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What is KCJS?

Overview

Established in September 1989, the Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies (KCJS, 京都アメリカ大学コンソーシアム) is a consortium of 13 American universities that sponsors a rigorous, two-semester academic program for undergraduates who wish to do advanced work in Japanese language and cultural studies. KCJS is administered jointly by Columbia’ University’s Center for Undergraduate Global Engagement and a full-time staff based in Kyoto.

Participating institutions are: Boston University, Brown University, University of Chicago, Columbia University/Barnard College, Cornell University, Emory University, Harvard University, University of Pennsylvania, Princeton University, Stanford University, Washington University in St. Louis, and Yale University, in association with the University of Virginia.

Students at institutions outside of the consortium are also welcome and encouraged to apply.

KCJS is centrally located in Kyoto on the Imadegawa campus of Doshisha University (同志社大学), bounded on the south by the Imperial Palace grounds, and to the northeast by Shokokuji temple.

KCJS at a Glance

KCJS, established as a consortium of nine American universities in the fall of 1989, is a long-standing program with a history in Kyoto running over 30 years. Experienced staff and faculty, some who have been with the program since its beginning, provide hands-on student support for those who need it.

As a “home” of 30 students on average each semester, KCJS takes pride in providing our students with an optimal and culturally rich learning environment in which they can take advantage of the program’s deep, meaningful ties with various networks in Kyoto. Studying with Japanese students in disciplinary courses in the afternoon is one of such opportunities. During the academic year, qualified Doshisha and Kyoto University students may enroll for credit in the afternoon disciplinary courses taught by KCJS instructors.

In a small program, KCJS students can form bonds with each other and staff/faculty. Moreover, they can become part of KCJS alumni network with over 1,500 people after completing the program. KCJS alumni have entered a multitude of fields and many have ventured across the globe after completing their undergraduate and, in many cases, graduate or professional studies. The students can make connections with them through the alumni panel discussions or through KCJS staff.