Academics

IES is a cosponsored program. You receive resident credit for the courses you take. Your grades count toward your University of Minnesota GPA and each course appears on your transcript. More information can be found in the Academics Policy.

Coursework

Students who select the Japanese Language Program take 12 credits of Japanese and a 3-credit area studies class. Students who select the Japanese Society and Culture Program take 6 credits of Japanese and 9-13 credits of area studies classes. Students in either program can choose to participate in the Field Placement Program, where you take Social Organization of Japan and participate in a field placement with a Japanese organization. Past placements include schools, businesses, community organizations, publishing companies, religious groups, and athletic associations. Summer students enroll in an intensive Japanese language course and a Japanese culture course. Instruction in English by Japanese faculty. Typical credits: 30-38 for academic year; 15-19 for fall or spring semester; 6 for summer session.

How to Find Academic Information

Some program websites offer short course descriptions while others offer full syllabi. Course information is available on the cosponsor’s website, and, if applicable, on the host university’s website. For more tips on terminology and finding course information, go to Finding Course Information for Host Universities.

When choosing courses, work closely with your college and/or major or minor adviser(s) to select courses that fulfill specific requirements. You can also consult the Liberal Education database to find courses that fulfill Liberal Education core and theme requirements, or submit courses online for approval. Use the Academic Planning for Study Abroad form (pdf) as a tool for selecting courses with your adviser. Visit the Advising webpage for more information and resources on choosing courses.

Navigating IES's Website

• Navigate to the program's main page from IES's web site using the drop down menus.
• Once on the program page, click "Course Offerings" from the menu on the left.

Academic Fit with a University of Minnesota Degree Plan
With good academic planning this program can fit well into the degree plans for many majors. Search for courses that fulfill Liberal Education Requirements or submit a course you want to take for review. Study Abroad in Your Major advising sheets explain why study abroad is important for a major, indicate what the department wants students to consider when selecting a program, and provide academic planning hints. This program may appear as a special recommendation on an advising sheet. If your major is not listed, talk to an adviser—this program may still fit your academic, career, and professional goals.

Last modified on November 21, 2008