Study Abroad in
Japanese Studies

Japanese Studies Program, UCSD
3084 Humanities and Social Sciences Building
http://japan.ucsd.edu/

The Japanese Studies Program strongly encourages its students to study in Japan. Interested in seeing how a highly traditional society integrates with its thoroughly modern development? UCSD Japanese Studies majors may choose from a wide variety of opportunities to study in Japan on the University of California’s Education Abroad Program (EAP) or UCSD’s Opportunities Abroad Program (OAP). Students in almost any major and with an interest in Asia can study—in English or in Japanese—in a broad array of fields while learning about Japan and its role in the economy and security of the dynamic Asia-Pacific region.

"No one should study in Japan unless they are interested in a fascinating country and people, are prepared to find out how similar and how different people in the world are, and are ready to have an experience that will show them the world and their own country in a different way, with an impact that will last a lifetime. If you're ready for all this, why haven't you been there yet?!" -Ellis Krauss, Professor of Japanese Studies

"It's the only way to really begin to understand another culture. You gain a new perspective on many things. Especially in Japan, you learn how the Japanese relate to other people and how to communicate with them." -Japanese Studies Major, '01

Why study abroad?

Miyajima in Hiroshima

“Today’s workplace requires you to be quick on your feet and highly adaptable.  You will work for, and with, professionals from diverse backgrounds whose personal styles may be quite different from your own.  Study Abroad is an outstanding way to build your skills, to see the world through another’s eyes, and to demonstrate to employers that you are tested and ready to pursue the global workplace.” --Andrew T. Ceperley, Director, Career Services Center, UCSD

The Japanese Studies Program strongly encourages its students to study abroad in Japan. Experience firsthand the language, culture, history, and political economy of Japan on a study abroad program. Regardless of your future career choice, study abroad will help you develop skills that are critical to a liberal arts education. 

Consider your value to an employer or a graduate program if you’ve:

  • Participated in a different educational system and gained a new cultural perspective
  • Increased your proficiency in another language
  • Improved your critical thinking skills
  • Expanded your worldview by experiencing another culture firsthand
  • Developed self-confidence and independence
  • Prepared for a career in an internationally competitive world
  • Enhanced résumés and/or applications for graduate school

When should I study abroad?

While it is possible for Japanese Studies students to go abroad at almost any point in their academic careers, the particular quarter, semester, summer or year that you study abroad depends on your individual progress in your major and what courses you plan to take while abroad. 

For some programs, students are advised to take one to three upper division courses at UCSD before they leave.

Where should I study abroad?

You will find coursework relevant to your major in Japanese Studies at many EAP study centers. Program Wizard (http://eap.ucop.edu/programwizard) can help you find programs that meet your needs.

If you can’t find a program, university or country that suits your needs through EAP, try OAP! Two sites that will help you in your search are http://www.goabroad.com/ and http://www.studyabroad.com/.

Here are just a few of the programs and universities UCSD students have attended in Japan:

EAP Programs:

  • Intensive Language and Culture Programs, Tsuru University
  • Global Studies Semester Programs, Meiji Gakuin University, Yokohama
  • Language and Area Studies Program in English, Kyoto University
  • International Christian University, Tokyo
  • Osaka University
  • Doshisha University, Kyoto
  • Kyoto University
  • Keio University, Tokyo
  • Tohoku University, Sendai
  • Tokyo Institute of Technology
  • University of Tokyo Engineering

OAP Programs:

  • Temple University, Tokyo
  • IES Study Abroad, Tokyo, Nagoya, Kasugai
  • Oregon University at Waseda University, Tokyo

What will it cost?

Study on EAP/OAP can be comparable to the cost of study at UC. In some cases, it is less. EAP participants pay UC fees and continue to receive UC financial aid while abroad. Furthermore, EAP students are eligible for special grants and scholarships from UC, the host country, and other sources.

OAP students may retain all or some of their funding while abroad, including special study abroad scholarships, but because of the variety of the programs found through OAP, costs for individual programs may vary greatly.

Here is a list of scholarships available specifically for students studying in Japan!

Check here for additional information about scholarships and financial aid: http://programsabroad.ucsd.edu/pao/funding.htm

HINT: If you took courses in another language while abroad, have your proficiency tested immediately upon return.

 

What are my first steps?

  1. Attend a First Steps meeting at the International Center
  2. Visit http://programsabroad.ucsd.edu
  3. Start your research in the Programs Abroad Library
  4. Meet with a Programs Abroad advisor
  5. Fill out your Academic Planning Form
  6. Schedule a visit with the advisor in Japanese Studies (japan@ucsd.edu or 858-534-3598)
  7. Visit your college advising office

Requirements

Language Courses

  • Units will transfer over as face value. For example, 12 units of upper division coursework will cover an entire year of UCSD language. (Students are required to take a placement exam upon return--by appt.)

Non-language Courses

  • Approval of two courses for the major (4 units each) is typical
  • Approval of three courses is an exception
  • Each course must be at least four units or more to count as one course at UCSD

What classes should I take?

The key to success is planning and pre-approval! The EAP Coursefinder (http://eap.ucop.edu/coursefinder) lets you search courses taken by UC students over the last 5 years.

Japanese Studies' undergraduate advisor will help students select courses that can meet major and minor requirements. Bring your completed Academic Planning Form with you!

EAP students automatically earn UC credit for the work they complete abroad. Application of credit to major requirements is subject to the discretion of the department. OAP students earn transfer credit for the work they complete abroad, and application of credit to major requirements is also subject to the discretion of the department.

Tea Ceremony, Meiji Gakuin Program

What happens when I return?

Students must bring all coursework material from their abroad program to the Japanese Studies advisor with a general petition for each course. The Faculty advisor of the program will review the petitions and make final approval on coursework – if courses are approved the information will be transferred to the appropriate colleges.

Yeah, but ...

Still not sure if study abroad is for you? Want to discuss it with your parents, or need to convince them?  Check out UCEAP’s “Top Ten Reasons to Study Abroad” (http://eap.ucop.edu/eap/whystudyabroad.shtm).

 

University of California, San Diego
OAP
Opportunities Abroad Program
If you don't find your perfect fit with EAP check out the infinite options for other academic programs available through UCSD's Opportunities Abroad Program (OAP). Follow the link below to find more information on OAP.
http://pao.ucsd.edu/pao/started.html
UCSD
Programs Abroad Office
International Center
Second Floor
 (858) 534-1123 
FAX  (858) 822-5726
abroad@ucsd.edu

programsabroad.ucsd.edu