Japanese

Three students standing at a table under an event tent. They are holding small flags for Japan.

Students and staff standing under an event tent with Rammy.

Two Women standing under Japanese architecture.

Three students at a table smiling.

Group of Japanese dancers during their performance.

small group of Japanese Taiko drummers during their performance.

The Department of Languages and Cultures offers the following courses in Japanese:

Contact Information

Minor in Japanese

Total Minimum Credits Required: 18 credits
Required Core Courses:

  • The Elementary Level:  JPN101 & JPN102 -- 6 credits
  • The Intermediate Level: JPN201 & JPN202 -- 6 credits
  • The Advanced Level: JPN301 & JPN302 -- 6 credits

Students must complete a minimum of six credits of advanced standing coursework in their minor. Advanced standing coursework is defined as any 300-level course or above and specific 200-level courses identified by the department.

The Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme

Eric Lundberg, who graduated from WCU in May 2016 after studying Japanese for 4 years (including 1 year at Hosei University in Japan), got accepted into the JET (The Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme). He left for Japan at the end of July 2016 and taught English working in a Junior High School in Kobe, Japan.

Ben Liberatori, a Japanese minor, who graduated from WCU in December 2021 also got accepted into the JET. He left for Japan at the end of September 2022 and has been teaching English at two public high schools in Takasaki, Gunma, Japan.

You may know about this program, which is the best exchange program the Japanese government offers. The best students from all around the globe (college graduates) apply every year and have to go through a strenuous written examination and interview. All Japanese programs at well-known colleges and universities aim for the acceptance of their students. Eric and Ben were selected as one of recipients among other candidates! Finally, WCU has winners in this very competitive program, so congratulations to Eric and Ben!

The program involves teaching in Japan for a year (contract renewable up to 5 years maximum) and includes over $40,000 of stipends. Consider applying!

Exchange Program Between West Chester University and Hosei University, Japan

An exchange program between WCU and Hosei University, Japan started in 2014: two Japanese students came to WCU and two WCU students went to Japan in 2014. In 2015 three WCU students studied in Japan and three Japanese students came to WCU from Hosei University. Another WCU student is leaving for Japan in April of 2016.

Visit the Program website with details about application process and deadlines at:

Interview with WCU Graduate at Hosei.

For more information about the program, contact our Japanese instructor: Naoko Rotunno.

The Japanese Club at WCUPA

Students can participate in the activities programmed by the Japanese Club. Check the club information and activities in the links below: