Japan Studies Program (JSP)

Foreign students from a sister school who study at Seigakuin University for one or two semesters are in the Japan Studies Program (JSP). Students should have studied Japanese language for at least one year and preferably two years before participating in the program.
The JSP consists of studying Japanese, taking classes taught in the Japanese language, and occasionally classes taught in English. In addition, a home stay is arranged for the students so that they can experience home life and learn Japanese in a natural living environment.

Message from the President

Japan Studies Program : Welcome Message

Distinctive Features of the JSP

Japanese Courses

It is assumed that students have studied Japanese in their home university and that they have mastered hiragana, katakana, and perhaps 100 or more kanji (Chinese characters). Japanese instruction emphasizes not only speaking and listening, but also reading and writing, particularly kanji. It is hoped that students will be able to audit one or more classes taught in Japanese. Some of the classes that have in the past been offered in English are: The Economy of Japan, Pop Culture, Language and Society, Japanese Social Welfare, and International Business.

Japan Studies Program (JSP)-specific Courses: Spring Semester 2009

Japan Studies Program (JSP)-specific Courses: Fall Semester 2009

JSP Support Services

Seigakuin International Center is primarily responsible for orienting and advising JSP students, but the Office of Student Affairs, the Office of Academic Affairs, the Christian Center and other university offices are also willing to assist as needed. Japanese students are enlisted to assist JSP students with official and personal matters. All JSP students are enrolled in the national health insurance system, and there is a school infirmary open during class hours.

Student Comments

Jeremy Abernathy (Center)

Jeremy was an exchange student from Oglethorpe University studying for two semesters at Seigakuin University. He lived in a home stay arranged by the Seigakuin International Center.He wrote the following:
"I had considered a handful of different places for my year in Japan, and I know now that Seigakuin was a good choice. I have several advantages here over the American students who are studying at more famous programs in Tokyo. Those students get packed into their own dormitories where no one practices Japanese. At Seigakuin, however, all American students receive individual attention. Saitama is also a very good location. If you want to go to Tokyo, you can get there easily. If you want quiet, however, you can have that too."

Jonathan Carll

Jonathan Carll was an exchange student from Oglethorpe University (Georgia) who studied for one semester at Seigakuin University (Spring 2005) in the Japan Studies Program (JSP). He participated in a home stay arranged by the Seigakuin International Center. He wrote the following while he was in the program:
"I have met a few exchange students and a few full-time students who study at places like Sophia University in Tokyo. The key difference between their experience and mine is that I am being immersed in the Japanese language and culture everyday, whereas they are segregated into foreign student dorms and take classes in English. While Seigakuin offers classes in English, I was able to take most of my classes in Japanese with other Japanese students. As a result I have seen myself learn and grow in a way that would have been impossible at Sophia. The home stay has been equally rewarding, and my host family has opened all kinds of doors for me in Saitama and Tokyo."

Extra-Curricular Activities

Foreign students are encouraged to participate in all university extra-curricular activities. There are numerous sports teams as well as interest groups. Some groups may be of particular interest to foreign students, such as the tea ceremony group. There is a choir, a handbell choir, the Seigakuin Christian Fellowship and opportunities for volunteer service.
Each semester there is an International Exchange Program where foreign students are invited to share something from their home country with Japanese students. During the spring break there is a ski tour planned especially for foreign students.