Study Abroad in Japan: Intensive Japanese Language & Culture Studies in Osaka – Academics

Japan Curriculum: How the Academics Fit Together

The CET Japan curriculum fosters language learning at every bend. Not one stone is left unturned. In intensive classes, on language practica, while volunteering at local preschools, during chats with a Japanese roommate, or while figuring out how a Japanese washing machine works…language learning happens everywhere.

In the classroom, students charge through their textbook. The brisk pace can only be maintained if students commit to intensive preparation before class, and intensive practice after class.

Semester students also choose electives that fit their language learning goals and levels. Courses in business, performing arts, religion, history and culture are available. Some courses are in English. Some are in Japanese.

Outside the classroom, students complete concrete tasks in Japanese. They ask for directions. They interview Osakan’s about current events. They navigate the university library. They report back to their teacher about their findings.

Activities, many in Japanese, keep students practicing their conversation on afternoons and weekends. Dare to watch a Japanese movie without subtitles. Fold origami while chatting with your Japanese roommate about favorite Osaka eateries.

In the end, CET Japan students return home with at least one year (usually more!) of university-level Japanese under their belts. But they also take home a larger prize: communicative competence in Japanese.

Japan Fall & Spring Academic Requirements

Students enroll in Japanese language. All levels are offered. Students take one overall course comprising three segments of classes. Classes are for CET students only. 180 total hours. 11 recommended credits.

• Segment I—Japanese in Daily Life: The first week of the program is used to refresh Japanese skills learned in the US. Students learn to meet their immediate needs in Japanese. Real life materials such as menus, supermarket advertisements, neighborhood maps, newspapers and websites are used. 20 total hours.
• Segment II—Regular study: The pace of study flies through the textbook. Students have frequent assignments that take them out into the city, interacting with locals. 140 total hours.
• Segment III—Language project: Each class level completes an interview-based, out-of-classroom project over the course of the term. Classes merge at the end of the semester to present their projects in a lively Open House event on the OGU campus. 20 total hours.

CET recommends that students enroll in two Osaka Gakuin University (OGU) electives. There are three types of OGU electives. Students make selections based on language level, interest and credit needs. CET Japan students are in courses with other international students at OGU.

• Type I—Japanese Studies Courses (JSCs): These are Japanese studies courses taught in English. Examples: Japanese Business, Japanese Performing Arts. CET recommends that beginning students take two JSCs. Low-intermediate students should consider taking one JSC and one JSP course. 45 total hours each. 3 recommended credits each.
• Type II—J-Bridge courses: These are Japanese studies courses taught in Japanese, but at a level appropriate for non-native speakers. Example: Japanese Society and Culture. High-intermediate students should consider taking one or two J-bridge courses. Advanced students should consider taking one J-bridge course and one JSP course. 45 total hours each. 3 recommended credits each.
• Type III—Japanese for Specific Purposes courses (JSPs): These are specialized Japanese language courses. Example: Japan and the Media. CET recommends that low-intermediate students take one JSP course and one JSC. CET recommends that advanced students take one JSP course and one J-bridge course. 22.5 total hours each. 1 recommended credit each.

There are even more options for advanced students. Advanced students who enroll in the CET Japan program for the full academic year may direct enroll into a regular course at OGU. This is a university-level course aimed at native Japanese speakers. They might also apply to participate in an internship at a local company. Are you up for the challenge? Interested students should contact CET.

Bottom line: CET Japan has a flexible curriculum. While all students are required to take 1) the comprehensive language course and 2) a combination of OGU courses, the specific mix of OGU courses is up to the student. Students who would prefer to create their own OGU course mix instead of following the CET recommendations above are welcome to contact CET for assistance.

View all course options and download syllabi.

Japan Summer Academic Requirements

Students enroll in Japanese language. Students take one overall course comprising two segments of classes. Classes are for CET students only. Students abide by a full-time Japanese language pledge. They complete one year of university-level Japanese in eight weeks. Summer is open to students with at least two semesters of previous Japanese language study. 160 total hours. 9 recommended credits.

