American Association of Teachers of Japanese

Study Abroad in Japan:
Summer Programs

U.S. University Programs
Japanese University Programs
Independent Organizations

U.S. University Programs

University of Kansas Summer Institute: Exploring Contemporary Japan

Students on this five-week program will have the opportunity to study Japanese from native Japanese language instructors and learn about contemporary Japanese society. The program is based in Hiratsuka, a medium-sized city fifty miles southwest of Tokyo.

The 2012 program dates are June 4 - July 9. The Summer Institute in Hiratsuka is open to undergraduates and graduate students from any accredited U.S. college or university. No previous Japanese training is required.

Courses: All students enroll in two courses of three credits each: an Exploring Contemporary Japan course and either a beginning, intermediate, or advanced Japanese language course.

The program is unique in that it provides multiple opportunities for students to learn experientially about Japan’s culture, society, and language. Participants live with host families for one week of the program and are paired with Japanese university students in a buddy program. These experiences foster language skill development and provide a rich cultural context for the study of Japanese.

The strong sister city relationship between Hiratsuka and Lawrence enables the participants to interact with Hiratsuka community at numerous events such as visits to a local high school, City Hall, and a Hiratsuka community group during the program.

The following program activities provide participants the opportunity to learn in greater detail about Japan’s culture and society: visits to shrines and temples in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Miyajima; visit to the Peace Park and Museum in Hiroshima; attendance at the Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival; and various cultural events in Hiratsuka and Tokyo.

For more information, please visit the program website at http://www.studyabroad.ku.edu/?go=Hiratsuka

Applications can be accepted after the program deadline depending on availability. However, please contact Renee Frias at rfrias@ku.edu at the Office of Study Abroad to inquire about applying after the deadline.

Temple University Summer Institute: Studies in Japanese Popular Culture

Based at Temple University, Japan Campus (TUJ), this program introduces undergraduate students to various aspects of Japanese popular culture and analyzes their collective expression in mass media and youth subcultures. Summer Institute course topics include anime, manga, youth and popular culture, and sociocultural anthropology. Students also have the option of studying Japanese language. In addition to lectures and class discussions, the program includes group field trips to art and anime exhibitions, as well as to a variety of media, art and film-related events and activities.

Students also have the option of studying Japanese language, commensurate with their level of language proficiency. Although courses focus particularly on contemporary popular culture, they are contextualized by broader perspectives on Japanese society and culture, with anthropological and sociological analyses of identity, media and contemporary social problems in mass society. The courses are comparative in nature, and are informed by academic discourses on globalization (the diffusion of cultural innovation in popular culture) and the influence of popular culture, both in Japan and abroad.

Students enroll in three of the courses offered, for a total of nine or ten credits. Courses are taught by distinguished faculty and are conducted in English.

Estimated student costs are approximately $4,000 for Pennsylvania residents and $6,800 for non-residents.

For further details about the program, please visit http://www.temple.edu/studyabroad/programs/summer/japan/popular_culture.html.

UNC-Chapel Hill Tokyo Summer Program

The University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill offers a Tokyo Summer Program in Japanese Language and Culture. The six-week program, which is open to non-UNC students, is based at the IES Tokyo Center in Chiba, Japan, a 30-minute train ride from downtown Tokyo. Program dates are mid-June to late July.

The academic program consists of an intensive Japanese language program (6-8 credit hours) offered at both the second and third-year levels, and a course on popular Japanese culture (3 credit hours) taught by the UNC faculty leader -- for summer 2008, the leader was Chris Nelson from the UNC-CH Department of Anthropology faculty. Students will be awarded UNC-CH graded credit for all coursework. The coursework will be supplemented with an organized cultural program intended to provide program participants with direct experience of social and cultural life in contemporary Japan, which includes a 3-day excursion to the ancient capital of Kyoto. Students will live in homestays with local families. (One or two years of prior Japanese Language Study or the equivalent is required.)

For more information, please visit the program website at: http://studyabroad.unc.edu/asia/Japan.

Inter-University Center for Japanese Language Studies Summer Program

The Inter-University Center for Japanese Language Studies (IUC) (Yokohama) offers a 6-week summer language program in advanced spoken and written Japanese. The morning sessions of the IUC summer program are focused on advanced spoken Japanese and are designed to enable each participant to acquire the ability to express his or her thoughts and opinions in a correct and appropriate manner. In addition to written materials selected from the regular Center curriculum, video-based documentaries, commentaries and TV dramas are also used. Students spend one hour a day, three days a week, during the afternoon hours in supervised study using IUC computer-based Japanese language learning programs (Kanji in Context, Advanced Spoken Japanese, Formal Expressions in Japanese, or Speak Japanese Particles) which complement and expand on the materials used during the morning spoken Japanese sessions. For program details and applications, visit the IUC web page at http://www.stanford.edu/dept/IUC.

