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Fushimi Inari Shrine

Kyoto (KCJS)

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Established in 1989, the Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies is a rigorous, one or two-semester academic program primarily for undergraduates wishing to do advanced work in the Japanese language and in Japanese studies.

About the Program

The objective of KCJS is to provide intensive Japanese language study and the opportunity to choose from a broad spectrum of social sciences and humanities courses on premodern and contemporary Japan. The program takes advantage of the numerous social and cultural resources of Kyoto by incorporating into the curriculum field trips, guest speakers, and research projects based on local field work. KCJS is administered by Columbia University on behalf of Stanford and the other 12 American university members of the consortium. The program admits up to 40-50 students, mostly from the consortium schools, each year. Students are encouraged to integrate into the local community by living with a Japanese family and through participation in a variety of extracurricular activities that provide a deeper understanding of Japanese culture.

The program is open to all qualified students who have completed one or more years of college-level Japanese language at the time of enrollment.

Stanford students may apply for one or two of the six semester slots supported by the Bing Overseas Studies Program. Students who are accepted for these positions remain enrolled at Stanford while studying at KCJS, giving them uninterrupted eligibility for financial aid and allowing their courses and grades to be recorded directly on their transcripts. Stanford campus inquiries can be sent to studyaway@stanford.edu.

For additional information, please refer to the KCJS website.

Academic Prerequisites

For the Fall or Spring Semester and Full Academic Year, participants must have completed JAPANLNG 3 or equivalent before they participate in the program. Students interested in this program are also encouraged to explore related on-campus courses.

Academic Coursework

The required course load each semester consists of an intensive Japanese language course and two content courses related to Japan. Stanford students earn a total of 24 quarter credits of general credit.  Students who wish to have their KCJS courses towards their major or minor requirements must check with their respective department(s) directly.

Program Cost

The cost structure for KCJS is different from a BOSP quarter length program. For the estimated cost, please visit Financing Study Away. Students on financial aid should contact the Financial Aid Office directly to ask how their financial aid package will be adjusted for this program.

How to Apply

Stanford students interested in KJCS must apply through the Columbia University online application system before the Stanford University application deadline. Note that Stanford University application deadline is earlier than the Columbia University application deadline. For the Stanford application deadline, please visit the Apply page.

The application consists of:

  • Columbia University online application
  • Academic recommendation
  • Language recommendation
  • Study Abroad Approval Form (to be completed by BOSP; please email BOSP, studyaway@stanford.edu, at least one week before the stated application deadline).
  • Official transcript, submitted to BOSP (located on the ground floor of Sweet Hall) before the stated campus application deadline (which will then be mailed directly to Columbia University). You will be asked to scan and unload your transcript when completing your online application. You must therefore request 2 copies of official transcripts, one for yourself to scan and upload on your online application, and one in a sealed envelope for submission to the Bing Overseas Studies Program.
  • KCJS scholarship application, if applicable (please see the separate deadline on the KCJS program website)
  • Stanford study abroad registration (through the BOSP Application System).

Interested students should visit the BOSP office or email BOSP, studyaway@stanford.edu, for more information.