• Segment I—Regular study: The pace of study flies through the textbook. Students have frequent assignments that take them out into the city, interacting with locals. 140 total hours.
• Segment II—Language project: Each class level completes an interview-based, out-of-classroom project over the course of the term. Classes merge at the end of the semester to present their projects in a lively Open House event on the OGU campus. 20 total hours.

View all course options and download syllabi.

Classroom Matters

Prerequisites

There is no language prerequisite for the fall and spring terms. Students of all Japanese language levels are welcome, including beginners and heritage learners.

The summer term is open to students with at least two terms of previous Japanese language study.

Language Class Placement

Japanese language class placement is determined by:

• The results of a placement exam taken upon arrival in Osaka.
• The student’s transcripts.
• The student’s Japanese language ability as demonstrated in the application.

Adjustments to placements are made during the first week of classes.

Japanese Language Pledge

The more you practice, the more you improve. Semester students uphold a limited Japanese language pledge. Summer students go the whole nine yards and commit to speak Japanese only for the duration of the program.

Students tell us that the language pledge is challenging and frustrating at first, but well worth it in the end. Because the language pledge depends on the commitment of the students, CET accepts only those who are excited for the challenge.

Academic Rigor

CET Japan is a study abroad program for students who are serious about Japanese language learning. Classes move quickly and usually require one hour of prep time for every hour of class time. Out-of-class assignments help fill up afternoons and weekends.

How do students survive? First, they prepare themselves before departure for this challenge. Second, they soon discover language learners’ fuel: the thrill of discovering that you can suddenly express in Japanese an idea that, just last week, was out of reach.

Outside the Classroom

Overnight Academic Excursion (Fall & Spring)

CET Japan takes students on a three-day trip, away from the hustle and bustle of Osaka, to experience a different side of Japan. Students head to a rural area, one that usually doesn’t get a lot of tourist traffic!

Past students have visited Shikoku. There, they have:

• Tried their hand at making udon noodles.
• Created bizen-yaki (a traditional kind of pottery)
• Toured temples.
• Rode the ferry over the inland seas.

One Day Academic Excursions (All Terms)

Osaka and its region are chock full of sites and experiences waiting to be uncovered. CET Japan leads students on a day trip to a place that might be difficult for them to get to on their own. Past students have gone to Arashiyama, Kyoto, where they have:

• Visited a temple and practiced Zen meditation.
• Made wagashi (Japanese sweets).
• Hiked through a bamboo grove.

Language Class Excursions & Practica Assignments (All Terms)

At CET Japan, Osaka is the classroom! Japanese language classes take students to sites in the city as a part of the language curriculum. Students might:

• Go to the post office to inquire about services.
• Tour a ramen factory to learn about the history of instant ramen noodles (invented in Osaka!).
• Head to the grocery store to learn food names.
• Visit Osaka’s oldest shopping arcade and ask shopkeepers about their store’s history.
• Navigate their way through confusing Osaka Station to locate to specific stores.

Activities (All Terms)

CET Japan wants its students to get involved. The program offers countless ways to explore Japanese life, practice language skills and make local friends.

The Japanese-chat lounge (J-chat, as it is called by students) arranges tea ceremony demonstrations, moon-viewing parties and Japanese-paper making lessons. The International-chat (I-chat) lounge coordinates activities in English such as sushi-making and round table discussions. Finally, Osaka Gakuin University boasts clubs in everything from brass band to fortune telling.

Not seeing the activity that you wanted on the program calendar? The residence staff is all ears.

Community Service

Each term, the resident staff arranges volunteer opportunities within the community. Specific projects are identified by the local hosts. At CET Japan, a typical project might involve teaching English at a local kindergarten or preschool. Past CET Japan students have taught their classes about Thanksgiving in the US. The children returned the favor by telling them what a turkey says in Japanese!