Curriculum

Overview

The HIF Japanese Language and Japanese Culture Program is a university level intensive summer course that focuses on proficiency-oriented instruction. The program aims to help participants acquire or improve communication skills in all aspects of Japanese language through the integrated study process of the classroom, homestay, and local community environments in Hakodate. The total hours of Japanese class is 140 hours and equivalent to two semesters of Japanese study at most universities.

Students meet for three hours every morning, Monday through Friday. We start each day with Ohayo Time. It is time for students to take a kanji & vocabulary quiz, and for Nicchoku, or a student on day duty, to make announcements for the day followed by a short speech.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

Academic dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, facilitating academic dishonesty, submission of the same work to more than one course, etc.) is not tolerated. Such violations are regarded very seriously, often resulting in severe consequences. This includes class assignments, Independent Study, test, quizzes and so on. All work submitted for this course must be your own. Any use of generative AI tools or translation apps when working on assignments is forbidden. Use of generative AI will be considered academic misconduct and subject to investigation.

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION

It is an individual’s responsibility to inform HIF of the need for academic accommodation for a qualifying disability. Currently diagnosed students should submit any requests for a disability accommodation as soon as they are admitted to the HIF program. Requests for accommodations should be supported by appropriate documentation and sent for review by April 30, 2026 (JST). You may submit a copy of documentation you submitted to your Japanese instructor/professor at your host university, if it is issued on or after August 1, 2025. Please note that a request for accommodations does not guarantee approval due to a different academic setting, circumstance and/or policy.

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Comments from Alumni

  • Name:
    John Geitner
    University:
    University of
    Notre Dame
    John Geitner photo

    The HIF program was super fun and a great learning opportunity! Getting to meet so many new people who all share the same goal of ... more

  • Name:
    Marcella Houston
    University:
    University of
    Michigan
    Marcella Houston photo

    There are lots of different ways to enjoy your study abroad and they're all valid! Lots of students choose to travel lots or visit lots of attractions ... more

  • Name:
    Helen Liu
    University:
    University of
    Pennsylvania
    Helen Liu photo

    HIF is extremely rewarding and truly a once-in-a-lifetime chance. I think it's easier to be integrated into a host family as a younger college student ... more

  • Name:
    Nicole Lu
    University:
    Emory University
    Nicole Lu photo

    I loved the HIF program! I was able to learn so much - not only the Japanese language but also the culture and background of people ... more

  • Name:
    Kaitlyn Milleret
    University:
    University of
    Notre Dame
    Kaitlyn Milleret photo

    I'm very grateful I got the opportunity to stay in Hakodate since it's such an underrated part of Japan. My favorite part was visiting landmarks like ... more

  • Name:
    Sofia Pan Xian
    University:
    University of
    Michigan
    Sofia Pan Xian photo

    If you feel you are struggling to speak, this program will make sure you go back feeling confident. You'll be only speaking Japanese - during class ... more

  • Name:
    Julian Schempf
    University:
    University of
    Kansas
    Julian Schempf photo

    It might be difficult, but you will have the experience of a lifetime, something you will cherish for years to come. more

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