Nagoya, Japan

Summer - Language & Culture

Study Abroad
Length:
Summer

At a Glance

Housing:

Apartment, Residence Hall

Credits:

8 per Summer

Language of Instruction:

English, Japanese

Language Prerequisites:

1 semester of college-level Japanese; enrolled in a Japanese language course in the past year before departure

Visa Required:

Maybe

About the Program

What better way to practice your Japanese language skills and immerse yourself in Japanese life and culture than by studying in Nagoya?  Experience day-to-day life in the country's fourth-largest city. This 8-week summer program offers you intensive Japanese courses at The Center for Japanese Studies (CJS) at Nanzan University, renowned in the field of Japanese language education. 

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Improve Your Japanese Language Skills

Participate in 24 hours of Japanese conversation practice.

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Enroll in Elective Japanese Arts Courses

Enjoy hands-on instruction in Japanese arts, such as ikebana and shodō.

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Follow Your Academic Interests

Select from a variety of course and seminar options.

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Live with Local Families or Students

Live in a homestay with a local family or in a dormitory.

Summer 2025

Program Dates:

May 28 - August 01

Application Deadline:

Estimated Cost:

$
6,990

Program Advisor

Cyane Thomas headshot

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

About the Destination

TV Tower in Nagoya

Why Nagoya?

What better way to practice your Japanese language skills and immerse yourself in Japanese life and culture than by studying in Nagoya? Experience day-to-day life in the country's fourth-largest city just as a local Japanese person would. Enjoy spending the summer not just learning the language and culture in the classroom but experiencing it firsthand through summer activities and festivals as you explore all that Nagoya has to offer.

Learn More About Nagoya

Get to Know Your New City

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Go to the Nagoya Castle

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

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See the Atsuta Shrine

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

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Take in the View at the Higashiyama Sky Tower

The tower features awe-inspiring views of the city.

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Unwind at the Tokugawa Art Museum & Garden

Visit this museum full of Japan's historical treasures.

The Student Experience

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Housing

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

Homestay

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. 

Academics

All courses are arranged by CJS. Your classes will include students from the United States and other international students.

Partner Institution

Students pose outside of Nanzan University's sign. The text reads: "Nanzan University."
  • 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. CJS also provides many extracurricular activities. 

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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 Japan Asia-Pacific Geopolitics (exploring Japan's international relations and domestic politics). 
  • Open Courses with Japanese undergraduates (2 credits). Recent Open Courses include Introduction to Global Studies, Introduction to Sustainable Studies, Fieldwork Methods, and Intercultural Competence. 
  • 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. 
  • Japanese Seminar Courses taught in Japanese (2 credits). Possible courses include Japanese for Volunteering and Business Japanese.  

For more information on course listings and descriptions visit the  Nanzan University Center for Japanese Studies Program website. 

PRO-TIP

Apply for your passport today!

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.

Learn More
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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. 

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.

Summer 2025

Tuition
$
5,438
Housing
$
1,417
Insurance
$
135
Total
$
6,990

Use Our Budget Worksheet to Calculate Your Costs

See the Worksheet
APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

$7 Million in Scholarships & Aid

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.

Learn More
Two students snorkel in the ocean.

About the IES Abroad Center

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.  

 

Orientation

Start at Home
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins at home with our virtual orientation to meet the IES Abroad Center staff, fellow students, and the city.
Arrive in Nagoya
Orientation continues when you arrive onsite with activities focusing on adjusting to Nagoya. Detailed information about other important topics is also covered.
Get to Know the City
Beyond orientation sessions, you will have opportunities to explore and discover Nagoya before classes start to help you feel at home in your new environment.
Prepare to Learn
Feel prepared to begin classes with practical lessons, activities designed to help you learn your way around the area, and support from our dedicated student staff.
Settle In
Orientation continues throughout the semester with field trips allowing you to both further sample elements of Japanese culture and get to know the other students.

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 which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" 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.

Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs

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CISI International Health Insurance

In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.

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24/7 Emergency Support

Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.

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Mandatory Cell Phone Policy

Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.

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Location-Specific Information

Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.

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TripTracker System

Allowing you to share independent travel plans.

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Crisis Drills

So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.

Program Dates

Summer 2025

Program Dates:

May 28 - August 01

Application Deadline:

Requirements

  • Eligibility Requirements
  • Application Requirements
  • Passport & Visa Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

  • 18 years of age 
  • In good standing at your home school 
  • 3.0 cumulative GPA or better on a 4.0 scale
  • 1 semester worth of college-level Japanese language or the equivalent is required 
  • Sophomore, junior, or senior standing when program begins 
  • Enrolled in a Japanese language course or confirmed independent study in the past year before departure 

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact a Previous Student

Student Ambassadors

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.

Contact an Ambassador
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The Student Experience

Picture of me on top of Krakus Mound - a great view of the whole city.
Jimmy Xu,

Thinking Out Loud

I write about my identity and how I see personal growth throughout the semester.

How will study abroad redefine your world? We can’t wait to find out.

Apply Now
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