Year-in-Japan Program
Welcome to the Konan University Year-in-Japan Program!
Spend a year immersed in Japanese language and culture. It is likely to be one of the most challenging and exciting years of your life. Through a combination of classroom and experiential learning, you will deepen your understanding of the culture and language while also discovering more about yourself.
The academic year for exchange students consists of two semesters, the first term runs from September to December, and the second term runs from January to May. Students may apply for the full academic year or for either the fall or spring semester. The Year-in-Japan Program is composed of Japanese language classes in the morning and Japan Studies classes taught in English in the afternoon. The typical course load consists of intensive Japanese language plus two Japan Studies courses per semester. An official transcript of the grades earned is forwarded to each student’s home university at the end of each semester. Students should inquire with the appropriate office at their home university about transferring credits earned at Konan University.
Curriculum
（Japanese Language Courses, Japan Studies Courses）Accommodation
Homestay
Immerse yourself in Japanese culture and daily life.
Living with a Japanese family is one of the most rewarding
aspects of the Year-in-Japan Program.
A Japanese homestay is an excellent way for students to significantly improve their competence in Japanese language, while learning first-hand about Japanese culture and traditions. Studying Japanese in an immersive environment helps to motivate and to rapidly improve students’ Japanese language ability. Just as importantly, living with a host family exposes students to Japanese daily life and customs, ensuring a much deeper understanding of Japanese culture than would otherwise be possible.
The homestay experience consistently receives high marks from former students, who cherish the friendships they were able to make with their host families. This experience has proven to be an invaluable part of the program and adds immensely to students' study abroad experience. Students are provided a private room furnished with a Japanese futon or regular bedding and two meals a day (breakfast & dinner) on weekdays and three meals on weekends and national holidays.
Dormitory
Konan University does not have dormitory facilities on campus. However, off-campus privately owned dormitory accommodations with meals are available. Accommodations may differ in style and because working adults also live at these dormitories, the opportunities to socialize with other students may be limited. Vegetarian and allergy free menus are not available at these facilities.
Education Quality Assurance
The Year-in-Japan Program at Konan University was established by a consortium of universities headed by the University of Illinois in 1976. The Illinois Consortium, which also includes the University of Arizona, the University of Hawaii, and the University of Pittsburgh, provides a full-time Resident Director responsible for the academic aspect of the YiJ program. The Resident Director also serves as adviser and counselor to students regarding academic, social, cultural, health and safety-related matters. The Resident Director is a faculty member of one of the universities in the Illinois Consortium whose research field is typically related to Japan. This person ensures that academic standards are maintained and that a high degree of student care is offered to all participants.
If you would like to know more about how our Resident Directors have evaluated our YiJ program. Please check the comments here.
Scholarships
Students accepted to the YiJ program are eligible to apply for external scholarships such as the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) scholarship funded by the Japanese Ministry of Education and the Hyogo University Mobility in Asia and the Pacific (HUMAP) scholarship. Both JASSO and HUMAP awards students approximately 80,000 yen per month for every month the recipient is enrolled in the YiJ program. Students are also eligible to apply for the Konan scholarship, an internal scholarship that is awarded to students who exemplify a strong commitment of service to the Konan University community. Each scholarship has their own application procedure, requirements, and limit for the number of accepted applicants.
Contact Information
If your university is listed on our Partner Universities page, then please contact the study abroad office at on your campus.
If your university is not listed on our Partner Universities, or for more information about who to contact, admissions requirements and application procedures for the Year–in-Japan Program, please contact the Konan International Exchange Center at Konan University or visit the Year-in-Japan website.
FAQ
About Our Programs
-
Year-in-Japan Program
Spend a year immersed
in Japanese language and culture.
It is likely to be one of the most challenging
and exciting years of your life. -
Summer Intensive
Japanese Program
A 6-week intensive Japanese language program
running from June through July. -
Other Programs
Konan University offers other programs
for students from neighboring countries enrolling
in courses instructed in the Japanese language.