Local to Global: Engaging students with ideas that matter.
No. To study abroad with BCA, a student must have at least one year of undergraduate study. If you are a first year student, then we encourge you to jump right into planning for your study abroad experience. Your first year in school is a great time to figure out where you want to go and find out what your school's policies are for study abroad, including financial aid, credit transfer and programs available to you. Good Luck!
No previous experience with Japanese is necessary. Upon arrival, you will take a language placement exam and enroll in Japanese language classes accordingly. Courses are taught in English and Japanese, and students with advanced levels of Japanese may enroll in upper-level classes taught in Japanese.
Generally, students take four or five classes during a semester, receiving three credits for each class. It is important to consult with your advisor prior to studying abroad to decide what classes are needed to meet academic requirements of your college or university.
BCA Study Abroad aims to engage each participant in an appropriately challenging level of academic work while abroad. We acknowledge that an applicant’s cumulative grade point average is only one indicator of accomplishment and ability.
The BCA Study Abroad expectation is that most students would show at least a B average (3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale) across their course work prior to their study abroad term. Certain host universities may have GPA requirements of their own, in which case the higher GPA requirement of the two would apply.
Recent enrollment history shows our students’ average GPAs have been above 3.44 (4.0 scale). Our post-semester academic results reveal that students with higher and lower GPAs can excel in study abroad. We are open to discuss program selection and course of study for students who do not reach the expected 3.0 GPA.
Most BCA students enroll in intensive Japanese language courses. Also, BCA has arrangements with Hokusei Gakuen University to offer a variety of courses during certain semesters to students through an interpreter or through a native English speaker. The BCA resident director also teaches a few courses that you can choose from.
BCA Sapporo is located at the Hokusei Gakuen University. Hokusei Gakuen University has worked with BCA since 1988 to provide the best cultural immersion experience for students interested in learning more about Japanese language and culture. The university has a student population of more than 6,000 students.
While in Sapporo, you will live with a Japanese host family. This will help you improve your proficiency in Japanese, learn about Japanese culture and create a network of friends. BCA places one student per family to facilitate cultural integration. You will have your own bedroom.
BCA is one of the nation's oldest independent organizations committed to promoting international understanding and academic excellence through college study abroad programs for U.S. students and adult seminars for faculty and administrators. Rooted in the values of peace and justice, BCA promotes international understanding, awareness of global citizenship and academic scholarship through educational exchange. Among the special qualities of BCA's programs are: unique opportunities to study peace and justice issues in places where conflict has profoundly affected culture, history and daily life; opportunity for cultural immersion; and tremendous academic and administrative support.
Financial aid from an individual school is transferred at the school’s discretion, but all federal aid is transferrable. Students should consult their financial aid advisor for further information and advice.