Comments from Alumni | HIF Japanese Language and Japanese Culture Program

2018 Participants

Silin Chen

Wesleyan University

I think being able to join HIF is a very precious opportunity for me to be totally immersed in a Japanese-study environment. The experience of talking to my host family every day and challenging myself to study a historical topic in Japanese for IS (Independent Study) definitely helps to improve my Japanese level.

Jack Conklin

University of Chicago

The HIF program is a great opportunity to improve your understanding of both Japanese and Japanese culture. The homestay portion was particularly valuable for me, allowing me to casually practice my Japanese and to form close bonds with a wonderful Japanese family. This program is a great introduction to living in Japan and learning higher levels of Japanese.

Laura Li

Oberlin College

One of the greatest things that I've learnt during my stay in HIF is "thinking in Japanese". It doesn't only mean the language skill, but also the culture through cultural program and homestay!

Meera Santhanam

University of Chicago

This program provides the perfect amount of structure - it's enough so that every day you are kept busy with classes, talks, and cultural extracurriculars, but still gives you time to explore everything from museums to cafes and to beaches on your own. The class sizes are small, so you get ample one-on-one attention from the teachers and get lots of feedback. Make sure to take advantage of all of the unique extracurriculars - from participating in Japanese archery to speaking on the local radio program, you never know what fantastic opportunities will come your way!

Yuancong Xie

Northwestern University

HIF was an amazing opportunity to immerse myself in an all-Japanese environment. The rigorous curriculum, combined with the various fascinating cultural activities as well as simple everyday interactions living in Hakodate, together allowed me to improve my Japanese skills rapidly and comprehensively. I will definitely recommend this program for students who are willing to spend eight weeks boosting their Japanese by living in the small but charming city of Hakodate.

Xinyu Zong

Franklin & Marshall College

HIF has been the best experience of my life. I woke up every day looking forward to host mom's breakfast and playing with her 4-year-old son. The HIF staff and teachers have been so helpful in navigating my daily life here and greatly improving my Japanese. It's also priceless that I'm studying with a hardworking group of students coming from the best universities all over the country.

More Comments

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 ...
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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.