Major Advising Page: Japanese
The Japanese program at UW–Madison, offered through the Department of Asian Languages and Cultures (ALC), considers study abroad in Japan an incredibly enriching experience for our undergraduate students. It provides students a unique opportunity to develop or improve language proficiency, gain a deeper understanding of this fascinating culture in its complexity, and broaden their perspectives on themselves and others. Although studying abroad is not required for the major or certificate, it is highly recommended. As a Japanese or Japanese professional communication certificate student, you can study abroad at almost any time in your college career, but there are some important facts to consider. The information below will help you plan your study abroad experience.
Course considerations
It is critical to know where you stand with your degree requirements before studying abroad. Make sure to review the pre-approved courses (those courses that have been approved by the department for other students) for each program. If you know you have required courses, either for the major or L&S, please consult the ALC undergraduate advisor. Please keep in mind that it can be challenging to find coursework that will meet the requirements for L&S Quantitative Reasoning, Communication, Ethnic Studies, and Natural Science abroad; these requirements are generally best completed at UW.
No matter when you study abroad, you should check in with your academic advisors once you arrive on-site and register for courses. We want to ensure that any changes or additions to course schedules keep you on track to graduate.
Language courses
When you study abroad, you will be given a placement test at your respective Japanese university. No matter the level at which you are placed, you will receive UW credits for the next level language sequence. So, if you have finished fourth semester Japanese at UW, you will receive credit for fifth semester Japanese regardless of the level you are placed at the Japanese university.
Some of our exchange partners offer their Japanese language instruction as multiple 1 or 2-credit courses, in areas such as speaking, listening, reading, writing, kanji, etc. We will “bundle” small credit Japanese language courses you take during a single semester together as the next course you need to progress in the Japanese language sequence.
Certificate students should note that ALC prefers that students take the required ASIALANG 377: Business Japanese Communication course at UW–Madison (regularly offered in the spring semester).
Japanese area studies courses
Most programs will offer you a wide variety of elementary and intermediate Japanese studies elective courses. Keep in mind that advanced-level courses and certain L&S degree requirements can be more difficult to find abroad.
Course credits abroad
Many of the content courses offered at Japanese universities are two credits. 2-credit courses are not always helpful for fulfilling major requirements. In such cases, make sure you take two 2-credit courses on similar topics, which can be bundled and equated as a related 4-credit course in Asian studies. It is helpful to have a conversation with the academic advisor in ALC to consider courses that will count for your elementary and intermediate requirements for Japanese or East Asian studies.
Map your experience as a
Japanese major student
Current and potential Japanese majors should be aware of their major requirements as you are planning a study abroad experience. Be aware that this is only a suggested plan, and there is flexibility in this plan. We work hard to make studying abroad a viable option for all students.
We recommend meeting with the ALC undergraduate advisor in advance to discuss your interest in study abroad and plan courses accordingly. The ALC advisor can meet with students at any stage of the process. Schedule an advising appointment using Starfish. If you are currently studying abroad, email to request a meeting time that is more convenient for your time zone.
Many students study abroad multiple times in their academic career at UW–Madison; what courses you choose earlier in your major – or later in your major – will vary greatly. Students who are double-majoring in another discipline have discovered that fulfilling their Asian studies electives while abroad is very helpful in completing their additional major.
You will apply for your program of choice through IAP’s online application system. As the Japan exchange programs have a limited number of spaces for UW students each year, flexibility is helpful. We encourage you to note in your application materials if you would be open to any of the other exchanges in Japan and can sometimes offer you an alternative program as a backup if your first choice is full.
Freshman year
At this point, most students are just beginning to explore their interest areas and find out where their skills and talents are best utilized. IAP hosts a number of open advising events and information sessions every semester. Attend some of these events to begin exploring options, gathering information, and finding resources.
This is a good time to get a foundation in beginning-level language courses, elementary Japanese studies courses, and general education and breadth requirements.
Sophomore year
By this point, many students are more comfortable identifying which majors or certificates best fit their goals. They are also developing a better sense of what it means to be fully engaged in a particular area of study. You will want to consider specific locations, length of programs, language of instruction, size of the college or university, academic rigor, course offerings, internship opportunities, and housing options. All of these factors contribute to determining the best fit for students’ educational expectations. You will also need to spend time with your academic advisors, making certain the programs you are most interested in offer courses that keep you on track to complete your degree in four years. Second-year students who study abroad should continue with intermediate-level language courses and intermediate courses on Japanese studies. Finding courses to meet humanities, literature, and social science requirements abroad can also be helpful in completing L&S and major requirements.
Junior year
The third year of college is the most popular time to go abroad; however, we want to encourage students to keep their options open. It is especially important that the timeframe and program selected fit the academic goals and plans for you, so you have the best experience possible. Third-year students who study abroad will continue with courses, intermediate-advanced language courses, and intermediate courses on Japanese studies. Finding courses to meet humanities, literature, and social science requirements abroad can also be helpful in completing L&S and major requirements.
