I'm super interested in learning Japanese and was wondering which colleges have the strongest language programs. Any recommendations, especially where I can immerse myself in the language fully?
Most colleges will offer Japanese language classes, but the depth and comprehensiveness of these programs can vary greatly. If you're looking for a rich and immersive Japanese learning experience, these are a few colleges you might take into consideration:
1. University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley): UC Berkeley's Department of East Asian Languages & Cultures has a robust program that you can major or minor in. The program is known for its immersive language instruction and diverse courses on Japanese culture and society.
2. Columbia University: The Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures at Columbia offers a full program in Japanese language and culture. The university also has a rich variety of Japanese cultural clubs and events.
3. University of Washington (UW): The UW's East Asia Library is one of the oldest and largest collections of Japanese material in the United States, making the university an excellent choice for immersive Japanese language study.
4. Middlebury College: Known for its immersive language programs, Middlebury's Japanese School operates a strict Japanese-only policy, encouraging maximum usage of the language.
5. Stanford University: The Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures at Stanford not only offers a strong language program but also a comprehensive program that covers Japanese literature, culture, and linguistics.
Remember to use a resource like Appily to verify the details of the Japanese programs at these colleges and others that you're considering. The strength of a language program depends on more than just coursework - consider opportunities to immerse yourself in the culture and language outside of class, such as school or community clubs, study abroad opportunities, and the library resources available for your foreign language studies.
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