University of Wisconsin–Madison
Back to Top

Keio University

A shallow body of water is surrounded by blooming pink cherry blossoms. Many skyscrapers are visible in the background.

Keio is discontinuing its Japanese Language Program (JLP). Spring 2027 will be the last term this program will be available. We will continue to send students on the Keio International Program (KIP).

Talk to a representative for this program at the Study Abroad Fair.

Japan, Tokyo

Limited Capacity Program: This program can accept a limited number of students each term, and in the past we have received more qualified applicants than available spots. To determine selection for a limited capacity program, reviewers consider a variety of criteria. You may only have one open application per term, but should have an alternate program in mind in the event that you are not accepted to this program.

Become immersed in Japanese language and culture at Keio University, one of the most prestigious universities in Japan. Participants on this exchange program enroll in courses in the university's highly regarded Japanese Language Program. This program is ideal for Japanese language students interested in improving their language skills through intensive Japanese instruction.


With a population of about 14 million, rising to nearly 20 million during workdays, Tokyo is the quintessential metropolis. The city boasts an outstanding art and cultural scene, including libraries, museums, and art galleries, as well as movies, theater, and drama from all over the world. The city is a center of government and business, with the Tokyo Stock Exchange and the Japanese Diet (National Legislature) making Tokyo their home. You can also find cultural landmarks such as the Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine, and Senso-ji Temple in Tokyo. Tokyo's location provides ready access to nearby Mt. Fuji, the historic shrines and temples of Nikko and Kamakura, and the hot springs of Hakone, as well as international destinations in South Korea, China, and further afield in Asia.

Learning Objectives

We have overall Goals and Expectations for Study Abroad Participants, covering the personal, academic and professional aspects of study abroad. Additionally on this program, you can:

  • Strengthen language skills
  • Navigate new educational systems, as well as new learning and teaching styles
  • Observe Japanese perspectives on academic disciplines

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to providing quality study abroad and domestic study away programs for every UW-Madison student. We work strategically to identify, address, and remove barriers that may prevent participation and to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students. Our staff actively engages with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and prioritizes the continuous development of our knowledge and cultural competence. We also recognize the importance of increasing access to study abroad for historically underrepresented student populations. We are committed to diversity and inclusion so that every student can engage with and understand their identity through a new lens and continue to develop and make progress on their personal, professional, and academic goals.

Sustainability

We recognize that the future of study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programming requires a Commitment to Sustainability. We are devoted to examining, developing, and improving sustainability in all our endeavors, aligning with campus priorities and following through with UW-Madison's climate action and Resilience Commitment. Join our efforts and learn more about how to study abroad sustainably.

Request Information

Join our email list to receive program updates-including application notices, scholarship information, and more!

Eligibility

  • 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • Preference will be given to students who have taken Japanese language coursework.
  • Junior, Senior, Sophomore
  • Open to UW-Madison degree-seeking students only
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing
  • At the time of application and the semester prior to participation, UW-Madison students must be currently enrolled. Transfer Students to UW-Madison need to be currently enrolled at their home institution

Advising Location

Program Structure

Exchange & Direct Enroll

Subjects

Japanese language, humanities, social sciences, business

Classroom Language

English, Japanese

Housing

Residence Hall

Program Duration

Academic Year: Mid-September - Mid-July

Spring: Mid-March - early August

Application Deadline(s)

Spring 2026-27 8/7/2026 Cost Details
Year 2027-28 12/4/2026 Cost Details

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

APPLY NOW

 

Students on the program participate in the Keio International Program (KIP) or Japanese Language Program (JLP). Both tracks offer Japanese language courses, but the JLP allows for enrollment in more language courses and has a language-intensive focus. There are limited spaces available to UW-Madison students in the JLP each year.

Japanese Language Courses
This program offers courses in the Japanese language, including general courses, spoken and written communication, business, media, society & culture, presentations, grammar, etc.

The JLP offers some specialized courses in Japanese that are only open to students in the JLP track.

English Courses
International Center Courses conducted in English by Keio International Center are available as Optional Subjects. The subjects to be offered can be found on the Keio International Center's web site.

Other University Courses:  Students who fulfill the designated requirements may also take courses offered under Keio University’s regular undergraduate and graduate programs each semester. In order to take advantage of this option, students must possess the necessary Japanese language ability from the start of the semester (typically JLPT level N2 or higher). Physical education courses, foreign language courses, and courses in the School of Medicine are not open to exchange students.

Together, these varied courses enable students to compose a course of study that suits their particular academic needs and interests.

No prior experience with the Japanese language is required to apply for this program. If you will be starting to learn the Japanese language on this program, we strongly recommend that you learn how to read Japanese hiragana and katakana before leaving for Japan, in order to be able to keep up with the pace of the language courses. 

Affiliate Institution(s)

Keio University

Program Web Pages

Student Exchange Program

Foreign Courses

International Center Courses (offered in English) Japanese Courses

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