Program Description

Institutions of Former Participants

The Japanese Language and Japanese Culture Program was started in 1986, with about 60 students participating every year. Due to the pandemic, the program was canceled in 2020, and held online in 2021 and 2022. We resumed our face-to-face program with 19 students in 2023. We have had in excess of 2000 participants since the beginning of the program until 2025.

Top Institutions by Total Number of Participants

Institution # of students participated since
the program has started in 1986
Yale University 134
University of Pennsylvania 117
University of Washington 103
Harvard University 89
University of Notre Dame 87
The University of Chicago 64
University of Michigan 60
Northwestern University 55
Princeton University 54
University of California, Los Angeles 52
etc. ...

Click here for a complete list of the institutions of the former participants.

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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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