This reciprocal exchange program between the University of Iowa and Nanzan University in Nagoya allows up to two UI students to undertake a year of study at Nanzan's Center for Japanese Studies. Semester study may be an option. Living options include a Home Stay Program that places the student in a Japanese home as a family member or residence hall accommodations. The exchange is suitable for students of any major interested in developing fluency in Japanese language.

The program fee for study on Reciprocal exchange is based on 12 s.h. of your regular UI tuition. UI students earn transfer credit on this option of direct enrollment in the program of a Japanese University.

Academic Program

Students remain registered at the University of Iowa while enrolling in classes at the Center for Japanese Studies (CJS) at Nanzan. The schedule includes an intensive Japanese language class earning 8 sh each semester, and additional lecture classes or seminars in humanities and social sciences taught in English. Practical classes in Japanese arts are also offered. Students are required to carry between 14 and 18 semester hours of credit each semester.

Information about how language credit earned at Nanzan integrates with the UI curriculum is available from the exchange program adviser in the Study Abroad office.

Program Dates

The calendar of Nanzan's Center for Japanese Studies matches the U.S. academic calendar closely. Semesters run September to December, and January to mid-May.

For More Information

Program details are found at our partner institution’s webpage. Students must meet with the program adviser in the UI Study Abroad office to discuss the procedures for Reciprocal exchange. Additional information and binders with comments from prior participants can also be consulted in our Resource Room.

Nanzan University

Nanzan University is a private university with over 5,000 students drawn primarily from Aichi prefecture and the surrounding area. It has a reputation as one of the leading universities in the Nagoya region, and is particularly strong in language education, international studies, and economics.

The Center for Japanese Studies

The Center for Japanese Studies is an integral part of the university. It enrolls over 100 students from twenty different countries, with the majority coming from the U.S. In addition to its academic program centered on comprehensive language training, the center administers the Home Stay Program, provides orientation and academic advising, offers information on alternative housing options, and organizes student excursions.

Nagoya

The city of Nagoya is a major metropolitan area in central Japan with a population of over two million. It is the urban center of Aichi prefecture, which has one of Japan's major ports and major industries such as Toyota and Mitsubishi manufacturing. Excellent air, road and rail services provide convenient access to all points. Nagoya is noted for its comprehensive city planning projects. Its history dates back to the 17th century, when Tokugawa Ieyasu, the general who unified Japan, built a castle in Nagoya.

Living Arrangements

Students have a choice between home stay as a family member in a Japanese home or residence hall accommodations. They will be asked to state their preference on their application. Every effort will be made to accommodate this preference, but spaces in either option are limited.

Travel Arrangements

Students make their own travel arrangements to arrive in Nagoya by the required date. Information for arrival will be provided by the host university’s International Office.

Eligibility

Students must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0, both overall and in Japanese language courses; must have one year of college Japanese or more; and have completed at least one semester in residence at the University of Iowa. Preference will be given to students with a strong record in Japanese. The number of participants is limited by reciprocity in the numbers to be exchanged, and meeting a minimum requirement for eligibility does not necessarily guarantee acceptance into the program.

Costs

On this one-for-one exchange, cost is based on your regular UI tuition.
Added expenses include airfare, local housing and living expenses, visa fees, and a UI administrative fee. Tuition and UI administrative fee are charged on your semester U Bill.

For an overall estimate consult with the Japan adviser in the Study Abroad office.

The Iowa Regents mandatory International CISI insurance is also collected on the U Bill.

How to Apply

Students are encouraged to discuss their interest with the study abroad adviser for Japan as early as possible.

To be considered for placement on reciprocal exchange, students complete the Preliminary Application for Japan Exchange due in December of the year prior to the fall or spring semester that they wish to study abroad. This prioritizes students to be considered for the exchange slots available any given cycle.
Beyond the December deadline, applications will continue to be reviewed as received, until all spaces are filled.

The program application will be provided by the study abroad adviser once final placement is determined, and will include forms from our partner institution to be completed according to their specifications.

The final decision on admissions rests with Nanzan University.

Application Deadline

Campus deadline for having Nanzan forms completed is March 1 for Fall or academic year; July 30 for Spring.

Upon acceptance, students will receive Pre-departure information directly from the host university.

Prior to departure, students also attend a general TIPS orientation for UI Students Studying Abroad. In addition, the exchange program adviser provides cultural notes and individualized information about billing and credit procedures at Iowa.