Fall Study Abroad Programs in Japan

One hell of an adventure! Japan felt like a roller coaster and it’s definitely hit a good spot doing my first travel to Japan not a busy city like Tokyo or Osaka. Sapporo was amazing and I loved my school a lot. The teaching was pretty smooth and the activities were my favorite. Be back in Japan soon. Peace

In my junior year, I had the opportunity to spend my fall semester studying in Tokyo with Middlebury College. Since I tested into the J5 level Japanese language class, I had the opportunity to take two classes with local students taught entirely in Japanese, challenging myself to not only comprehend lectures at a high language level but also communicate with my peers at a college level. Even though the campus was an hour away from Tokyo's center, the convenient public transportation made it very easy to go out into the city with friends. We even made outside of the prefecture to Saitama, Osaka, Tottori and more on breaks and weekends, exploring Japan while we could. I found that, through this program, we had a lot of space to immerse ourselves in Japan's vibrant and diverse culture and become a part of the city ourselves. Additionally, the program put an emphasis on sustainable development, which taught me how to be more environmentally aware and live sustainably. This instilled positive habits into my lifestyle, which I find myself still enforcing today even though I have returned to my home country. Overall, Middlebury's program gave me an amazing space to advance my Japanese language skills while exploring Tokyo as a city.

This program was spectacular; every aspect was flawless and unforgettable. The program itself was life changing. The opportunities to explore the country through weekends and field trips were splendid and the classes were interesting and fun.

여기 사람들 다 좋은 사람들이었습니다. 제가 운이 좋아서 좋은 학생을 만난 것도 있지만, 스탭들도 다 친절하고 좋아서 너무 즐겁게 보냈어요. 저는 일주일만 신청했는데 그 시간들이 너무 짧아서 아쉽습니다. 나중에 기회가 있다면 다시 오고 싶어요. 그때는 좀 더 길게요. 제가 있었던 장소는 5월부터 다른 장소로 옮긴다고 하는데 추억의 장소가 옮겨져서 아쉽습니다. 다음에는 다른 장소에서 추억을 남기고 싶어요.

Muy recomendable!! La gente del staff es super maja, las actividades que proponen son super entretenidas y te permiten conocer Japón de verdad. Además, en las clases aprendes mucho no solo el japonés “escrito” sino especialmente el hablado. La gente es increible, si tienes dudas, ven aqui!!! 10/10 y si tengo oportunidad volveré

It was my first time coming to Japan, and also my first time in Asia. I was extremely nervous because I didn’t know how to speak Japanese, aside from saying ‘thank you’ and ‘hello.’ Despite not speaking the language, everyone was always very kind and respectful to me. I met a lot of amazing people, who I now consider my friends. I have enjoyed every single day I’ve been here, and I would love to come back as soon as possible.

The past three months passed by so quick. Looking back at my time here I made a lot of long lasting friendships, got really close with my host family and also planned my next steps. I did quite a unique preparation studies before starting my JET teaching program here in Hokkaido and I'm glad I did it with Meiji! This school felt more than just learning Japanese. It is my spot to get back when homesickness kicks in and the community here is really warmhearted. The best thing is even if you are a graduate you can always come back and join their social events and language exchanges. Once a Meiji student, always a Meiji student!♡

Learning Japanese in such a snowy megacity and also making friends from all around the globe was mesmerizing. I loved my instructors and the casual pace on how my classes went. The nightlife was also fun and I did get more than one opportunity to rock the mic during karaoke! lol

Studying at Meiji in Sapporo was one of the best experiences I’ve had so far. I came to improve my Japanese speaking skills and school’s focus on communication and conversation really helped. In class we practiced speaking a lot through role plays, discussions and practical situations, which made it much easier to use Japanese confidently in everyday life. One of the things I loved most was how the school combined language learning with cultural activities. We tried traditional things like calligraphy and local festivals and teachers always explained the cultural meaning behind what we were doing. It made learning the language feel much more connected to real life in Japan. Sapporo is also an amazing place if you enjoy winter sports. During the winter I went skiing and snowboarding several times. The powder snow in Hokkaido is incredible!!! The atmosphere at Meiji Academy was really friendly and international. It helped a lot for an introvert nerdy like me to make friends from many different countries while practicing Japanese together. Between the engaging classes, cultural activities I had the chance to experience Hokkaido’s famous winter.

