More information coming soon!
OVERSEAS STUDY IN JAPAN
Programs Sponsored by Washington University
Academic Year 2006-2007
Some FAQsWaseda University Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies Nanzan University (under consideration; not officially WU-approved)
Are only Japanese majors eligible for study abroad?
No, but many of the students who spend a full academic year abroad usually are majoring in Japanese Language and Literature or International Area Studies/East Asia Concentration. Students in Engineering, Fine Arts, pre-med, Business have also studied abroad.
How much does it cost?
Both programs cost the same as WU tuition (and WU Student Health Insurance). In addition, there is a program fee. The program fee covers housing and some meals; airfare, books, and other expenses are not included in the program fee.
Can I go for only one semester?
You can attend all programs for one semester, but we really do recommend that you go for the whole academic year. Waseda University’s academic calendar does not mesh well with ours and so it is more difficult to go to Waseda for one semester. We encourage students to attend for the full-year, and often students who go to KCJS for the fall semester choose to stay on for the spring semester. One semester is simply too short to gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and society. By the time you’ve adjusted to living in Japan and you are just beginning to make strides in your language skills, it’s time for you to come home.
Will the financial aid that I receive at WU apply to tuition?
Yes, for students in Arts and Sciences. Students in other schools must clarify school policy with the appropriate school. For more information, see: http://www.artsci.wustl.edu/~overseas/faq.html#6
How do I receive credit for my coursework overseas?
Your transcript will be sent to Overseas Studies at the end of the academic year, and Overseas will forward it to the Study Abroad Advisor in the Department of Asian Languages and Literatures who will, after consultation with you, give your courses taken overseas a Wash U “equivalent” course.
How much credit can I receive?
Usually about 15 credits per semester; no more than 33 credits will be awarded for the academic year.
Will my grades from overseas coursework be transferred and will they affect my GPA?
Your grades will not be transferred and they will not be factored into your WU GPA. However, when you apply for jobs or graduate school, they will want to see your overseas transcripts. See: http://www.artsci.wustl.edu/~overseas/faq.html#8
Can my overseas courses fulfill some of the requirements for the major in Japanese or IAS ?
Yes, they can fulfill some but not all. Core courses for the Japanese Major--The Classical Voice course (332), The Modern Voice course (333), and Introduction to Pre-modern Japanese Language (460) must be taken at Wash. U. Your major advisor can giveyou more specific information about this.
Can the credits I earn overseas be counted towards my non-Japanese major?
You will need to speak with your advisor in your other major for approval.
Can I study abroad during my sophomore or my senior year?
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 Studies 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.
Do I have to do a homestay?
Homestays are strongly encouraged and highly recommended. When the homestay works out well, the experience is richly rewarding. Aside from the very important fact that there are more opportunities to speak Japanese in a homestay situation, a homestay gives you the opportunity to partake in an aspect of Japanese life/culture that you would not ordinarily be privy to in Japan.
Can I work while I’m in Japan?
Students can earn spending money by teaching English on an hourly basis.
What courses should I take before going to Japan?
You should try to take as many Japan-related courses as you can
before
you go. The more you know beforehand about Japanese society,
literature,
language, history, culture, etc., the better prepared you’ll be for
your
studies and for living in Japan on a daily basis. Some recommended
courses:
Japanese Culture and Civilization (226C; offered only in the
fall),
Japanese History 319 and 320, The Modern Voice (333), The
Classical
Voice (332).
More information coming soon!