UB students will participate in the Year-in-Konan program. This program is focused on Japanese language training, with specific emphasis on the development of speaking and reading skills. Students are assigned to classes based upon a placement examination taken upon arrival. Native speakers with graduate training in Japanese linguistics or the teaching of Japanese as a second language offer classes at 4 or 5 levels - from Intermediate through Advanced Japanese. Classes usually consist of 7 - 9 students and meet two hours per day.

Participants also enroll in two Japanese studies courses taught in English each semester. Courses change each year, but topics include: Art History, Business and Economics, Legal System, Religion and Literature. Each course meets three hours each week.

Included in the cost of the program are a series of program-sponsored seminars and field trips designed to enrich classroom activities. These include excursions to Hiroshima, Miyajima, Matsuyama, and Ise, Koyasan.

The facilities of Konan University are open to participants in the program, and students are encouraged to participate in one or several of the many sports, music, special interest or social clubs at Konan University. These activities provide an excellent way to further develop communication skills in Japanese and to participate in the daily flow of Japanese life.

While we encourage students to spend the academic year at Konan University to take full advantage of the exchange program, a Fall Semester Only option may be available for a limited number of students depending on the number of full academic year participants.

If you wish to apply for the Fall Semester Only option, please indicate this clearly on your application.