A majority of our students in the Program participate in education abroad programs. If you are interested in studying in Japan, make an appointment with Ben Davis (Japanese academic advisor, davis500@msu.edu). With her input, you can make your academic plans that will include an education abroad program as part of your undergraduate learning experience at Michigan State University.
Japanese students at MSU have a wide number of opportunities to study in Japan, from short-term summer programs to school-year semester and two-semester programs. Below is a list of programs available to MSU students. Financial aid and scholarships may be available to qualified students. Please consult with your academic advisor for more information
Japan Center for Michigan Universities (JCMU)
The Japan Center for Michigan Universities is a living-learning center located on the shore of Lake Biwa in Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture, Japan. Our programs are dedicated to building relationships between Japanese, Americans, and other nationalities through active learning and participation in language, culture, family life and society. JCMU has been welcoming students of all majors since 1989. Students from Michigan State University, as well as the 14 other public Michigan universities, several affiliate institutions nationwide and beyond are able to participate in JCMU programs. JCMU offers a number of programs that vary in focus and duration in fields such as Japanese language and culture, environmental sciences, health care, hospitality and more. More information can be found on the JCMU website. You can also stop by the JCMU office in the International Center (Room 110).
- Japanese Language and Culture
- Career/Culture Programs
- Internships
- May Programs (offerings vary by year)
Waseda University in Tokyo
Waseda University (WU) is one of the oldest, largest, and most prestigious private universities in Japan. The main campus is located near Nishi-Waseda district of Shinjuku in Tokyo. Waseda University has over 54,000 students, 4,000 of which are international students from over 90 countries. Most undergraduate international students enroll in Waseda’s School of International Liberal Studies (SILS). However, Waseda is in the process of adding English classes to various departments each year, including the Faculty of Political Science and Economis, Faculty of Social Sciences, and Faculty of Science and Engineering. As part of this exchange program, you will be studying alongside other exchange and full-degree students who may be Japanese nationals or international students. Students who have a high-level of Japanese can take classes taught completely in Japanese alongside local students.
Students may study for the full Japanese academic year or spring semester. The academic year runs September to August, with two semesters from September-February and March-August. Preference is given to students from the College of Social Science and College of Arts & Letters.
University of the Ryukyus in Okinawa
This program provides students the opportunity to study at the University of Ryukyus in Okinawa, Japan. Okinawa has a varied history and unique traditions including festivals, dancing, music, and arts and crafts. It is an ideal place to study Japanese language, culture and society in a beautiful island setting.
The University of the Ryukyus was founded in 1950 on the site of the ancient Shuri Castle. The university has long served as a beacon of hope and a symbol of cultural identity and takes pride in its commitment to cultivating individuals who can succeed in an international society with high language skills and global awareness. It is a full national university consisting of six faculties – Law and Letters, Education, Science, Medicine, Engineering and Agriculture – eight graduate schools, one special program, a library, two affiliated schools, and numerous education/research-related facilities and centers.
Study Abroad: Business and Culture in Japan
This Program is offered in summer through the Eli Broad College of Business. The program includes corporate visits, cultural activities, and field trips.