Nagoya, Japan

Direct Enrollment - Nanzan University

Study Abroad
Program Options:
Direct Enrollment
Length:
Fall, Spring, Academic Year

At a Glance

Housing:

Homestay, Residence Hall

Credits:

15 to 18 per Semester

Language of Instruction:

English, Japanese

Language Prerequisites:

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

Visa Required:

Yes

About the Program

Immerse yourself in Japanese culture through full-time enrollment at the Center for Japanese Studies (CJS) at Nanzan University. A distinguished private 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.  

Background Image Mask
Enroll in Elective Japanese Arts Courses

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

Background Image Mask
Take Courses in Japanese

Enroll in seminars taught in Japanese with local students.

Background Image Mask
Live with Local Families or Students

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

Background Image Mask
Nagoya Will Be Your Classroom

Apply your lessons when you explore popular local sites.

Fall 2024

Spring 2025

Program Dates:

September 07 - December 26

Application Deadline:

Estimated Cost:

$
19,350

Program Dates:

Early January - Early May

Application Deadline:

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?

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

Background Image Mask
Go to the Nagoya Castle

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

Background Image Mask
See the Atsuta Shrine

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

Background Image Mask
Take in the View at the Higashiyama Sky Tower

The tower features awe-inspiring views of the city.

Background Image Mask
Unwind at the Tokugawa Art Museum & Garden

Visit this museum full of Japan's historical treasures.

The Student Experience

View All Blogs

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

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. 

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. 

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 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 Japanese 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 Courses (4 credits, required)
  • Japan Studies Courses (English-taught area studies courses, 3 credits, required)

The remaining 6-8 credits may be taken from a combination of the following optional course options: 

  • 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. 

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
passport stamps and stickers inside of passport books

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. 

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.

The red gates of kyoto

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.

A samurai uniform in Hakuichi museum

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.

a buddhist bride doing a photoshoot

Shirakawago & Takayama

2 Days Fall

Shirakawago is a historical village famous for its asshō-zukuri architectural style. Explore the village, visit the Toyota Shirakawago-Eco-Institute, and take a night hike through the woods. Then, go to Takayama, a beautifully preserved historic city in the...

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.

Spring 2024

Tuition
$
17,150
Housing
$
4,560
Insurance
$
240
Total
$
21,950

Fall 2024

Tuition
$
15,075
Housing
$
4,020
Insurance
$
255
Total
$
19,350

Academic Year 2024

Tuition
$
27,120
Housing
$
8,040
Insurance
$
500
Total
$
35,660

Spring 2025

Tuition
-
Housing
-
Insurance
-
Total
Pending

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.
Intensive Language Sessions
In addition to an introduction to academic culture in Japan, IES Abroad Nagoya staff will instruct daily language sessions during orientation.
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.

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

Background Image Mask
CISI International Health Insurance

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

Background Image Mask
24/7 Emergency Support

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

Background Image Mask
Mandatory Cell Phone Policy

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

Background Image Mask
Location-Specific Information

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

Background Image Mask
TripTracker System

Allowing you to share independent travel plans.

Background Image Mask
Crisis Drills

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

Program Dates

Spring 2024

Program Dates:

January 02 - May 22

Application Deadline:

Fall 2024

Program Dates:

September 07 - December 26

Application Deadline:

Academic Year 2024

Program Dates:

Early September - Late May

Application Deadline:

Spring 2025

Program Dates:

Early January - Early May

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 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
three students standing in front of fair table with IES Abroad catalogs

The Student Experience

Grace posign in front of a Chateau in the Loire Valley
Grace Heaton ,

Do It Scared!

Delve into the world of life in Nantes, France with me as I discuss all that the adjustment period of study abroad brings!

beach sign
Lily Nannini,

Surf Camp

I fell in love with surfing after the very first lesson. In this blog, I share my experience from three days at Surf Camp Australia :)

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

Apply Now
two students laughing while hugging