Degree Details

Boston University students have the opportunity to take courses at the Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies (KCJS), for one term or academic year, in Kyoto, Japan. Minimum of one year of college-level Japanese language is required to be admissible. KCJS is based at the Imadegawa campus of Doshisha University located just north of the Imperial Palace in the center of Kyoto. Each term, students take an eight-unit course in Japanese language. Additional disciplinary-based courses in the humanities and social sciences are taught in English by Japanese and American professors. Housing options of dorm, apartment-style residence or homestay with a Japanese family are available.

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Key Facts

Area of Study

Location

Home University

Program Structure

Internship Availability

Term

Coursework Level

BU Hub Offered

None

Housing

Language of Instruction

Requirements & Considerations

  • All students must enroll according to, and remain in compliance with, the Boston University Study Abroad Course Load Policy.
  • Boston University students only
  • Minimum of one year of college-level Japanese or the equivalent
  • Three terms of college-level Japanese or the equivalent is required for the Spring term
  • The Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies’ admissions criteria require study abroad students to have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, as well as a minimum GPA of 3.0 in Japanese language courses. Participants are also required to maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 throughout the duration of the program. Students with a GPA below a 3.0 may be considered on a case by case basis and should contact BU Study Abroad before applying.
  • Academic year students are given preference
  • Admissions requirements for all programs
  • Final admissions decisions are made by KCJS/Columbia University

Curriculum

Courses are taught by Japanese and American professors, including the KCJS director and a KCJS professor from one of the consortium universities. Students take 16 units per term; 8 Japanese language units and two 4 unit elective courses taught in English. Students may browse program details including academic offerings on the Columbia University program page and the KCJS website.

Housing & Student Services

Local Homestay or Program Residence

  • Homestay, single rooms in home; dorm; or small, fully furnished apartments
  • Most students live with Japanese families, two meals per day are included when living in a homestay
  • Students living in apartments are provided a lunch subsidy but must provide their own breakfast and dinner
  • All housing is a 20-45 minute commute to KCJS campus

Program Dates

FALL TERM

Program Dates

Early September – Mid-December

FALL TERM

Applications Open

December 15

FALL TERM

Applications Deadline

March 15

SPRING TERM

Program Dates

Early January – Late April

SPRING TERM

Applications Open

June 1*

SPRING TERM

Applications Deadline

September 1

This program is not on a rolling admissions cycle. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all required materials have been received by the BU Study Abroad office by the application deadline. Decisions will not be made until after the application deadline. Applicants will receive their decision via email.

Information on other programs that do not follow a rolling admissions cycle and information for BU Students Awaiting an Admissions Decision can be found here.

In addition to completing the standard BU Study Abroad application, students must apply through Columbia University’s online application system.

Cost & Financial Considerations

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Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies