Japan

Japan: Engineering and Science Programs in English

Host Institutions

Junior Year Program in English (JYPE)
Tohoku University, Sendai
Young Scientist Exchange Program (YSEP)
Tokyo Institute of Technology

Highlights

Tohoku University offers science and engineering students the opportunity to study at one of Japan’s oldest universities, world famous as a leader in innovative research. The School of Engineering, the largest branch of the university, emphasizes research through laboratory work and seminars. Students can also study in research laboratories in such fields as biochemistry, geology, aerospace engineering, and materials science. Students become active participants in laboratory teams carrying out cutting-edge research in a wide range of fields. JYPE students conduct individual research projects, submit their results in English, and take regular course work in English. Founded as a feudal town and graced with historic gardens and temples, Sendai today is the cultural and commercial center of the northeast region of Japan. It is a city of one million renowned for its natural beauty and relaxed lifestyle.

The Tokyo Institute of Technology—considered the MIT of Japan—has distinguished engineering and science faculty members who are receptive to working with UC students, especially in research, and is well suited to the needs of graduate students. Many courses are taught in English with a strong emphasis on practical research. The YSEP program is very popular worldwide, and UC is limited to two or three spaces per year.

(details)

Duration

Spring semester (Tohoku only): early April to early August
Academic year (both options): late July/early August to late July/early August

(calendars)

Academic Focus

Engineering, architecture, and sciences. JYPE and YSEP students take language and courses taught in English. Students in the other programs participate in laboratory research teams and/or independent study, Japanese language study, and regular university courses (advanced language skills permitting). Students with less Japanese language background concentrate on language study and research; they should not plan to take courses taught in Japanese. Alternatives may be courses taught in English (available at some universities) or classes taught in Japanese but with English textbooks and the option of taking exams in English. Students with native or near-native language ability take courses taught in Japanese. (details)

See Course Finder for courses previously taken by EAP students. Some course descriptions, in Japanese, are available in bulletins or catalogs from previous years at the Campus EAP Office. Course descriptions for JYPE from previous years are on the Tohoku JYPE website. Some information about YSEP courses is on the YSEP website. Both JYPE and YSEP websites are accessed via the Japan links page. YSEP course descriptions are also printed in the booklet “Syllabi for YSEP Students,” available at the Campus EAP Office.

Students attend classes with host country and international students.

Language of Instruction

English

Language Study

Year students may take an optional pre-program six-week Japanese intensive language program (ILP) held in Tokyo that begins in early August. Japanese language study is strongly encouraged each term.

Units

Students are required to take a full-time course of study while abroad.

ILP: 12 UC quarter units (may be reduced to 3 units on the variable unit option)
Term: 21 UC quarter units per semester (18 if student attends the ILP)

Housing

Tohoku University: EAP students stay at the International House, an off-campus dormitory for foreign students.
Tokyo Institute of Technology: EAP students may live in privately arranged apartments or dormitories for exchange students.
(details)

Estimated Cost

For estimated program costs, see the Financial Overview page.

To Apply

If you are interested in applying for this program, see the Selection Criteria and Application Deadlines.