Waseda-Oregon Summer Japanese Program

The Waseda Summer Japanese Program is held at Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan, from approximately July 10 to approximately August 20. This annual program is an accelerated six-week language course for university-level students of Japanese. Four levels of language study are offered, along with workshops on Japanese for Specific Purposes. All majors are welcome to apply. Students who complete the course can receive 12 quarter (8 semester) hours of credit through Portland State University, Oregon. The program fee ($4,950 in 2006) includes transportation, tuition, housing, and tuition. For further information, visit http://www.wasedaoregon.org.

Princeton-In-Ishikawa Summer Intensive Program of Japanese Language

Princeton in Ishikawa is an eight-week intensive Japanese language program, offering 2nd- and 3rd-year Japanese courses in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture. In eight weeks, the PII program covers the equivalent of one academic year of Japanese language study at Princeton University. This program is run in cooperation with the Ishikawa Prefectural Government. For further information, please visit our website at http://www.princeton.edu/~pii/.

Japanese University Programs

Meiji University "Cool Japan" Program

Meiji University will host its "COOL JAPAN SUMMER PROGRAM 2011" this summer from July 25 - August 5. This program will introduce various aspects of Japanese culture that the world has become enamored with – including pop culture such as anime, manga, computer games, music, fashion, and architecture, as well as its traditional cultural heritage. The program will include a series of academic and popular lectures, workshops, and field trips in Tokyo and Kyoto.

Please visit the program website for detailed information: www.meiji.ac.jp/cip/english/cooljapan/ .

Inquiries about the program should be sent to ico@mics.meiji.ac.jp.

Osaka University Short Intensive Program on Art<

The Faculty of Letters, Osaka University, is running a two-week CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) program on Japanese art for intermediate students of Japanese. It consists of five units: Buddhist sculpture, Japanese film, Noh, contemporary Japanese theater, and art and architecture in early 20th-century Osaka. Each unit includes a lecture by a specialist teacher, language work to prepare for and follow up on the lecture, and a field trip or workshop. Successful participants will receive two units of academic credit.

2010 program dates are August 2-13, 2010. For further details please visit http://www.let.osaka-u.ac.jp/kokuren/J4H/.

Seinan Gakuin Summer Intensive Japanese Program

Since it was established in 1973, the International Division at Seinan Gakuin University (located in Fukuoka, Kyushu) has offered study abroad programs concentrating on Japanese language and culture. The four-week Summer Intensive Japanese Program (2010 dates: June 26 - July 27) accepts up to 40 students each year at the Refresher (beginning II), Pre-intermediate, or Intermediate and Advanced levels of Japanese. Lecturers are all highly experienced in Japanese language education, both in our year-long exchange programs and at other universities both here and abroad. The incoming students are from partner institutions from around the world, making for a richly international learning environment in which to experience many other cultures and to learn more about the world, in and through the Japanese language. Students who participate will earn 2 to 4 semester credits to apply toward graduation at their home universities in the US.

For more information on the program, please visit : http://www.seinan-gu.ac.jp/eng/summer_program/Program_overview.html.

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University Summer APU Gateway Program

Ritsumeikan APU, located in the hot spring capital of Beppu, on Kyushu, announces its 2011 Summer APU Gateway Program. Held during the months of June and July, the program features intensive Japanese-language courses at the beginner to intermediate levels, as well as academic courses (in English) in the colleges of Asia Pacific Studies and Asia Pacific Management. The program also features various cultural activities, APU Buddies, and an overnight field trip to Nagasaki.

For more information on the Summer Gateway Program, please visit the program website: http://www.apu.ac.jp/apuint/modules/toapu/index.php?id=6.

Doshisha University Summer Session: Short-term Japanese Language and Culture program

Doshisha University is located in Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital. Doshisha's Summer Session provides Japanese language courses at various levels and a wide range of Japanese culture learning experiences.

Intensive Japanese-language instruction is given in small-sized classes five days a week. Japanese Doshisha students are ready to assist participants in studying and adjustment. The system assists participants with extracurricular activities and in their daily lives.

For further information, please visit the program website at: http://www.doshisha.ac.jp/english/education/inbound/summer_session/

Kyushu University Summer Program: Asia in Today's World

"Asia in Today's World," the first summer program specifically for international students held at a national university, is a 6-week summer program for studying Asia and the Japanese language. The 5-week program is held from early July to mid-August.

