The Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies program provides students for an academic year or Fall Semester to enroll directly at the Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies (KCJS) in Kyoto, Japan. 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 semester, students take an eight-credit course in Japanese language. Additional disciplinary-based courses in the humanities and social sciences are taught in English by Japanese and American professors. Students can choose to live with Japanese families through a homestay program or live in apartments.
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 semesters of college-level Japanese or the equivalent is required for the Spring Semester
- 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
For more information, please contact us at abroad@bu.edu.
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 credits per semester; 8 Japanese language credits and two 4 credit 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; 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 Semester: early September to mid December
- Spring Semester: early January to late April
- Academic Year: early September to late April
Application Timeline
Fall Semester
- Applications Open December 15
- Applications Deadline March 15
Spring Semester
- Applications Open June 1*
- 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
