Nanzan University

If students complete courses while abroad from Purdue colleges that have not approved the program, they might be able to earn transfer credit for those courses. Students interested in pursuing transfer credit should discuss this with both their academic advisor and their study abroad advisor before applying to the program.

Center for Japanese Studies at Nanzan

Applications are open to students of all majors, but students majoring in Japanese will receive preference. Any in-state Purdue University student is eligible if s/he: (1) has attained a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0; (2) has reached at least sophomore standing by the start of the program; and (3) has completed at least two semesters of college level Japanese. Proficiency in Japanese is not required for admission to the program, but students will be required to enroll in intensive Japanese classes which make up the major part of the Nanzan curriculum. Successful candidates will demonstrate academic success, maturity, and a desire to experience another culture.

When the exchange spots are full or if any non-resident students are interested in Nanzan University, please see the IES-Nagoya Program as an alternative.

This program is for a full academic year (early September to late May). Participants study at the Center for Japanese Studies (CJS) at Nanzan University and must enroll in between 14 and 18 credit hours each semester. Enrollment in a Japanese language class is required; students may choose from lecture courses in Japanese area studies.

NOTE: Apply early! Only one or two Purdue students can study at Nanzan every academic year. Students may apply to Nanzan for a semester, but students applying for the academic year will receive priority.

CJS believes that communication is the key to understanding any culture, and so the Japanese courses at Nanzan stress the skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. Intensive courses are offered in elementary, intermediate and advanced Japanese. The lecture courses are taught in English and the subject matter is often placed within a wider Asian context. More advanced students can take a series of seminars conducted in Japanese. Topics might include readings in the Social Sciences, Japanese Literature, Translation and Classical Japanese.

The academic program is complemented by group excursions designed to enhance knowledge from the classroom. Trips may include a visit to a small village, a local industry, such as the Toyota Motor Corporation, or a chance to experience the peace and discipline of Zen at a Buddhist monastery.

Specific course descriptions can be found in the program binder in the Programs for Study Abroad Office resource room.

Students can choose to live with a Japanese family in Nagoya, to find their own apartment, or to stay in a privately managed dormitory in the area. In addition, male students may be accommodated in the Johanekan, a university student dormitory for men which is located within walking distance of the university. Nanzan encourages students to choose a housing option that facilitates daily contact with the Japanese.

Housing will be arranged for exchange students through the CJS based on information supplied by the students. However, Nanzan cannot guarantee the student's first choice will be met.

Students should carefully note what costs need to be paid to Purdue University or to an outside agency and what costs need to be paid after arrival at the overseas study location.  This will vary by program.

Costs for this program are estimated and subject to change. The cost figures listed below are for: Fall 2009

Purdue University financial aid may be applied to the costs of studying abroad. Students interested in receiving financial aid should

• direct financial aid inquiries to the Division of Financial Aid on the West Lafayette campus; 
• consult the brochure entitled, Financial Aid and Study Abroad -- Purdue University Guidelines;
• complete and submit the FAFSA by the appropriate deadline.

NOTE:  Recipients of certain tuition remission and scholarship programs (those funded by the State of Indiana such as Indiana Top Scholars) should pay careful attention to the regulations for using those benefits for study abroad.  Ask your financial aid advisor about any limitations.

Click here for a list of scholarships and grants available to assist with the costs of studying overseas.

For full consideration, students must submit all supporting documents by the dates below.  Popular programs fill quickly, often before the deadline.  To insure a place in a program, apply as early.

As soon as a student submits an on-line application, a My Study Abroad account is created.  Consult the My Study Abroad page for the specific list of requirements for the chosen program since those can differ slightly from program to program.  Applicants may also check on the status of their applications.

After a student is approved for a program, s/he will receive additional information regarding any necessary supplemental paperwork, including any program-specific applications, and confirmation deposits.

Students enjoying Nanzan's lush grounds

Purdue students who have come back to campus after participating in an overseas program are an excellent source of information. Click below to search for students who have participated in this program and are willing to be contacted.  If you get no results, you can use the search form to find people who went to the country you are interested in.

The websites listed below contain information of relevence to this program. Purdue Study Abroad is not responsible for the information at sites not maintained by Purdue; the accuracy of information at external sites cannot be guaranteed.

• Program Website
• Search Google(tm)*
• Department of State Consular Information
  (You must find Japan in list)
• CDC Travel Information (You must find Japan in list)