Curriculum

Culture Classes

Participants have a wide range of choices for learning Japanese culture. The culture classes are taught by qualified and well-experienced instructors.

  • Calligraphy
  • Flower arrangement
  • Folk music & Japanese traditional musical instruments
  • Japanese cooking
  • Japanese traditional dance
  • Koto (Japanese harp)
  • Tea ceremony
  • Traditional confectionery making
  • etc.

Activities in the Local Community

Many of the optional activities allow participants to meet local Japanese people and experience Japanese society outside of the classroom and homestay settings.

  • Appearance in local radio/TV shows
  • Appearance in the outdoor spectacle of Hakodate history
  • Club activities at high schools (Judo, Kendo, Kyudo)
  • Elementary school visit
  • Exchange with disabled people
  • Guided tour of the Jomon Archeological Site with students from the Hokkaido University of Education
  • Participation in the Hakodate Port Festival
  • Prosecutor's office and court visit
  • Soba making hosted by the Hakodate Rotary Club
  • Writing an article in Japanese for a local newspaper
  • etc.

Most of the culture classes and extra-curricular activities are scheduled in the afternoon on weekdays, and a few of them on weekend. They are run on a sign-up basis. If the number of people who sign up exceeds the maximum capacity, we use a lottery system to choose who can participate. Venues vary by classes or activities. If the venue is not HIF, participants are responsible for transportation fees to get there. A handout in English and/or a translator is available for some classes or activities, but not all of them.

日本語テーブル

日本語テーブル is a Japanese conversation table where participants can practice their Japanese with local people in Hakodate. Sometimes the 日本語テーブル time is devoted to making origami and playing Japanese games.

Japanese Movies & Books for Extensive Reading

Participants have a chance to watch a variety of Japanese movies in Japanese with English subtitles. Also, a collection of Japanese books for extensive reading is available in the student lounge.

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Comments from Alumni

  • Name:
    Michelle Bechtel
    University:
    Colby College
    Michelle Bechtel photo

    I applied to HIF on a whim, not knowing what to expect. Now that I have completed the program, it's safe to say that applying was one of the best decisions ... more

  • Name:
    Kerra Hinrichs
    University:
    University of Michigan
    Kerra Hinrichs photo

    HIF was hands down one of the best experiences of my life. I came into the program with the goal of improving my Japanese, and I certainly achieved that ... more

  • Name:
    Hector Melesio
    University:
    Franklin & Marshall
    College
    Hector Melesio photo

    For my first time traveling abroad, I do not think I could have picked a better place to be than Hakodate as an HIF student. Whether it be inside the ... more

  • Name:
    Owen Pietsch
    University:
    Swarthmore College
    Owen Pietsch photo

    Eight weeks felt like a very short time to spend at HIF. Our teachers and the staff encouraged us to make the most of our time in Hakodate ... more

  • Name:
    Xingruo Sun
    University:
    Colby College
    Xingruo Sun photo

    The summer at HIF has been wonderful for me! I'm so glad that I was able to improve my Japanese so much and met so many wonderful instructors ... more

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