Japanese Minor

The significance of learning a language in the era of globalization is multifold. Not only does knowing another language expands the range of professional opportunities open to you, it also enriches your analytic skills needed for an effective participant in local and global discussions. It helps you follow international events with deeper insight, opens up perspectives for you to be a more informed global citizen, and enriches your personal life on various levels.

Japanese courses at UNG aim to develop students’ critical thinking skills through comparison between languages and between the Japanese cultures and their own. Taking a Japanese course will dramatically increase your sensitivity to linguistic and cultural difference, which helps your major studies in the way you had never imagined before.

The Center for Global Engagement (CGE) at UNG offers two study abroad programs in Japan.

UNG Summer: Japanese Language and Cultures is a 9-week faculty-led program designed to provide students with the opportunity to get a full-immersion experience in the Japanese language and culture. The major component of this program is to attend Nanzan Summer Japanese Program (NSJP) at Nanzan University.

NSJP is an eight-week summer program that offers intensive language instruction, content courses taught in English, and cultural workshops. UNG Students will be able to earn 9 credit hours by successfully completing NSJP's language component. Students can also participate in the longer-term exchange program at Nanzan University during regular semesters. While at Nanzan University, students can take Japanese language courses as well as culture courses to deepen their understanding of Japan’s culture. Length of stay varies from one semester to two semesters.

For both programs, there is a variety of extracurricular opportunities such as field trips and interaction with Japanese students. Accommodation options include dorm and homestay. For more information, contact CGE.

There is a significant number of Japanese or Japan-affiliated companies and organizations in the state of Georgia. See the list of organizations on the website of Consulate General’s Office in Atlanta.

If you are interested in teaching English (or other languages) in Japan, consider applying for the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program (JET) Program. No Japanese language skills or academic background are necessary.