My three months in Hokkaido are nearing towards the end and looking back at my time here I can only say it was life changing. This is my third time in Japan but the first time in Hokkaido. After the comment travel to Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and all the spots between I wanted to get off the beaten track and experience the real Japan. Meiji’s program in Sapporo seemed intriguing and really caught my attention. The classes were well structured and the instructors were very passionate and helpful all the time. I loved staying in the share house which helped me as well to make friends with local Japanese students and other international students from Meiji and the other universities studying here. The best part were the activities that were so diverse and included a lot of cultural activities as well as social gatherings informed of karaoke, language exchange and casual dinners with Japanese volunteers and other students. I really miss my time here already and hope to be back soon. Thanks for everything and hope to see everybody else sometime in the future.

I simply loved it. The Japanese lessons were fun with a lot of group practices and focus on communication. The grammar lessons were sometimes a bit intense but a lot of rehearsals and sample sentences practices helped for tricky grammar chapters a lot. I recommend going out of your comfort zone and engaging with Japan is the best solution to improve your Japanese. My fellow classmates were nice and I always hang out with them. I was even able to make friends at some of the language exchange and culturally events that Meiji organized. My recommendation is to stay at the share house as it is very affordable and it helps a lot to not get home sick and also make Japanese friends to practice your Japanese.

It all started at a snowy day arriving in Shinchitose airport and seeing all the fairy landscape covered in snow. A staff from the school picked me up and escorted me to my host family where I had the pleasure to spend the next five weeks. The Winter course was filled with wonderful winter sport activities and excursions to unique snow festivals. I wholeheartedly enjoyed every minute with my lovely classmates and also the warm hands-on support from the fellopw staff members. Everybody was so welcome and I never felt excluded or wrongly treated during my time there. The classes were very entertaining and I had so much fun in exploring Hokkaido's wonderful streetfood after the classes. Can't believe everything passed so quick. Thanks for the great time♡

I spent the last three months in Hokkaido with Meiji Academy and my time was bloody amazing. I loved the instructors and their passion to always help me out with all my questions. The snow sports were the highlight of my trip. And yes I felt in love with the hot springs. I will definitely get back to Noboribetsu again. Loved it!

Pasé cuatro semanas increíbles estudiando japonés comunicativo en Hokkaido en clases pequeñas. Los profesores eran muy dinámicos y siempre hacían que las lecciones fueran prácticas, interactivas y fáciles de entender. Me encantó que habláramos japonés desde el primer día, con muchas actividades en pareja y juegos que hacían el aprendizaje muy divertido. Gracias al ambiente cercano de las clases, pude ganar confianza rápidamente y mejorar mi fluidez en situaciones reales. Por las tardes había muchas actividades sociales, lo que me permitió hacer amigos internacionales y seguir practicando japonés de una manera natural.

Desde el primer día en Sapporo supe que había elegido el lugar correcto para estudiar japonés. La combinación de una ciudad dinámica, naturaleza impresionante y un ambiente acogedor hizo que mi experiencia en Meiji fuera realmente especial. Las clases estaban muy enfocadas en el japonés práctico y conversacional. Practicábamos situaciones reales como pedir en un restaurante, hablar con compañeros de trabajo o hacer preguntas en una tienda. Gracias a eso, pude comunicarme con japoneses en mi vida diaria mucho mejor de lo que esperaba. Las profesoras siempre estaban atentas y nos daban muchos ejemplos reales, lo que hacía que las clases fueran dinámicas y útiles. Las actividades culturales fueron una parte esencial de mi experiencia. Participé en talleres tradicionales, probé comida típica de Hokkaido y visitamos lugares históricos y templos. Estas actividades me ayudó a comprender mejor la cultura japonesa y a sentirme más integrada en la comunidad local. Y por supuesto, la vida social en Sapporo fue divertidísima. Salir por Susukino con otros estudiantes, descubrir izakayas y pequeños bares, y celebrar después de los exámenes fue algo que nunca olvidaré. La ciudad tiene un ambiente muy animado pero al mismo tiempo acogedor. La gente son muy amable y siempre estaban dispuestos a ayudar cuando tenía dudas o necesitaba indicaciones.

