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Nagasaki Courses – 2026 Spring

If you have questions about the academics or courses available on this program, locate the Program Advisor to email them your questions directly.

Studying abroad can be a more meaningful and invigorating learning experience than at home—both inside and outside of the classroom. You may be more curious and alert than you usually are so use this heightened energy to enhance your studies as well as your cultural and geographical explorations. You may also encounter different teaching styles and course processes; be prepared to adapt and to learn.

Academics

USAC's partnership with Nagasaki University of Foreign Studies (NUFS) provides you with the opportunity to immerse yourself in the study of Japanese language and culture. Courses are taught in English, with additional offerings in Japanese for intermediate and advanced-level students. You are required to enroll in 12-18 credits per semester, including one Japanese language course. No prior language study is required. Courses are subject to availability and approval of prerequisites which are determined by NUFS.

Areas of Study at Nagasaki University of Foreign Study (subject to change):

Japanese Language (2-4 credits each)

  • Beginning Level: Japanese 1
  • Elementary Levels: Japanese 2, Japanese 3
  • Intermediate Levels: Japanese 4, Japanese 5
  • Upper Intermediate Levels: Japanese 6, Japanese 7
  • Advanced Level: Japanese 8 (choose from up to 4 of 8 special advanced courses)

Japanese Language Elective Classes

  • Current Events in Japan (2 credits)
  • Japanese Language Proficiency Test Seminars (1 credit each)
  • Kanji and Vocabulary 1, 2, 3, and 4 (1 credit each)

Additional Nagasaki University of Foreign Studies Areas of Study (typically 2 credits each)

The following are taught in English (available in simplified Japanese for intermediate and advanced students):

  • Contemporary Japanese Literature
  • International Cooperation (Fall only)
  • International Relations (Spring only)
  • Introduction to Japanese Society
  • Japanese Business
  • Japanese Linguistics
  • Japanese Management
  • Modern Japanese History
  • Overview of Japanese History
  • Peace Studies
  • Teaching Foreign Languages

The following are taught in Japanese (still appropriate for students with limited Japanese language):

  • Japanese Martial Arts (includes practice in Kendo and Aikido) (1 credit)
  • Traditional Japanese Arts 1 (Kimono, Tea Ceremony, Flower Arrangement and Calligraphy) (1 credit)
  • Traditional Japanese Arts 3 (Koto) (1 credit)

Guided Independent Study

This course offers the opportunity to do research on an individually chosen subject connected with Japanese Language, Culture, Literature, History of Thoughts, or Society. Independent study classes can be requested provided the topic of study falls within a narrow range of topics which are appropriate to the expertise of the participating faculty in that term. You will be assigned an appropriate faculty advisor to assist you in your research and evaluate your work.

Field Studies

Students will work together under the guidance of a Japanese language instructor to improve your language skills and build a broader understanding of Japan through activities inside and outside of the classroom. You will learn about Nagasaki’s history and culture through examining historic sites in Nagasaki.

Japanese as a Foreign Language Exams

Nagasaki University of Foreign Studies offers preparatory courses for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) at the N1, N2, and N3 levels with a focus on grammar and listening practice. The JLPT is offered near the university campus in early July and early December. It is attractive to students who wish to work in Japan or in Japanese companies abroad. Costs vary.

Fall Semester Early Assessment Option

The Japanese fall semester runs from late September through early February of the following year. NUFS offers the option to finish coursework early (for the same number of credits per class) before the Winter Holidays in late December. This option is available to Fall-only students. Yearlong students may not take the early assessment option. You can sign up for this option on the NUFS application, which occurs after you have been conditionally accepted by USAC.

Course Descriptions

To obtain course syllabi, click on the link(s) below and follow the prompts to specific course information. Please contact the USAC Advising department if you have difficulty finding the information.

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