If you are looking for a language intensive program, this one is perfect. The Japanese classes are difficult but totally worth it. Not to mention, it's really easy to connect with native students, and they are usually glad to help you with learning the

language. In fact, one of the dorms is set up so that each flat has one Japanese student and three international, so that there is someone to help you practice and help you in the area. And if you're nervous about going abroad, IES can be really helpful with making sure that you acclimate safely and comfortably.

I studied abroad with IES Nagoya in Spring 2019 thorugh my school. The IES Abroad Nagoya program was amazing. Both the IES staff and Nanzan staff are very kind and supportive The Nanzan University program very fast paced and it can be a bit stressful

at times, but you learn so much Japanese and you improve so drastically and quickly that it will all be worth it. The teachers are also awesome and dedicated. If you ever need any from the Nanzan staff for the duration of your experience, they are always there to help. And if the person you are looking for is not in the office, they will always respond to email. Nagoya is a great city as well. While it's a much smaller city than say, Kyoto or Nagoya. The people there are super nice, and if you aren't around Nagoya Station, they never treat you as if you know little to no Japanese. And Nanzan isn't anywhere near Nagoya station so you never have to worry about that. All dorms are very close to the university and don't feel like your standard dorm. they feel much more like houses with many people living there and you will make a lot of friends. I live with a host family for the first 4 months and then moved to the dorm for the last month. Within the few weeks I was living there I already felt like I was there for a few months since I quickly made friends with everyone. I highly recommend this program if you are looking for a Jan - May option in Japan. I chose this program specifically because it runs January through May so I could fit in a summer internship, which I ended up doing in Japan.

I would definitely recommend this program to anyone who is interested in studying abroad in Japan! While you do not need to be fluent in Japanese to be in this program, you will definitely get a lot more out of the experience if you have taken a couple

years or more of Japanese before starting this program. Since many people in Nagoya do not speak very much English, you will definitely be practicing your conversational Japanese often. This can be challenging at times, but your Japanese will definitely improve! At Nanzan University, you will be required to take Japanese classes, and you can also choose from a number of elective classes. I definitely recommend trying at least one of the arts classes if you can. If you ever need help with anything, the CJS and IES staff members are very friendly and always willing to help! The subway system is pretty good in Nagoya, so it is very easy and safe to get around the city, and you can also visit other nearby cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto. In addition to traveling on your own, IES also offers awesome weekend field trips which are already included in the program fee! On these trips, you will get to eat a lot of great food, stay in nice Japanese inns, and do a lot of exciting activities that you probably wouldn't have the opportunity to do on your own. The field trips were definitely one of the best parts of the experience! You won't be disappointed!