Please submit the following forms to HIF through your online portal. You will need your ID and password to login. Failure to submit the required forms by the deadlines may disqualify your admission to the program.
Deadline: April 10, 2026 (JST)
You need your head-and-shoulders photo (taken with the last 6 months) to upload. Please tell us about you, including your personality, hobby, food preference, smoking habits, etc. Information you enter on this form will help us to match you with a suitable host family. However, it is not a guarantee all of your preferences will be met.
A photocopy of your valid passport (page(s) showing your name, nationality and photo) must be submitted. If you need more time to obtain or renew your passport, please contact HIF.
Deadline: April 30, 2026 (JST)
Participants must arrive in Hakodate by noon (12:00PM) of June 11, 2026 (JST).
Click here (coming soon) to download the HIF Medical Report. This form must be completed by an examining physician (MD or Certificated Nurse Practitioner/ Physician’s Assistant only) ONLY after a medical examination taken within the past three months. No other forms will be accepted in substitution of this form.
HIF requires all participants to obtain medical insurance to cover possible illness and accidents while staying in Japan. If your university does not cover your insurance, please contact insurance companies offering short-term travel coverage by yourself.
Deadline: May 15, 2026 (JST)
Tell us your itinerary from Hakodate back to your country (or your next place). We strongly
recommend you make a reservation before the HIF program starts. August when you leave Hakodate is
high season.
Participants must move out of their host family’s houses on August 9, 2026 (JST).
Coming Soon
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Kansas
It might be difficult, but you will have the experience of a lifetime, something you will cherish for years to come.