The CLS Japanese Program is hosted by Okayama University (OU) in Okayama, Japan. Known for its leadership in internationalization, OU was selected for the Top Global University Project by the Japanese government in 2014. The CLS Japanese academic program focuses on expanding students’ skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

Co-curricular activities are designed to familiarize students with sites of cultural and historical significance, provide opportunities to participate in traditional Japanese ceremonies, and offer insight into day-to-day life in Okayama. Past cultural excursions and activities have included interviewing Okayama high school students about their daily life, participating in a traditional tea ceremony, and learning Japanese sign language.

Participants live in on-campus apartments with a CLS peer and one or two OU students. Each apartment has individual bedrooms and a shared living room and kitchenette. This arrangement allows students to connect with the host community and practice Japanese outside of class. Students experience daily life in Okayama with their Japanese roommate and may spend time together cooking, discussing pop culture and the news, shopping and exploring museums.