Study Abroad

Major Advising Page – Japanese

The Japanese Program at UW-Madison, offered through the Department of Asian Languages and Cultures, 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 deeper understanding of this fascinating culture in its complexity, and broaden one’s perspectives of oneself and others. The experience can be literally “life-changing.” Hence, although study 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 during 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.

Prospective Japanese Students

Current and potential Japanese majors or Japanese Professional Communication certificate students should be aware of your major requirements as you are planning a study abroad experience. We recommend meeting with the ALC undergraduate advisor, Rachel Weiss, 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. You can also check out this page for more information on advising resources.

Here are some ways to get started:

Once you understand the basics, take a deeper dive into your options and:

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 to completing their additional major.

Most of the Japan programs have a language requirement. You are allowed to apply for a program before you have finished the necessary language coursework as long as you intend to complete the requirement before your time abroad.

You will apply for your program of choice through IAP’s online application system. As the Japan exchange programs have a limited amount of spaces for UW students each year, sometimes we can’t accept you into your first choice program. In such cases, we consult you about your choice and can often offer placement into one of the other Japan programs with spaces remaining. Once you are accepted to a program by IAP, there will be additional application materials to complete in order to move forward with your participation.

Japanese Course Considerations Abroad

When you study abroad, you will be given a placement test at your respective Japanese university. No matter the level in 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 and Sixth Semester Japanese (for a year program) 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” all Japanese language courses you take during a single semester, which will be posted together as the course you need to progress in the Japanese language sequence.

Content courses (or Electives): Most programs will offer you a wide variety of elementary and intermediate Japanese studies elective courses. Keep in mind that Advanced level courses and L&S General Ed requirements can be more difficult to find.

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).

Many of the content courses offered at Japanese universities are two credits. Two 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.

Mapping Your Study Abroad Experience

Current and prospective majors should consult the recommended four-year planning guide for the Japanese major. You should be aware that this is only a suggested plan and there is flexibility. It is always best to meet with the ALC undergraduate advisor to develop a unique plan to you. We work hard to make study abroad a viable option for all students.

It is critical to know where you stand with your L&S General Education requirements prior to studying abroad. Make sure to review the pre-approved courses (those courses that have been approved by the department for other students in the major) for each institution. If you know you have required courses either for the major or L&S, please consult the undergraduate advisor. Please keep in mind that it can be challenging to find QRA, QRB, Comm B, Ethnic Studies, and Natural Science courses 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.

  • 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 and 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, intermediate courses on Japanese studies. Finding courses to meet humanities, literature, and social science courses 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 courses 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 study abroad during your senior year, you must plan to take the Advanced capstone course 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 their major and degree at UW-Madison.

Questions to Ask

Your Academic Advisor

  • 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?

Your Study Abroad Advisor

  • What courses can I take abroad?
  • 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?

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.

Student Stories

Identifying Programs That are Right for You

We encourage you to explore all programs offered by IAP and consider which program is the best fit for you. You might consider where the programs are located (city or rural), who would you live with (independently, dormitory, or local hosts), how much you want to be on a program with other UW-students—or—a mix of international students from universities world-wide. Of course, cost and timing are other major considerations for choosing the program that is right for you.

Below is a brief list of programs that have been most popular among Japanese majors. This is not an exhaustive list of all programs, so feel free to explore all your options with IAP and find the program that fits your interests best! 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 subjects offered on a program for a more in-depth look. You are always free to work with IAP to submit syllabi for review in advance if you have specific course needs.

Summer

  • CET Osaka Summer Study Abroad
    This intensive summer program, offered by CET Academic Programs, will allow you to complete two semesters’ worth of Japanese language over a single summer.

Semester/Year

The exchange programs in Japan are offered for the Academic Year (fall + spring) or Spring durations only. Keep this in mind as you plan.

  • Kyoto University Exchange
    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.
  • Nanzan University Exchange
    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.
  • Keio University Exchange
    Keio University is known for its strong Japanese Language Program (JLP), and is the oldest university in Japan. Located in Tokyo, Keio will provide you with the chance to live in one of the world’s largest and most exciting cities.
  • Sophia University Exchange
    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.
  • Waseda University Exchange
    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.

International Internships

International internships are another way to gain valuable professional experience abroad while earning course credit. While you can often participate in a part-time internship as part of your study abroad program, it is also possible to participate on an Internship-focused program or a UW Signature Internship.

Discover Internships

Search All Programs

Research all programs using the Program Search page. The above is not an exhaustive list of all programs that offer Information Science courses.  There may be other programs that are a better fit for your individual needs or interests.

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