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JCMU - Intensive Japanese Language & Culture (Semester / AY) (Exchange Program) (Outgoing Program)

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  • Locations: Hikone, Japan
  • Program Terms: Academic Year, Fall, Spring
  • Homepage: Click to visit
  • Program Sponsor: Japan Center for Michigan Universities 
  • Dates / Deadlines
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Fields of Study: Japanese Housing Options: Homestay, Residence Hall
Language of Instruction: English, Japanese Program Type: Exchange
Program Description:

PROGRAM DETAILS

Length: Fall, spring, or academic year (see Academic Calendar)
Credits: 12-15/semester
Location: Shiga Prefecture, Japan
Housing: JCMU Residence Hall or Japanese host family
Eligibility: Minimum 2.5 GPA, open to students of all majors
Program fees: Semester Language & Culture budget sheet
Tuition discounts: Students attending a JCMU Consortium school pay a discounted rate

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Make Japan a part of your academic plan by studying abroad for the fall, spring, or the entire academic year. While at JCMU, you will immerse yourself completely in Japanese language and culture and learn an entire year's worth of college-level Japanese each semester. There are no language prerequisites, though: we offer beginner level courses all the way through advanced.

You will get the chance to participate in a wide range of classroom activities, including practice with a Japanese student and sitting in on a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Through this, you will find that your ability to utilize Japanese on a day-to-day basis in Hikone will increase exponentially.

CLASSES

You will take the following classes each semester while you are on the program: 

  • (10 credits) Intensive Japanese language: Daily instruction will address listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Beginner through advanced levels are all offered. Placement is based on exams at the beginning of the program. No prior language study is required!
     
  • (1-4 credits) Japanese studies elective course: Taught entirely in English, each course explores an aspect of Japan, such as its history, religions, politics, arts, economy and more. Course offerings vary by semester; a list of electives for upcoming semesters can be found on the JCMU website.
     
  • (1 credit) JCMU Experience course: The study abroad experience can be confusing and stressful for anyone. Learn more about why Japanese culture is the way it is, and discuss how your particular views are influencing your international education.

ALUMNI TESTIMONIALS AND MORE

Want to learn what past students have said about their time in Hikone?  Or do you want to read about what our recent students have been up to? Then visit the Alumni Testimonials and Events sections of the JCMU Official Blog.

Sakura in bloomCultural activities ahoy!Hikone Castle in autumnTemple sightseeing



Go Global Guarantee Cap: 1 Participant per Academic Year

Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline Decision Date Start Date End Date
Spring 2026 09/15/2025 ** Rolling Admission TBA TBA
Academic Year 2026-2027 04/30/2026 ** Rolling Admission TBA TBA
Fall 2026 04/30/2026 ** Rolling Admission TBA TBA

** Indicates rolling admission application process. Applicants will be immediately notified of acceptance into this program and be able to complete post-decision materials prior to the term's application deadline.