CET Osaka is all about intensive language over the summer! You will take a placement test in order for CET to place you into the correct intensive language course. Students who participate in this program will get credit for two semesters' worth of Japanese language back at UW.
In addition to your language courses, CET Osaka offers excursions and activities that will get you practicing your language skills out in the city and the local community.
CET Osaka also features a language pledge. You'll be expected to speak Japanese with program instructors, staff, and students. As intimidating as a full-time language pledge might sound, you won’t be without support. A front-loaded Japanese in Daily Life class segment teaches you the language you need to thrive in your new day-to-day.
Affiliate Institution(s)
CET Japan Summer
Course Equivalents
Use the links below to see a list of courses that past students have taken
on this program and the UW equivalents. Note: This list only includes
pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of
courses, departments or equivalents. Courses may not be available the
semester you are abroad. You will receive instructions on the course
equivalent process after acceptance.
View Course Equivalents
Location
Known for its welcoming locals and fast-paced lifestyle, Osaka is the perfect destination for students looking to study abroad. Osaka is renowned for its food, earning the nickname "Nation's Kitchen" for its comfort foods like okonomiyaki and takoyaki. The city exudes a laid-back charm and friendliness that sets it apart from other regions in Japan and makes it a welcoming destination for students. With a history spanning 1,400 years, Osaka is central to much of Japan's past - but also to today’s entertainment industries! Fans of anime, gaming, and filmmaking flock to the vibrant neighborhoods of Denden, Dotonbori, and Namba. Dive into the vibrant street food scene in Dotonbori, visit iconic landmarks like Osaka Castle, and experience the city's dynamic neighborhoods and cultural festivals. Additionally, Osaka's excellent connectivity makes it easy to explore nearby top destinations such as Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe.
Housing
CET will place students into apartments with program participants and local students. UW Madison students are required to live in CET-provided housing for the duration of their program.
Program Considerations
In a physical sense, the on-site experience may be very different from life on the UW campus. You may walk or take public transportation more than you are used to in Madison. The physical activity level will vary by program, but in general you should be prepared for extended periods of time walking, potentially on uneven terrain.
For many students, discovering and experiencing new foods is a part of the experience. It is important to consider any dietary restrictions, whether they are due to health conditions, religious beliefs, or individual needs, and look into whether you can get the foods you need locally.
How you identify yourself in Madison may differ from how people will view you on-site. Consider exploring our Identity Resources to reflect on how your identities may impact your experience. Students with disabilities should keep in mind that attitudes and laws related to disabilities vary by country, and these differences may impact the level of accommodation available in a particular location. More details are available on our page on Study Abroad for Students with Disabilities.
We encourage you to contact your Study Abroad Advisor and share your accommodation needs with us as early as possible. This will allow us to help you explore your options in advance.
Excursions and Activities
Each term, the program offers different extra-curricular activities that let you see the city, learn about Japanese culture, practice your language skills, or just unwind with your classmates and roommates. You might explore local temples, go for day trip outside Osaka, or even attend Japanese Game Day to play popular board and video games with classmates and local roommates.
On-Site Support
The CET Osaka on-site director and staff assist students on the program.
Orientation
We expect you to be an active participant in preparing yourself for your study abroad experience. As a participant on an approved program, you will receive a pre-departure orientation, either in-person or online . The type and format of this orientation will vary by program and will be provided to you upon acceptance to the program.
Visa
A student visa is required. U.S. citizens must have a U.S. passport valid for at least six months beyond the end of the program. CET will provide you with visa information.
You may incur additional fees to expedite a visa application or to re-apply if your original visa application is rejected for any reason. You may also incur additional fees if your visa is delayed and you need to change your flight departure date.
Getting to Your Program
You are responsible for arranging round-trip transportation to the program site.
Insurance
You will be enrolled in the UW System required health insurance through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) and the cost of the insurance coverage is included in program fees.
If you are a citizen of a country other than the United States and will remain/study in, or travel to your country of record (the location of your permanent residence), the insurance provided for you is the same as the “study away” insurance provided to U.S. citizens studying on domestic U.S. programs. You may want to explore alternative or additional international health and medical insurance that will cover your needs both while in and during any period of transit to/from your country of record. This may include participation in a national healthcare plan or coverage provided under a personal healthcare plan in your country of record. If you have questions about the coverage of the “study away” plan, please speak with your Study Abroad Advisor.
All other students participating on an international program will automatically be enrolled in Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI), the university's international health, medical and repatriation insurance policy.
Program cost information includes program fees, as well as out-of-pocket expenses with notes to help explain costs. Program fees are estimated and can be adjusted at any time. Once accepted, you will receive a cost sheet that includes confirmed program fees and additional out-of-pocket expenses. "The IAP Program Fee" and all processes and policies stated on this cost sheet apply to all participants on programs managed by International Academic Programs (IAP) and in partnership with the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the College of Engineering, and Wisconsin School of Business. All students participating on approved programs are all eligible to apply for scholarships administered through IAP when they meet the scholarship eligibility and selection criteria.
Summer 2026 Cost Details
Financial Aid
Sources of available funding for study abroad include scholarships, grants and loans. To increase your chances of receiving financial aid, we recommend filling out your FAFSA to begin the financial planning process early.
For detailed information on financial resources, visit our Funding Study Abroad.
Scholarships
This scholarship list includes scholarships we know are relevant to this program. It is not an exhaustive list of all available scholarship opportunities for study abroad. Although we make our best effort to ensure the list is up-to-date, this information changes frequently, and it is the responsibility of the applicant to verify information. For additional scholarship information, please visit our scholarship page.
UW-Madison
L&S Honors Study Abroad Grant
National Scholarships
Benjamin A. Gilman Int'l Scholarship Prgm
Fund for Education Abroad
Going Abroad Scholarship
Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship
IAP Administered
IAP Early Bird Scholarship
Study Abroad Scholars
IAP Gilman Incentive
How to Apply
First, make sure you have reviewed the information for Prospective Students on the IAP website.
There is also specific Academic Planning information that you should review.
Next login to the IAP Online Application.
Wondering when applications will open for this program?
View our application schedule.
After the Deadline
IAP completes a review of all applications to determine if students meet minimum eligibility requirements.
| Session |
Application Status |
| Summer 2026 |
Application Not Available |
Disclosure
Students Requiring Accommodations: Consult and register with the McBurney Disability Resource Center McBurney Services if you will need academic, housing, and/or other disability-related accommodations or services abroad.
International Students: Talk with International Student Services about your visa status and study abroad.
Military-Connected Students with Veteran’s Benefits: Talk with University Veteran Services about how your benefits can be used for study abroad.
