Japanese Program Opportunities
Study Abroad
Studying abroad is not only for learning a language but also a wonderful eye-opening experience. Spending one semester or two in Japan during your college days will provide an added dimension and depth to your college experience and incredible experiences you will cherish for your life time. There are three direct UVM Exchange Programs in Japan: Aoyama Gakuin University and Rikkyo University in Tokyo and Kansai Gaidai University in Osaka. There are many other Japanese universities you can study abroad through ISEP Study Abroad. Often UVM or associated organizations can provide financial support for studying abroad. Learn more about study abroad opportunities by contacting the Office of International Education.
Advancing Language Skills
Our enthusiastic and highly-trained Japanese faculty members have many years of teaching experience. While Japanese is often considered one of the more difficult languages to master, our students are able to conduct simple conversations, read, and write during the very first semester. At more advanced levels, original sources such as newspaper articles, films, TV news, and contemporary novels are used.
Academic and Cultural Events/Clubs
There is a variety of events offered through the UVM Japanese Program including academic presentations by guest speakers, study sessions, calligraphy workshops, cooking activities, film screenings, taiko performances, and Our Common Ground card-making event. We also have interest groups that are official Student Government Association clubs. These include the Japanese Language and Culture Club, Taiko Club, Anime Club, and Kendama Club.
Yamaneko Taiko Club
Yamaneko Taiko is UVM’s taiko drumming club open to students of any skill level. Each year, we embrace the art of traditional Japanese drumming by learning a variety of new pieces that we perform in various events around campus, such as Lunar New Year run by UVM’s Asian Student Union. Alongside learning the techniques and intricacies of taiko drumming, our club thrives in providing a welcoming environment and building a strong sense of community on and off campus!
Japanese Language and Culture Club
Japanese Language and Culture Club is a student-led club where students at UVM can learn more about Japan, various aspects of Japanese culture, and practice the language. We hold weekly meetings and also offer special events. In the past we have held meetings related to Japanese music, fashion, holidays, history, games, food, calligraphy, and manga.
Nihongo Table (Japanese Language Table)
にほんごテーブル (Japanese language table) is a weekly social gathering place where students from all levels can practice speaking and studying Japanese together. Students also have opportunities to connect with senpai students (senior students), students who have studied abroad, and students from different other Japanese classes. We also welcome Japanese exchange students to join the table! If you have any questions, please send a DM on Instagram.
Service Learning/Community-Engaged Learning
Are you interested in serving in the local community? Are you planning to teach in the future? Japanese program provides opportunities to participate in service learning through teaching Japanese language and culture at local schools. You may also present your study abroad experiences or research with the community. Students obtain transferrable skills to teach while sharing and applying their learning in the community.
Collaborative Online International Learning
As part of Tottori Prefecture and the State of Vermont sister-state efforts, Kazuko Suzuki Carlson-sensei offers Collaborative Online International Learning projects with Tottori University, Tottori Prefectural Government Office, and Vermont state agencies. UVM students work with Tottori University students as a team to conduct research, work on a collaborative project, and present their final products. They use their target language and work from October through January.