Welcome

JCMU Resident Director, Ben McCracken

This website is your one stop for all things JCMU. Recent news, events, and a look at students’ adventures in Hikone can be found in the blog section of the website. An extensive resource page for students that includes maps, language learning resources, plus tips and advice, can be found in the student resources section.

If you are unfamiliar with JCMU, the Japan Center for Michigan Universities (JCMU) is an organization that coordinates study abroad programs in Japan. JCMU is a product of the strong sister-state relationship between the State of Michigan and Shiga Prefecture and is located on the shore of Lake Biwa in the City of Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, Japan.

Our programs are dedicated to building relationships between Japanese, Americans, and other nationalities through active learning and participation in language, culture, family life and society. JCMU has been welcoming students of all majors since 1989 and is a consortium of the 15 public Michigan universities. Students do not need to attend a member university to participate.

From Japanese language and culture programs to career focused programs such as environmental science and healthcare, JCMU provides a wide variety of options for study abroad in Japan. If you would like to learn more about available programs, visit the main JCMU website.