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Japan Study

Tokyo, Japan

Established in 1963, the Japan Study program is one of the oldest and most comprehensive programs in educational exchange and development linking colleges and universities in the United States and Japan. Based at Earlham College, Japan Study links member colleges of the Associated Colleges of the Midwest (ACM) and the Great Lakes Colleges Association (GLCA) with those of Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan.  Throughout its rich history, Japan Study has made important contributions toward fostering the growth of international and intercultural understanding among a significant number of Japanese and American students and faculty. Participants have gone on to distinguished careers in academics, industry, and governmental and non-governmental organizations. They play important roles in a wide range of settings linking Japan, the United States, and the rest of the world.

Japan Study enables students to become international citizens as they explore Japan in depth, build language skills, and experience Japanese culture. Living with a Japanese family, taking courses at Waseda University, and participating in a cultural practicum/internship offer different windows for experiencing and understanding the complex society of contemporary Japan.  Students choose from four program options:

  • Fall Semester (mid-September to early February)
  • Fall Semester with Cultural Practicum (mid-September to mid-March)
  • Full Academic Year (mid-September to late July)
  • Spring Semester (late-February to late-July) - New in Spring 2011!
For detailed information about the Japan Study program, please visit the Earlham College Japan Study home page.

Quick Facts

  • Term: Academic year, fall semester, fall semester with cultural practicum, & spring semester
  • Language prerequisite: Japanese
  • Language of instruction: English & Japanese
  • Living arrangements: Host family

Application deadlines

January 15, 2010

Fall 2010 semester

January 15, 2010

Spring 2011 semester

Related Programs

Program contacts

Heather Everst
Program Associate
205 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 220
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: 312.263.5000
heverst@acm.edu

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Publications & Resources

Japan Study program brochure

Japan Study

Pierre Kiang I chose the Japan Study program because I wanted to become fluent in Japanese and experience life at one of the most exciting cities in the world - Tokyo. The homestay experience in a Japanese family not only forced me to use Japanese everyday, it also allowed me to understand Japanese culture from an insider's point of view. On long weekends, you can travel to different places in Japan and enjoy some of the best scenery in the world. During the program, I got accepted by a Japanese electronic company and am now working in Osaka.

—Pierre Kiang, Japan Study, 2006-07

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