Columbia University: Kyoto - Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies / KCJS

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The Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies is a two-semester academic program for undergraduates who wish to do advanced work in Japanese language and Japanese studies. The program helps students strengthen their Japanese skills by providing intens... read more

All Reviews

OVERALL RATING 4.5
Based on 12 Reviews
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Overall Experience
In addition to a sharp rise in my Japanese ability, I made several friends and found a place where I would be happy to work and live. - Brandeis University View Entire Review
Being somewhere entirely different allows you to explore foreign culture and society, but may also force you to examine yourself within the context of these new surroundings. My fall semester, though not with out difficulties, was an experience of linguistic, cultural, and personal growth that I cherish deeply. Though I struggle... - Wellesley College View Entire Review
I really improved my general language skills and it was definitely worthwhile. I'm actually considering moving to Kyoto after graduation because I love the city and my homestay was so great. I wouldn't do the program again because the academic expectations for things other than language were too high, but I will definitely head ... - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I came to understand that a certain career path might not be for me, that's important information to have. It's also encouraged me to address weaknesses that I didn't realize I had. - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I gained many connections and learned to manage things independently while abroad. Studying abroad was definitely worthwhile and I regret not being able to study for an academic year rather than a semester. - Brandeis University View Entire Review
A deeper understanding of the language and culture is definitely acquired. The program was completely worthwhile! - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I learned way more than language. Advancing my Japanese was the main reason for going abroad but it became secondary to the many other discoveries I made in Japan. For one, I had the privilege of interacting with many genuinely kind and interesting people who taught me so much about life through their diverse backgrounds. My lan... - Wellesley College View Entire Review
It was my first time ever traveling outside of the United States. I gained the experience of living within another country and learning how Japanese people live everyday life I was able to go beyond the textbook and use Japanese in a real setting, rather than a fabiricated classroom experience. By interacting with Japanese peopl... - Wellesley College View Entire Review
A student studying abroad with Columbia University: Kyoto - Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies
I learned about a completely different culture other than mine. I'm from El Salvador, a third world country but I was not expecting Japan to be just as difficult as my own country. The housing condition was excellent but their culture was an eye opener. I learned how much Japanese people care more about others in their community... - Wellesley College View Entire Review
Past Review A Year In Kyoto
I loved delving deeper into Japanese culture, particularly with a city as rich in tradition as Kyoto. While the program has its weak points along with the strong, I felt that I improved my Japanese, gained a deeper appreciation for Japanese culture and fell in love with the city of Kyoto. - Wellesley College View Entire Review
A student studying abroad with Columbia University: Kyoto - Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies
I learned to accept others as well as myself. I can't think of a better moment in my life in which I learned this much about myself. Opening yourself up to other cultures really does teach you something about your own. - Indiana University - Bloomington View Entire Review
Past Review Fall In Kyoto
The program was stressful at times and my language skills did not progress as much as I had hoped but in the end, I did enjoy my time in Kyoto and made many great friendships. - Wellesley College View Entire Review
A close looking about Japanese history and Japanese universities. Also, I achieve some improvement in Japanese and wanted to keep studying it in the future. - Brandeis University View Entire Review
Past Review Challenges
Independence and understanding how to live on my own was a worthwhile experience. The history was incredible. - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I learned a lot about Japanese culture and how different it is to interact with people in daily life there. - Wellesley College View Entire Review
I gained substantial knowledge about the Japanese language and culture. It was worthwhile. - Brandeis University View Entire Review
Past Review It Was Fun?
Worthwhile, learned more about Japanese social culture, especially within a college setting, as well as meeting people organically without the need of the program. - Wellesley College View Entire Review
A student studying abroad with Columbia University: Kyoto - Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies / KCJS
In terms of language, in addition to the standard Japanese we learn at our university in America, I was able to learn the regional dialect (Kansai-ben) as well as slang and idioms used by the younger generation. By visiting many places in and outside of Kyoto, I learned a lot about the history, geography, and local cuisine of Ja... - Brandeis University View Entire Review
Not only did my language skills improve, but my understanding of Japanese culture and day-to-day life greatly increased in depth and breadth. I also gained some insight about the ins and outs of Japanese business, particularly in the pop culture industry, since I hope to work in the field. - Wellesley College View Entire Review
I know this is cheesy but going to Japan has been one of the most beautiful things that has ever happened in my life. I can't say it will be the same for everyone, but for me it was worth every uphill battle and discouragement. I learned so much about myself, and I feel like I came out of it learning how to love a little better.... - Wellesley College View Entire Review
Past Review Sakura Blossom
Not only did I learn abut the Japanese language and culture, but, more importantly, self discovery and independence. It was definitely worthwhile living in a new country, a new environment. - Brandeis University View Entire Review
My Japanese improved significantly, and I have a much deeper understanding of the culture and the country's history. It was worthwhile, but if I could go back in time I would have chosen to study at another university or program, perhaps Ritsumeikan or Kyoto University. I did not feel like I was surrounded by bright students, an... - Wellesley College View Entire Review
Personally, the most valuable thing I gained from this experience is a better knowledge of my relationship with the language and the culture. Before living in Japan, I only had a very vague notion of why I was interested in the language, but now I feel I have found what I can personally use it for and where my interest truly lie... - Wellesley College View Entire Review
Not only improved language skills but also understanding of local cultures - Brandeis University View Entire Review
KCJS is definitely a worthwhile program. If you are looking to increase your Japanese language ability then this is the way to go. - Brandeis University View Entire Review

About

The Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies is a two-semester academic program for undergraduates who wish to do advanced work in Japanese language and Japanese studies. The program helps students strengthen their Japanese skills by providing intensive language training and through regular interactions with host families and the local community. Understanding of Japanese society and culture is enhanced by the integration of the historical and cultural resources of Kyoto into the academic curriculum and student life. Not only does KCJS examine the significance of Kyoto's past but it also explores its present as well as Japan's place in today's global world.

Program Type(s):
Study Abroad
Program Length(s):
  • Fall
  • Summer
  • Spring
  • Academic Year
Relevant Study Subject(s):
  • Japanese Studies
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