Language for Business and Technology: Japan

The LBAT-Japan study abroad program takes place at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University in Beppu, a city famous for its hot springs, rich history, and stunning natural surroundings. Over the course of nine weeks, students earn nine credit hours through intensive Japanese courses while fully immersing themselves in the local culture and community.
 
Academically, the program combines advanced language study with real-world experiences. In Technical & Scientific Japanese (JAPN 3691), students strengthen their proficiency in professional and scientific contexts. Japan Today: Towards a Sustainable Society (JAPN 3693) explores how Japan addresses the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, with on-site visits to companies and schools. Conversation Practicum (JAPN 3694) pairs participants with APU students for guided language practice, providing daily opportunities to sharpen speaking and listening skills in authentic settings.
 
Cultural activities enrich the experience, with field trips, company visits, and hands-on workshops such as Zen meditation, calligraphy, and tea ceremony. Students also enjoy unique performances like traditional Japanese rakugo storytelling. The program balances academic rigor with cultural immersion, offering an opportunity not only to advance language proficiency but also to gain a deeper understanding of contemporary Japan and its global role.
 

Location

Oita, Kagoshima, and Fukuoka Prefectures, Japan

Dates

May 17 – July 19, 2026

Host Institutions

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU), Beppu, Japan

Summer Credits 

LBAT counts toward the ALIS degree overseas requirement.

Students enrolled in LBAT may not enroll in additional courses during the summer for credit.

Courses

  • JAPN 3691: Technical & Scientific Japanese
  • JAPN 3693: Japan Today: Towards a Sustainable Society
  • JAPN 3694: Conversation Practicum

Prerequisites

Japanese language skills equivalent to JAPN 2002 (with a grade of B or better) at Georgia Tech are preferred by the end of the Spring Semester of the year you are going on LBAT. You also must be in good academic standing. 

Cost 

Fees are estimates and subject to change.

  • The program fee is TBA (with a substantially reduced rate) and includes housing, ground transportation from Fukuoka Airport to APU, cultural and business site visits, some group meals, health insurance, and textbooks.
  • In addition to the program fee, there is a $500 non-refundable program deposit due at the time of application.
  • The program fee does not include the application fee, tuition, airfare, or most meals.

Scholarships

Students are encouraged to apply for financial aid. Georgia Tech students may apply to the School of Modern Languages' Campoamor scholarship (approximately $400). HOPE scholarship does apply.

Visit the OIE's study abroad scholarship site for other potential scholarship opportunities.

Application and Payment Deadlines

  • Apply via Atlas by Feb. 1. Apply by Nov. 15 for early decision.
    • If you are a non-Georgia Tech (transient/special) student, you are required to submit TWO separate applications to the Office of International Education.
    • After the application deadline, applicants may be contacted for an interview. Applicants will be contacted by both OIE and the LBAT Japan director via email regarding the result of their application approximately 10 days after the deadline.
  • A $500 non-refundable deposit is due at the time of application and is applied to the overall program fee.
  • The first half of the program fee is due Feb. 15 and the balance is due March 15. Payments are withdrawn directly from the student's OSCAR accounts on the deadline.

Fee Payment Information: Please adhere to the deadlines stated for the program. Please observe the information in Payment Options to ensure that your payments are processed at the Bursar’s Office on time. Fees will be charged to your Oscar account on the due dates. Make sure you make all necessary payments on time in order to avoid a hold on your account. Students expecting financial aid must submit a letter from the Financial Aid Office stating the allocation and date of payments expected. Tuition and student fees are due according to the Registrar’s schedule for summer tuition.

Cancellation Policy

Students who cancel their participation in the program after being accepted will be subject to the following non-negotiable fee schedule:

  • Students canceling before Jan. 15 will lose their $500 deposit.
  • Students canceling after Jan. 15 must pay 25% of the program fee.
  • Students canceling after Feb. 15 must pay 50% of the program fee.
  • Students canceling after March 15 must pay 100% of the program fee.

Program descriptions and fees are subject to final approval by educational units and the Office of International Education. Georgia Tech reserves the right to alter or cancel this program due to low enrollment, unavailability of a professor to teach a planned course or other unforeseen circumstances. Once Georgia Tech has made payments to service providers, or if Georgia Tech cancels the program before departure or while the program is in progress for reasons beyond its control, such as political unrest or danger to participants' safety, only those fees that Georgia Tech is able to have refunded by service providers will be returned to participants. 

Informational Meetings

LBAT Information Session #1

Oct 23 (Thu / 6-7pm) @ 309 East Architecture

LBAT Information Session #2

Nov 19 (Wed / 6-7 pm) @ 258 West Architecture

Please contact the program directors, Masato Kikuchi and Aki Matsushima for more details.

Quick Links

Program Contact

 

Program Application