Yamauchi began language studies at the University of Hawaii but then transferred his candidacy to studying Biblical languages at Shelton College, Ringwood, New Jersey, and received his B.A. degree there.
Yamauchi mulai dengan studi bahasa pada University of Hawaii tetapi kemudian mentransfer kandidasinya untuk belajar bahasa-bahasa Alkitab di Shelton College, Ringwood, New Jersey, dan meraih gelar B.A. di sana.