ATW focuses on Asia, one of the most dynamic parts of today's world, and offers undergraduate-level courses on the past, present, and future of Asia. All Asian Studies courses are taught in English by Kyushu University faculty as well as professors invited from overseas universities. The Program is suitable not only for Asian Studies majors but also for students in many other majors. For students who are majoring in natural sciences, a laboratory work course is available as an option, with guidance in English by a Kyushu University professor. Japanese language courses from absolute beginner to intermediate level will be offered, and students can take courses in either a combination of Asian Studies and Japanese language or laboratory work and Japanese language.

A furnished apartment and homestay are available for students' accommodation. Students can eceive one-on-one peer tutoring from Kyushu University students.

For more information, please visit the program website at http://www.isc.kyushu-u.ac.jp/atw/.

Ritsumeikan Summer Japanese Program

The Ritsumeikan Summer Japanese Program (RSJP) runs for five weeks and is designed for college and university students with minimal knowledge of the Japanese language. It provides an intensive and comprehensive introduction to Japanese language and culture. Program participants are immersed in an optimal environment for short-term intensive language study with the added benefits of cultural exchange and exploration.

The Program provides for a unique learning environment for students with its base in the ancient capital city of Kyoto. A harmonious blend of the ancient and modern makes Kyoto the cultural and historical center of Japan today. It is home to many famous festivals as well as shrines and temples such as the Ryoanji Temple with its rock garden, and the Golden and Silver Pavilions. Kyoto is also a progressive city where high-tech companies work alongside many traditional industries, creating a study environment that is unique in both its composition and ambiance.

Upon successful completion of the program, participants receive a Certificate of Completion and an Academic Transcript. The transcript lists all courses taken including the respective hours of participation and grade points. Participants may use this for obtaining course credits at their home institutions.

Further program information and application can be obtained from the Ritsumeikan University homepage in English at http://www.ritsumei.ac.jp/eng/index.htm.

Japan Culture and Language Program at Keiwa College

The Japan Culture and Language Program at Keiwa College in Niigata Prefecture offer not only Japanese-language training (total of 40 hours), but also presentations about Japan and Japanese life in English; it is not necessary to be fluent in Japanese to get the most out of the educational part of the program. In addition, the JCLP takes place while regular classes at Keiwa College are in session. This means that contacts with Japanese young people are an important part of the total experience. Weekly field trips are provided at no additional charge. JCLP students round out their experience in Japan with a homestay with a local Japanese family.

Check out the JCLP homepage at http://www.keiwa-c.ac.jp/jclp/index.html for up-to-date information.

Hokkaido International Foundation Summer Intensive Japanese Language Program with a Homestay in Hakodate, Japan

The Hokkaido International Foundation offers an eight-week intensive Japanese language program combined with a homestay. In addition to the language program, students have the opportunity to study and practice traditional Japanese arts, including calligraphy, flower arrangement, tea ceremony and Kimono culture. At the end of the program, participants can often transfer the work they have done to their home institutions, usually equivalent to one year's work of language study. Applicants should have one semester of Japanese language study or equivalent familiarity.

For information about program, which runs from mid-June to mid-August, please visit the website:http://www.hif.or.jp/en/

Summer Courses in Japanese at International Christian University in Tokyo

ICU's six-week intensive course offers language classes from beginning to advanced levels. The program takes place from early July to mid-August. All classes are equivalent to university courses carrying 6 units of academic credit. Instruction takes place in the mornings; in the afternoons, students are free to pursue individual laboratory work, consult with teachers, or participate in the Culture Program, which features guest speakers on issues both contemporary and traditional, opportunities to practice traditional arts, excursions to scenic and cultural sites, and a Japanese film program. A Letter of Certification is provided, which usually translates to academic units at the student's home institution. Website: http://subsite.icu.ac.jp/scj/.

Summer Session of Asian Studies, Sophia University, Tokyo

For information, contact: Summer Session of Asian Studies, Sophia University, Ichigaya Campus, 4 Yonban-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan, 102-0081. Tel: +81-3-3238-4090 Fax: 81-3-3238-4091. Website: http://www.sophia.ac.jp/E/E_summersession.nsf/Content/summer

Waseda Summer Japanese Program
The Waseda Summer Japanese Program is an accelerated six-week language course for university-level students of Japanese that includes workshops on Japanese for Specific Purposes. All majors are welcome to apply. For further information, visit the website: http://www.wasedaoregon.org.

