Nagoya University

Areas of Study:

The Nagoya University Program for Academic Exchange (NUPACE) offers a variety of options for incoming exchange students.

• The standard NUPACE Academic Program offers Japanese language courses (both standard and intensive immersion programs) as well as English-taught courses in the following areas: Agricultural Sciences, Economics, Education, Engineering (Automotive, Chemical, Biological, and Physical), Environmental Studies, Humanities, International Development, Math, Public Health. See the syllabi here.  
• Nagoya's "Global 30" International programs are 6 undergraduate and 7 graduate programs taught entirely in English which NUPACE students have access to as well: Automotive Engineering (includes Aerospace, Electrical, Electronic, and Mechanical Engineering), Biological & Applied Biological Sciences, Chemistry (includes Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, and Biological Engineering), Physics (includes Physical Science & Engineering), Social Sciences (includes Law & Society and Political Science), and Humanities (a Japan-in-Asia Cultural Studies suite of courses that includes Film Studies, History, Literature, and more). For course syllabi, please refer to each of the G30 program pages linked above. Syllabi specifically for biology, chemistry, and physics courses can also be found here in Nagoya's Science Syllabus List (search for Department/Program "G30"). 
• For regular courses in Japanese, students must have an N1 level assessment according to the Japanese Language Proficiency test (JLPT). Areas of study include all the ones noted above, as well as Astrophysics, Planetary Sciences, and Philosophy/Ethics. 
• Guided Independent Studies are also offered. 

Course Requirements:

Students must take a minimum of 15 Nagoya credits per semester. Generally courses are 2 Nagoya credits, though language classes vary. 4 Nagoya credits = 1 UCalgary half course. 

Non-exchange Auto Engineering summer program:

NUSIP, or the summer intensive program at Nagoya University offers engineering students an experiential automotive engineering course and a Japanese language course. The automotive course includes site visits to major car manufacturers, and has been approved as a technical elective by chemical engineering. (It is currently under review for the same by mechanical engineering.) Electrical Engineering students should speak with their departmental advisor to see if they can use this program to fulfill an outside Technical Elective.

Student Experience: "[On the summer program] I studied automobile engineering, which is generally not available in Calgary, or in Canada in general. I think this opportunity has motivated me to be more proactive and improve. I was surrounded by highly achieved students and professors who are extremely enthusiastic about their studies and it made me want me to fit in and be like them in the future. It was a great experience and I would do it again if I could."

There are two semesters, Autumn and Spring.

• Autumn runs from early October to mid-February (equivalent to our Fall semester)
• Spring runs from mid-April to early August. (equivalent to our Winter semester)

NUSIP, the summer intensive program for engineering students, runs mid-June to mid-July.

Nagoya University has 3 international student dorms and two mixed Japanese/international student dorms. All of these dorms are self-catered, and located on-campus or close to campus.

There are limited rooms available for couples and families in Foreign Students House and International Residence Higashiyama. 

Student Tips: "[On campus, there is a] lounge to meet up with people, gym and cafeteria. The cafeteria is definitely much more budget friendly and the quality of the food is high."  

This exchange is open to regular, full-time students in any faculty at UCalgary, who have completed at least 1 full year (10 courses) at the post-secondary level, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B).

Students with no previous Japanese language are eligible for this exchange.

An academic reference is required for a complete application. Note: students applying to the non-exchange NUSIP summer program do not need to submit an academic reference letter. 

Visa Restriction: Japanese citizens/students with a Japanese passport are not eligible for this exchange partner. 

Do I have to speak Japanese?

No prior knowledge of Japanese is required for this exchange, unless you choose to take courses taught in Japanese. Nagoya offers a wide selection of courses in English, as well as Japanese language classes throughout the semester (free of charge)! 

What's special about Nagoya and the university?

Each June, Nagoya hosts its annual university festival, Meidaisai / 名大祭, which is the largest university festival in Japan. Attracting over 50,000 visitors each year, the festival offers a variety of entertainment from live performances, open lectures, food booths, and more. It also focuses on sustainability and environmental initiatives.  

Also check out the Nagoya University International Programs Blog.

What resources are available for new students?

There is a buddy system at Nagoya, with the student tutor being chosen from a similar field of study. Tutoring assistance is available for up to 40 hours per semester, and tutors' responsibilities may include:

1. Meeting incoming students upon arrival in Japan
2. Assistance with university paperwork and official procedures after arrival
3. Advice on the use of university facilities related to academic studies
4. Assistance and guidance with regard to lectures, research, experiments, course preparation, and reports
5. Japanese language and conversation support
6. Introduction of Japanese culture and customs

Nagoya also offers a wide range of clubs, with over 53 cultural clubs and 43 sports clubs, with a total membership of 3,500 students. These provide international and Japanese students with an excellent opportunity to mix, and thus participate in a cross-cultural learning experience. Additionally, NU encourages many uniquely Japanese sports and activities such as traditional martial arts or Japanese tea ceremony. See the list here. 

During the spring, summer and winter vacations, there are a variety of opportunities for home-visits or camping activities at low cost. Home-visit possibilities include places as far afield as Hokkaido and Kyushu.

What supports or services are available at Nagoya?

Nagoya offers student counselling through the Advising and Counselling Services section of the Education Centre for International Students. Additionally, all schools (departments) at Nagoya University house international student advising or exchange facilities at which overseas students may consult on matters concerning their studies and daily life in Japan.

Nagoya's cafeterias also offer a variety of menus including Japanese, Western, vegetarian and halal dishes. Also, NU is surrounded by restaurants and small coffee shops for other alternatives. 

How should I pack for life in Nagoya?

The climate in Nagoya, although generally mild, is distinguished by its humidity and marked seasonal changes. In general, autumn is dry, cool, and pleasant. Winter (December to February) can prove cold with minimum temperatures of -5℃ to highs of 9℃, with cold winds and the occasional snowfall. Spring (March to May) is the time of cherry blossoms and new beginnings, including the Japanese academic and fiscal years. Summer, heralded by the 'rainy season' in June, is very hot and muggy with temperatures peaking at around 38℃ in August. Temperatures start to drop in mid-September and around this time the Japanese archipelago experiences its tropical storm season. Students should bear these seasonal changes in mind when choosing what clothes to bring to Japan. It can also be challenging to find larger clothing and shoe sizes.