Non-degree Semester Programs

Academic Program

Students can take courses offered by 14 departments at SWU, and more than 500 courses are available for international students. With Japanese proficiency of JLPT N2 or higher, students can study liberal arts and other subjects of interest in Japanese and interact with SWU students in the classroom. 

Eligibility

• Currently enrolled in university or graduate school overseas.　*Requirements may change in the future. For applications from universities other than our partner universities, please contact cie@swu.ac.jp.
• Must be able to submit official documents proving Japanese proficiency equivalent to the N2 level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) (ex. certificate of an exam such as JLPT)

Courses

At least 7 courses are required to maintain a student visa. Students can take up to 10 courses in various subjects, including Japanese language courses exclusively for international students.
*Due to limitations on class size and the fact that degree-seeking students are prioritized, students may not be able to take all the courses of their choice.
 
●Academic Program Course List　2025 Spring/2025 Fall
*The required level of Japanese proficiency differs by course ( JLPT N3-N1).
 
● Syllabus search site:https://up.swu.ac.jp/uprx/
*How to search the syllabusCLICK HERE

Intensive Japanese Language Program

This semester program was developed for students who have completed the elementary level of Japanese. The two levels within the program are carefully adjusted according to the number of participants each semester. Each class is designed for students to steadily improve their Japanese skills, such as listening comprehension, grammar, and communication to N2 level.
Students get opportunities to practice their Japanese with SWU volunteer students in class and through "Visitor Sessions" which invite workers from famous companies.
 
If students reach the N1 level when completeing their first semester, they can proceed to Academic Program in the second semester. 

Eligibility

• Currently enrolled in university or graduate school overseas.　*Requirements may change in the future. For applications from universities other than our partner universities, please contact cie@swu.ac.jp.
• Have Japanese language proficiency equivalent to the N3 level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), orOnline Japanese Language Program

Courses

Students are recommended to take the following Japanese Language courses. Depending on the total number of participants, the language courses will be divided into two levels, and students will be designated which level to take based on the placement results. Students may also take some liberal arts courses of interest and choice from the list of courses offered to international students. Courses are offered either in English or Japanese, and students are to choose courses that are available for students at the N2 level.

List of Japanese Courses

〈Japanese Communication/Intermediate Japanese A・B〉
Through conversation-based lessons, students study common Japanese useful in school life, homestay, and part-time jobs. Incorporates role-plays and discussions with Japanese students to strengthen practical communication skills. (90 minutes: twice a week)
 
〈Japanese Grammar/Intermediate Japanese C〉
While organizing language knowledge such as intermediate-level grammar and vocabulary, students aim to develop the Japanese language proficiency necessary to step up to the advanced level. In particular, by thoroughly learning intermediate-level grammar, which is the foundation of reading and listening comprehension, students will improve their overall Japanese proficiency. (90 minutes: once a week)
 
〈Japanese Listening Comprehension/Intermediate Japanese D・E〉
Through reading comprehension, students acquire the ability to read sentences accurately, learn vocabulary and grammar in context, and develop comprehensive Japanese language skills to step up from intermediate to advanced levels. Also, students will learn to listen to current affairs and somewhat specialized stories through listening comprehension practice. At the end of the course, students are asked to write an essay on what they have learned throughout the course. (90 minutes: twice a week)
 
〈Japanese in Context/Intermediate Japanese F・G〉
Based on weekly topics, students learn active Japanese through media, interview sessions, and interactions with Japanese students. Output after cultivating knowledge on the theme is prioritized. There are also "Visitor Sessions" where guest lecturers are invited from Japanese companies. (90 minutes: twice a week)
 
〈Internship Preparation〉
Students learn methods for collecting company information, self-analysis, analyzing the companies, and writing down reasons for applying for an internship. The course also focuses on thinking about communication in the workplace through case studies. (90 minutes: once a week)
  

Program Fee(Common to Academic Program/Intensive Japanese Language Program)

¥300,000 / 1 semester
*For exchange students: Program fee is waived.
*For non-exchange students from partner universities Half discount is applied to all program fees.

Credits and Certificates

Language courses are worth 1 credit per class, and liberal arts courses are worth 2 credits. A transcript will be issued along with the program completion certificate.
(Transcripts are issued in late August for the spring semester and late February for the fall semester.)

The Japanese government's law (Standards for the Establishment of Universities) and our university regulations stipulate that one credit course should consist of content that requires "1 hours of study."
To receive one credit for 45 hours of study content, students must attend classes more than the specified times and pass the examinations and/or assignments designated on the syllabus.
In converting to ECTS units; "1 credit = 1.5 ECTS"