Nagoya - Nanzan University

Q. What does this program offer?
A. MU participates in an exchange program with Nanzan University in Nagoya, Japan. Each year up to two qualified students are accepted to study at Nanzan for either a year or a semester. As an exchange student, you will be able to take classes in English while living with a Japanese family. Nanzan application deadlines are: Spring semester - AUGUST 30th (so prior arrangements must be made with the study abroad advisor) and Fall semester - March 15th.

Q. What is it like there?
A. Nanzan is a top Japanese university which maintains a progressive, international outlook by promoting international exchange. A large percentage of Nanzan faculty and students are from foreign countries, or have spent time abroad. Nanzan fosters personal and academic growth through its small size (8,900 undergraduates), and a low student to teacher ratio. Nanzan University is located in Nagoya, Japan's fourth largest city. Nagoya is one of the leading metropolises of international trade, industry, and culture.

Q. What will I study?
A. MU students study at the Nanzan University Center for Japanese Studies (CJS), which is located in the middle of the Nanzan campus. Each year, the CJS offers students from all over the world an intensive language program supplemented by specialized courses about Japanese culture and society. MU students take a combination of course work in Japanese language (8-10 hours per semester), and courses on Japan taught in English (2-3 credits each). Japanese language courses meet for three hours and 15 minutes five times per week, including a 45 minute language lab five times a week. Most area studies courses in English meet once a week for two hours and 15 minutes.

Q. When can I go?
A. You can participate in this program for any of the following terms:
 Fall Semester
 Spring Semester
 Academic Year

Q. Where will I live?
A. Students on the Nanzan program can choose to live with a Japanese family, in a private dormitory, or in one of the off-campus int'l halls of residence. Students living with host families eat breakfast and supper with their families, and lunch in a campus cafeteria or in an area restaurant. NOTE: Nanzan housing assignments are considered final. They also require that housing for the semester be paid IN FULL by wire transfer before arrival in Japan.

Q. Will I get academic credit?
A. For each semester of academic work completed abroad, you may earn up to 16 credit hours. Course credit transfers to MU, but your grades will not appear on your MU transcript and are not figured into your GPA. Although you will receive credit for successfully completed courses, you must work with your academic advisors to determine how courses might fulfill specific degree requirements. As part of your pre-departure preparation, you will find what courses are available on the program and meet with your academic advisor to get pre-approval for courses you wish to take.

Q. Can I afford to go?
A. MU attempts to make the costs of studying abroad affordable for you. In Japan, HOUSING COSTS VARY GREATLY. Because this is a reciprocal exchange program, you will pay MU educational fees, non-resident tuition (for non-Missouri residents), student activities fees, information technology fees, recreation facility fees, and the student health center fee for 13 credit hours per semester. You will also pay a $500 study abroad fee to cover MU administrative costs. Additional expenses for this program include health insurance, int'l airfare, on-site housing costs, and other misc. expenses. Estimated costs for this program are listed below.

Q. Can I get financial aid?
A. Most financial aid that you normally receive for your classes at MU should apply to the cost of the program. If you are not a Missouri resident, you will be billed for MU non-resident fees and so remain eligible for any non-resident scholarships you receive from MU. Additional grants, loans or scholarships may be available to offset the extra costs incurred on this program. Please see the advisor for study abroad financing at the MU Financial Aid Office for more complete information. The International Center offers study abroad scholarships as well. Scholarship applications are included in the MU Study Abroad Application.

Q. Am I eligible?
A. If you are a sophomore, junior, or senior, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above, you are eligible to apply. Applicants who have taken one year of college-level Japanese are preferred.

Q. How do I apply?
A. See the Study Abroad Application Instructions on this web-site for more information.

Q. Where can I find out more?
A. In the Study Abroad Resource Room at the International Center, you will find additional information on this and other overseas opportunities. Peer Advisors will be on hand to answer any questions you may have, and Study Abroad Advisors are available by appointment. You can also visit the Nanzan University website for more information about the program.