Program Description

2017 Participants

Matthew Donley

University of Michigan

HIF is an outstanding program that offers not just instruction in the Japanese language, but it also serves as a gateway into Japanese culture through its cultural events and homestay. Through its countless opportunities to engage other people in Japanese through experiential learning, I highly recommend this program for anyone seeking to improve their Japanese abilities.

Clarissa Krisnawan

University of Washington

There are various activities, you can enjoy at HIF. You can also discover the beauty of Hakodate City along with friends as well as your host family. I love HIF program because it gave me the chance to travel to Japan for the first time. Be ready to have a lot of fun, make a lot of awesome friends, and face the challenges.

Alexander La Forest

University of Notre Dame

The HIF Japanese Language and Japanese Culture Program is worth every penny. Not only do you learn a lot in class, but also outside of it doing homestay and through interaction with local people, whether it be at a cultural activity or just around them at stores and restaurats. There are countless things to be done in Hakodate alone. Advice: DO NOT worry only about studying. You will improve. Take time to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Matthew Li

Ursinus College

I honestly can’t believe that it’s only been two months. Within this time, my Japanese isn’t the only thing that’s changed. Despite having plenty of experience in international study, I’ve still found myself in difficult or surprising situations, and that’s helped me grow as a person and as a member of an international society. But most importantly, my thoughts, hopes, and heart have also changed drastically, and that’s good. This program will help you blossom, and discover things that you never knew about yourself. And yeah, it’s a bit scary, but don’t worry. Everything will be fine.

Alex Prosi

University of Michigan

HIF truly excels in providing opportunities for its students wherever they need or want them. Through the program, I found myself busy almost every day with fun and engaging activities that helped me both improve my Japanese skills and grow as a person. The staff were always available and engaging, encouraging each student to always do more which really helped me push myself to where I wanted to be.

Griffin Roth

University of Chicago

HIF was a lot of fun and very educational, from both a language and a cultural standpoint. If you’re interested in homestay, it’s a very good program!

ApplyNow

Comments from Alumni

  • Name:
    Laila Burke-Graves
    University:
    University of Michigan
    Laila Burke-Graves photo

    Be comfortable with being uncomfortable. Studying abroad in a different country can no doubt be an intimidating experience, however ... more

  • Name:
    Alan Hoang
    University:
    University of
    Washington
    Alan Hoang photo

    I came to HIF with the goal of improving my Japanese while learning about Japanese culture, and I certainly achieved that and so much more ... more

  • Name:
    Darwin Restrepo De La Cruz
    University:
    Yale University
    Darwin Restrepo De La Cruz photo

    I walked away from HIF with confidence in my Japanese speaking ability, but more than that, love for the city of Hakodate. Spend time learning ... more

  • Name:
    Justin Su
    University:
    University of
    North Carolina at
    Chapel Hill
    Justin Su photo

    If you're considering between HIF and another study abroad programs, wonder no longer. Between the staff, teachers, community, and ... more

PhotoGallery
Contact Us
Transcripts for Alumni
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • YouTube