FAQ

Where can I find information about Japanese classes offered at the University of Michigan?

All Japanese language courses at the University of Michigan are offered through the Department of Asian Languages and Cultures. You can contact the department at 734.764.8286 or by email at um-alc@umich.edu.

I'd like to study in Japan through a UM study abroad program. Who should I contact?

University of Michigan study abroad programs are handled by the Office of International Programs. You can contact OIP at 734.764.4311.

Are evening Japanese classes offered anywhere in Southeast Michigan?

Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti (734.487.0130), Schoolcraft College in Livonia (734.462.4400), or Lingua Technics of Ann Arbor (734.662.0434) may offer courses for the general public. Please contact them directly for more information. CJS does not necessarily endorse any of the above programs.

I need to have something translated into Japanese (or from Japanese into English). Who should I contact?

CJS does not provide translation or interpretation services. Yasuo Watanabe of the Japanese and English Professional Interpreters? Association of Detroit offers interpretation and translation services for a fee. He can be reached at ywat@umich.edu.

I am interested in working at CJS. Are there any vacant positions?

When a staff position is available at CJS, it is posted on the University's website. Please follow the application procedures posted on that website. The Center does not accept applications directly.

If you are a UM student looking for a temporary position, please contact us at umcjs@umich.edu to see if there is an opening.

I am an employer looking to hire someone who speaks Japanese. Can CJS help me?

CJS maintains several email groups for students, alumni, and those interested in Japan-related employment opportunities. All requests for job postings must be sent in writing to umcjs@umich.edu. CJS staff will then forward the posting on to the appropriate email groups. Those interested in the position will contact you directly.

I'd like to donate Japan-related books to the University of Michigan. Who should I contact?

CJS does not accept donations of used books for our own use. We simply do not have space for them in our office. If you would like to donate dictionaries, magazines, and/or non-academic books, which are in a reasonable condition, we will accept them and offer them to interested students. If your books are on a specific field, please let us know so that we can contact the students in that field. Please contact umcjs@umich.edu or 734.764.6307.

The University of Michigan Hospital's Interpreter Services also accepts new or used magazines, books, and videos in Japanese for inpatient use. They do not accept "textbooks or X-rated materials." To reach the Interpreter Services Office, please call 734.936.7021.

The Asia Library's Japan section accepts book donations, but only when the books are written in Japanese, are research materials for masters degree level or above in humanities or social sciences, and are about Japan (which means that, for example, they do not accept books about American culture even if it is for graduate-level research and in Japanese). Please contact Kenji Niki at 734.647.4590.

I am a teacher who would like information about Japan to pass on to my students. Does CJS have information available?

CJS employs a part-time Outreach Coordinator to assist K-14 educators on Japan-related topics. Please contact CJS at umcjs@umich.edu.

I am planning a trip to Japan and would like some advice. Who should I contact?

CJS does not advise travelers to Japan. Please consult the Japan National Tourist Organization.

How can I receive a visa to live in Japan?

For all visa-related matters, please contact the Consulate General of Japan in Detroit at 313.567.0120.

I am planning to visit Ann Arbor, Could you recommend some places near campus to stay?

U-M's Campus Information Center has compiled a list of accommodations near campus. Please go to this link to visit that site: http://www.umich.edu/~info/.