Japanese Study Abroad FAQ

Timeline

February 1: Applications Due in Overseas Program Office
Mid-March: Notification of Acceptance to KCJS

Eligibility Requirements

Students majoring in any field may apply. Students with incompletes at WU at the time of application will be prohibited from participation in a study abroad program.

• one year of Japanese language study (summer and academic year)
• at least 3.0 GPA at the time of application
• approval of EALC faculty
• approval of the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences
• approval of the Governing Board of KCJS
   

Recommended Preparation

Students interested in studying in Japan should try to take as many Japan-related courses as possible before going. The more students know beforehand about Japanese society, literature, language, history, culture, etc., the better prepared they will be for living and studying in Japan.

Some recommended courses include:

• Japanese Civilization (226C)
• Japanese History (319 and 320)
• The Modern Voice in Japanese Literature (333C)
• Japanese Literature: Beginnings to 19th Century (332C)

Homestays are strongly encouraged and highly recommended. They provide more opportunities to speak Japanese and allow you to partake in an aspect of Japanese life/culture that you would not ordinarily be privy to in Japan. Home stays can be a richly rewarding and memorable part of your study abroad experience.

Cost

The tuition to study at KCJS is the same as Washington University tuition and Washington University Student Health Insurance. In addition, there is a program fee which covers housing and some meals. Airfare, books, and other expenses are not included in the program fee. The financial aid students in Arts & Sciences receive at Washington University will be applicable to KCJS. Students in other schools must clarify school policy with the appropriate school. Normally, any financial aid that you have—scholarships, loans, grants—can be applied to your tuition for KCJS.

Scholarships

Various scholarships are available for study abroad in Japan.

• ATJ Bridging Scholarship ($4,000 for academic year/$2,500 for semester)
• KCJS Scholarships ($500 ~ $5,000)
• NSEP David L. Boren Scholarship (up to $20,000) mid-January WU deadline!!
   

You can study abroad for one semester, but we really do recommend that you go for the whole academic year. Often students who go to KCJS just for the fall semester choose to stay on for the spring semester. One semester is simply too short to gain a deep understanding of Japanese culture and society. It takes time to adjust to living in Japan and to make strides in your language skills.

Students can earn spending money by teaching English on an hourly basis.

Your transcript will be sent to Overseas Programs at the end of the academic year, and Overseas will forward it to the Study Abroad Advisor in the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures who will, after consultation with you, give your courses taken overseas a WU “equivalent” course.

Usually, about 16 credits per semester; no more than 33 credits will be awarded for the academic year.  See your advisor for details on how much credit will count toward your major/minor.

Your grades will not be transferred and they will not be factored into your WU GPA.

Yes, they can fulfill some but not all. Up to 6 units of credit may be applied toward the major from one semester abroad and up to 12 units of credit from two semesters abroad.

You will need to speak with your advisor in your other major for approval.

Study abroad is recommended for junior year. In rare circumstances, a student may study abroad during the sophomore or senior years, but s/he will have to petition Overseas Programs to be allowed to do so. Since all students must spend their final semester in residence at WU, study abroad for a full academic year during senior year is not permitted.

Students interested in studying in Japan should try to take as many Japan-related courses as possible before going. The more students know beforehand about Japanese society, literature, language, history, culture, and more, the better prepared they will be for living and studying in Japan.

Some recommended courses include:

• Japanese Civilization (226C)
• Japanese History (319 and 320)
• The Modern Voice in Japanese Literature (333C)
• Japanese Literature: Beginnings to 19th Century (332C)
   

Study Abroad Advisor: Ginger Marcus
Busch Hall 101
314-935-4449
vsmarcus@wustl.edu