Description

The Summer Intensive Japanese Language Program at the Japan Center for Michigan Universities (JCMU) is designed for students who want to concentrate on Japanese language study while experiencing life in Japan. Since it began in 1992, JCMU's summer program has welcomed hundreds of students to Japan of various majors, ages, and backgrounds. No prior Japanese language study is required. The summer program runs from June 1st through the first full week in August.

Highlights

Students are placed into one of four levels based on placement exams given at the beginning of the program. (A curriculum guide is available upon request). Unless arrangements have been made with their home universities, JCMU summer students will be registered at Michigan State University (MSU) and receive MSU credit, which is widely recognized as eligible for transfer.

Beyond classroom training, JCMU students are able to apply their increasing language skills in the local community and throughout Japan. Field trips, festivals, and other activities, whether organized by the JCMU staff or initiated by students, complement language study. Optional homestays with local families [see below] offer the ultimate opportunity to meet and interact with Japanese people. From within the Japanese family structure, students will gain a deeper appreciation of Japanese values, behavior, and sense of balance between personal and group responsibilities.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Languages

• Japanese

Languages Used as a Medium of Teaching

• Japanese
• English

Subject Areas

• Asian Studies
• International Relations
• Japanese

Cost in US$:

9,520

Program Fees Include:

The summer Program Fee is 8,200 USD. Cost includes tuition, books, and health insurance. A housing fee of 1,320 USD is also assessed. For students participating in home-stays, this covers at least two meals a day and commuting costs between the home-stay site and the Center. For students living in the JCMU apartments, the housing fee covers apartment rent, utilities, maintenance, and cleaning. Round-trip airfare is estimated at 1,200 USD. Students will make their own flight arrangements within the program schedule, but JCMU will assign a recommended flight that will be met at the airport by JCMU staff.

Credit Available

yes

Experience Required

no

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat
• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Scholarships are Available

Numerous scholarships are available from a broad range of sources for study abroad in Japan. Specifically, students from the JCMU Consortium member institutions (see JCMU website for details).

Application Process Involves

• Essay
• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

Japan Center for Michigan Universities's Mission Statement

JCMU's mission consists of a commitment to exchange at the local and state levels, and to academic programs that uphold the highest academic standards while remaining accessible to students from all areas of Michigan, the USA, Japan, and the world. In keeping with its mission, JCMU's academic and Japan-related outreach programs strive to provide students with stimulating intercultural and academic experiences. A goal of JCMU is to make studying in Japan open and affordable to a wide range of students, regardless of their previous background, training, and experience. Hence, students from diverse fields are as welcome to participate as those majoring in Japanese or English language and cultural studies. All participants are encouraged to approach this intercultural adventure with an open mind, personal maturity, and a resourceful attitude.

Year Founded

1989