Independent Organizations

World Campus - Japan

World Campus - Japan offers two-week summer programs that include homestays, language instruction, and a variety of cultural activities. Program sites include communities in towns and cities around Japan that sponsor the programs, located in Kumamoto, Aichi, Nara, Chiba, Osaka, Tokyo, Nagano, Hiroshima, Ibaraki, and Nagasaki prefectures. More information is available at the program's Website, http://worldcampus.org.

Edo Cultural Center & Multicultural Living Support Center
Summer Intensive Japanese Language and Culture Program

Edo Cultural Center, in collaboration with non-profit organization Multicultural Living Support Center, offers a two-week summer intensive Japanese language and culture program. Anyone who has studied Hiragana and Katakana, or knows easy Japanese conversation, is welcome to apply. The participants receive Japanese language training in the morning and learn the taste of traditional tea ceremony and flower arrangement in the afternoon in Akasaka, which is the most cosmopolitan district in Tokyo. They are also invited to visit the Kabuki theatre, the Tsukiji fish market, an origami center, and other attractions. A one-night trip for historical temples and the Great Buddha in Kamakura is included as well. The program takes place on two different time schedules, in July and August. Tailor-made programs are also available. For information on summer intensive program see http://www.edocul.com.

Genki Japanese and Culture School

This conversational Japanese school in Fukuoka offers intensive summer programs at all skill levels, for lengths from 2 weeks to 3 months, starting every week. Students can stay in a homestay or dormitory, and study 4 hours per day of conversational Japanese and Japanese culture, including arts such as calligraphy, kimono, manga/anime drawing, martial arts, etc. Website: http://www.genkijacs.com.

Japan Summer Study Tour

The Laurasian Institution, a not-for-profit education foundation, administers the New Perspectives: Japan (NP:J) study tour project for middle and high school students and teachers interested in studying about Japan. This project has been partially funded by the Center for Global Partnership and the Freeman Foundation.

NP:J is a three-phase program which is centered around a two-week study tour to Japan. The teacher and students approach the program as a group, sharing insights and reflections to enhance the overall experience. The program begins several weeks before departure working with one of six curricular themes that the school group chooses (This is the orientation study phase). The curricular themes are: Art, Architecture and Cuisine (M. Hammond-Bernson); Episodes in Japanese History: The Shaping of National Identity and Culture (L. Parisi); Japanese Economics and Business (L. Wojtan); Japanese Contemporary Society (S. Thompson); Discovering Your Japanese Heritage (G Mukai & S. Lai), and a new, more generalist curriculum, An Overview: Expanding Your Coursework to Include Japan (A. Cheng, G. Francis, and S. Lai).

The group then travels to Japan, where participants visit a Japanese school, live with a Japanese host family, visit historical sites in Tokyo and Kyoto--all allowing students the opportunity to practice their Japanese on a daily basis (This is the study tour phase). Once returning to the US, each school group works together to help each participant assess and articulate her or his experience (Follow-up study phase).

The tour dates are scheduled each year in June and July. The cost is approximately $3000. In past tours, through the Jackson Bailey Scholarship, funded by the Freeman Foundation and the Center for Global Partnership, the majority of participants who requested scholarships were awarded one based on merit and need.

The NP:J website, at http://www.newperspectivesprogram.org/, has posted newsletters from previous tours. Take a look to see what happens during the study tour phase of the program.

Yamasa Institute / Aichi Center for Japanese Studies

The Yamasa Institute offers a variety of summer programs ranging from an intensive three-month language course to shorter programs, with a range of starting dates. Homestays are available as well as other accommodation options. More information is available at the Institute's Website, http://www.yamasa.org/acjs/english/programs/summer.html.

Monterey Institute of International Studies

Eight-week Summer Intensive Language Programs at elementary, intermediate, and advanced levels in beautiful Monterey, California. 4-5 hours of classroom instruction per day is supplemented with language assistants and cultural activities for practice outside of the classroom. Programs offered are Japanese, Arabic, Chinese, French, English, Russian and Spanish. Customized programs in many languages, including Japanese, are available any time during the year.

Contact: Intensive & Custom Language Programs, Monterey Institute of International Studies, 460 Pierce Street; Monterey, CA 93940. Tel.: 831-647-4115. Fax: 831-647- 3534. E-mail: slip@miis.edu.

Sendagaya Summer Intensive Language Course

The Sendagaya Japanese Institute offers an intensive summer course in Tokyo for students at four skill levels ranging from Elementary to Advanced. Information and application forms can be obtained from Sendagaya Japanese Institute, 2-16-6 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0075, Japan; fax +81.3.3232.9120.