I had the time of my life in Hokkaido. The school was well organized, the instructors were very in enthusiastic and the community was simply mind blowing. I made so many Japanese friends during my stay and even found my girlfriend that I’m very thankful for taking that opportunity. The activities were top-notch especially the skiing and snow gliding events. Make sure to go to Mount Moiwa and also some hiking around Lake Shikotsuko and the ice festival where unforgettable. I’ll be back for sure for my working holiday. Much love and looking forward to see you all again! cheers!

Can't get enough of that powder snow and also the amazing ski spots. and the shrines in the romantic snow landscape...oh dear! Hokkaido hit hard and I desperately want to go back. The school organized the program very well and we had almost daily events happening besides the classes. Teaching was good and you could tell the teachers did it out of passion. I made a lot of friends and loved my time. Recommend!

한국인 여러분~ 다들 아시죠? 곽튜브님 영상에서 유명해진 JALS! 이제부터 나고야 잘즈의 장점을 쭉 읊어볼게요~! 일단 가장 중요한 거, 선생님들이 다들 엄청 열정적으로 수업을 해주십니다!! 시험에 필요한 것부터 실제로 쓰이는 회화까지 다 알려주세요. 수업 끝나고 저희 숙제하는 동안 샘들은 옆에서 다음 수업 준비하느라 바쁘십니다ㅠ 열정 넘치심..! 또 다양한 국가의 사람이 많이 모여있어서 일본어 공부 뿐만 아니라 여러 문화를 교류할 수 있습니당(개인적으로 한국인들이 많이 없어서 너무 좋았어용, 강제로 한 달 동안 일본어랑 영어만 썼네여) 또 선생님뿐만 아니라 여러 친절하신 스탭분들이 일본에서 잘 적응할 수 있도록 24시간 모든 걸 다 도와주셔서 아무런 어려움 없이 잘 적응할 수 있구요, 여러 문화체험이 준비되어있어서 일본 문화를 쉽게 접할 수 있어요! 또 저녁시간에 영어공부하러 오는 일본인들이랑 쉽게 친구도 될 수 있고,, 엄청 이쁘게 꾸며진 라운지가 매일 열려있어서 수업 끝난 후에 공부, 일 등을 할 수 있다는 장점!! 무엇보다,, 사카에 중앙에 있어서 수업 끝나고 매일 친해진 반 친구들이랑 놀러다니다가 탕진잼 ^^ 이런저런 장점이 많은 나고야 잘즈로 놀러오세여!! 평생 잊지 못할 추억, 많은 친구들 만들고 갑니다아- 곧 엄청 좋은 건물로 이사갈 수도 있다는 소식을 끝으로 이만 줄일게용 ~~

I feel I was able to learn a lot of valuable lessons through this experience. I've grown in maturity, independence, and learned how to adapt when things didn't work out the way I expected. I felt this program taught me how to take charge and flourish in newfound confidence. With CIEE, the communication was always available and staff were friendly and kind. However with the activities, I did find we were a bit pressed for time with a majority of them due to starting late. Despite that, the activities and day trips were super memorable and fun! Overall, I'd highly recommend this program.

Super expérience à Meiji Academy Hokkaido. J’y ai étudié pendant 10 semaines et j’ai adoré chaque moment. Les cours étaient intéressants et motivants, et l’ambiance générale très conviviale. La sharehouse était vraiment idéale pour se faire des amis, avec beaucoup d’étudiants américains et allemands. Une expérience inoubliable que je recommande sans hésiter.