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As a general rule of thumb, the Japanese Department recommends the following for students who wish to study abroad:

• First- and second-year students who have no prior background in Japanese language and intend to study abroad in Japan ideally should enroll in JPNS 105, JPNS 106, JPNS 205, and JPNS 206 during their first two years at Whitman. Note that completion of JPNS 105 and JPNS 106 prior to study abroad is required for admission to the Associated Kyoto program and highly recommended for the CIEE Tokyo program.
• Students who have a previous background in the language should take the Japanese placement test prior to registering for classes their first semester and enroll in a Japanese course at the appropriate level, especially if they wish to attend the Associated Kyoto Program.

Which requirements can Japanese majors fulfill while studying abroad?

• Major credit from courses in Japanese language and literature as well as elective Japanese/Asian Area Studies courses
• General Studies distribution credit
• General degree credit

Major Credit Limitations

• The maximum number of credits that can be applied to the Japanese major from off-campus studies (including AP credit, IB credit and credits from other U.S. institutions) is 12 credits with the approval of your Major Advisor. 

Minor Credit Limitations

• A minimum of three-fifths (12) of the specific course and credit requirements for the Japanese minor (a total of 20 credits) must be completed in the on-campus program of the college.

What are the types of study abroad programs recommended by the Japanese Department?

• Traditional campus-based program that combines courses for foreign students (including Japanese language courses) with opportunities for direct enrollment at a university abroad
• Program that offers an opportunity for an internship or service learning embedded in an academic course as part of the program

Which partner programs are recommended by the Japanese Department?

• Associated Kyoto Program (AKP) (Japan)
• CIEE: Tokyo Arts & Sciences (Japan)

Students interested in studying abroad should attend a Study Abroad First Steps Meeting in the fall of their second year, discuss their interests with their Major Advisor, and schedule an appointment with a Study Abroad Advisor.