Senior year
The final year of your college career can be an exciting time to go abroad. Most students have a very well-developed sense of themselves, their interest areas, strengths, and future career goals. Electing to go abroad at this point can solidify plans as well as allow for special experiences such as internships that play a part in career exploration. As an intern nearing graduation, students can be appealing candidates to hire. These experiences also lead to opportunities for networking and informational interviews. If as a Japanese major, you are considering studying abroad during your senior year, you must plan to take the Advanced capstone course in your junior year or discuss the option of a directed study with an ALC faculty member and the undergraduate advisor while abroad. If you will be entering graduate school or starting a position that requires proof of your degree, keep in mind that many of our programs in Asia will not issue spring transcripts until September. Your degree will show that you graduated in May, but it will not be posted by UW–Madison until after IAP can record your study abroad courses and grades on your UW–Madison transcript.
You can request letters from the department or a Conferred Degree Report from the Registrar’s office to give evidence of progress towards your major and degree at UW–Madison.
Ask questions
- What courses must I complete for my degree (breadth/depth, major requirements, etc.)?
- Do I need to be on UW–Madison’s campus for any courses in my major?
- How many electives do I have outside of my major [for LAS credits, IA credits, Degree credits]?
- How will the capstone course fit into my plans?
- How will the Japanese Business Communication course fit into my study abroad plans [certificate students only]?
- Honors in the Major — how will I plan my senior honors thesis or other requirements?
- What courses can I take on my program?
- How and when do I select courses for my program?
- When will I know course equivalents for my program?
- What is the course structure like abroad?
- What happens if the language course I place into feels too easy/too hard? What are my steps to change levels?
- What is the housing situation like: dorm, home-stay, apartment?
- Can I talk to a student who went on this program?
- What skills do careers related to my major require, and how might participating in a particular program help me gain those skills?
- When would be the best time to participate in a program based on my career goals?
- How will participating in a study abroad, study away, or international internship make me stand out?
- Why do I want to study abroad?
- How long do I want to study abroad for — a few weeks, a semester, a year?
- How does studying abroad fit into my academic, personal, and/or professional goals?
- What career skills or proficiencies will I strive to acquire or enhance on my program?
Discover programs that are right for you
The following are programs that may be of interest to you! Durations and courses vary and may count toward electives or degree requirements. If you do not have specific requirements, there’s more flexibility in program type and location.
These opportunities are not an exhaustive list of all programs.
Below is a brief list of programs that have been most popular among Japanese majors. Keep in mind that some programs do offer more non-Japanese specific courses than what you might find in the course equivalency listing, so be sure to check the full list of courses offered in a program for a more in-depth look.
In this section
Semester and academic year programs
Japan, Kyoto
Kyoto University
Kyoto University is a prestigious national university in Japan. This program is offered in Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital, which is filled with temples and history to explore.
Japan, Nagoya
Nanzan University
This program is offered in Nagoya, one of Japan’s largest cities. Nagoya is a center of industry and is home to some of Japan’s largest corporations. Nanzan’s Center for Japanese Studies has a strong Japanese language program and is our only exchange program in Japan, which offers a homestay option.
Japan, Tokyo
Keio University
Keio University is the oldest university in Japan and known for its strong Japanese language program. Located in Tokyo, Keio will provide you with the chance to live in one of the world’s largest and most exciting cities.
Japan, Tokyo
Sophia University
Sophia University values its reputation as an internationally-focused institution. Students enroll through the Faculty of Liberal Arts and are able to take content courses in three areas: Comparative Culture, International Business and Economics, and Social Studies. Sophia is also located in Tokyo, giving you the chance to experience Japan’s bustling capital city and all it has to offer.
Japan, Tokyo
Waseda University
Waseda is one of Japan’s oldest and most prestigious universities. This exchange program will provide you with a challenging academic environment located within one of the world’s most exciting cities. You will have access to a variety of courses in English while at Waseda, which will vary depending on which School within Waseda you choose to enroll in.
Short-term programs
Japan, Osaka
CET Osaka Summer Study Abroad (summer)
This intensive summer program, offered by CET Academic Programs, will allow you to complete two semesters’ worth of Japanese language over a single summer.
International Internships
International internships allow you to apply your academic skills to the real world and gain valuable professional experience abroad while earning UW–Madison course credit.
As you consider your academic and professional goals for studying abroad, explore the different internship options, including UW Signature internships, internship-focused programs, part-time internships, or applying for credit for an external internship.
Check with your academic advisor to see if earning credit for your internship abroad can fulfill a major or certificate requirement.
Hear from students in your major
Explore student blogs and reflections to see how your peers have connected international experiences to their studies. Discover real stories about the skills, challenges, and professional insights gained through our programs.
Photo credit: Rohit Bakayat (Japan)
Want more information?
Dive deeper into how courses and credits work on our programs, or connect with an advisor to find the best fit for your goals.
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