Placement Test, Courses & Main Textbooks

Placement Test

Participants are required to take a placement test on the first two days of the program. Their placement will depend upon their test results.

Courses & Main Textbooks

Regular Japanese courses are divided into the following levels, which are determined in accordance with the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines. In Summer 2026, we offer three classes from Class C through Class F. Class A and Class B are not offered. Class size is kept to about 10 students. Please note that class composition and class sizes are subject to revision. If any class has insufficient enrollment (fewer than 6 students), the class will be canceled.

Class A (NOT offered in Summer 2026)

Genki: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese II (The Japan Times), Lessons 13-23

Class B (NOT offered in Summer 2026)

Genki: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese II (The Japan Times), Lessons 19-23
Tobira: Gateway to Advanced Japanese (Kurosio Publishers), Lessons 1-4

Class C

Tobira: Gateway to Advanced Japanese (Kurosio Publishers), 8 lessons (excerpted) from Lessons 1-12
Authentic materials (e.g., internet articles, short movie clips)

Class D

Tobira: Gateway to Advanced Japanese (Kurosio Publishers), 8 lessons (excerpted) from Lessons 4-15
Authentic materials (e.g., internet articles, short movie clips)

Class E

Authentic Japanese: Progressing from Intermediate to Advanced [New Edition] (The Japan Times), 6 lessons (excerpted)
Authentic materials (e.g., internet articles, short movie clips)

Class F

Authentic Japanese: Progressing from Intermediate to Advanced [New Edition] (The Japan Times), 6 lessons (excerpted)
Authentic materials (e.g., internet articles, short movie clips)

Click here for more detailed information about the course description & materials.

Other than main textbooks, supplementary materials will be used in order to provide more advanced study commensurate with participants’ level. Our instructors take a holistic approach to participants’ education in the course. This approach aims to enhance participants’ Japanese proficiency according to the level. Therefore, the main textbooks are one means of attaining higher-level proficiency. They are never the goal of the Japanese course itself.

Name:

John Geitner

University:

University of
Notre Dame

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 ...
Name:

Marcella Houston

University:

University of
Michigan

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 ...
Name:

Helen Liu

University:

University of
Pennsylvania

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 ...
Name:

Nicole Lu

University:

Emory University

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 ...
Name:

Kaitlyn Milleret

University:

University of
Notre Dame

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 ...
Name:

Sofia Pan Xian

University:

University of
Michigan

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 ...
Name:

Julian Schempf

University:

University of
Kansas

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

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Japanese Language and Japanese Culture Program