take 4 or more Japanese Arts courses, the courses will be combined and you will receive 2 IES Abroad credits.
For more information on course listings and descriptions visit the Nanzan University Center for Japanese Studies Program website.
Partner Institution(s)
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. CJS also provides many extracurricular activities.
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. Here are a few possible destinations:
Kyoto
2 Days
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. Here students will visit the famous Kiyomizudera and Kinkakuji, and design sensu with colorful dyes.
You will also have the opportunity to participate in the Center for Japanese Studies at Nanzan University (CJS) organized field trips as well.
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, 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
When you arrive, you participate in a two-day orientation in Nagoya with the IES Abroad staff.
Our orientation program 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, housing, transportation, and health and safety are covered during this time.
Our orientation is followed by Nanzan University’s orientation on campus.
Housing
We want to make sure that your greatest challenge is deciding which landmarks to see first or discovering the best café — not finding a place to live where you feel comfortable. We do our best to locate housing that is reflective of how the local students are living. Our goal is that when you leave Nagoya, it will feel like home.
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
Participate in optional cultural outings to such sites as observing a Japanese Taiko 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.
| Term | Tuition | Housing | Insurance | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer 2021 | $5,135 | $1,330 | $135 |
$6,600 |
Scholarships & Aid
Program-Specific Scholarships
Summer Need-Based Financial Aid
Open to students who apply to and attend an IES Abroad or IES Internships summer program.
Criteria reviewed to determine award:
- Level of financial need as determined from infromation provided on the application. Priority is given to Pell Grant recipients.
- IES Abroad program location.
- IES Abroad membership status of home campus
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!
Latest from Nagoya
Contact a Past Student
From budgeting tips to housing insight, IES Abroad Ambassadors volunteer their study abroad and internship experiences and advice.
