The Japanese Language and Japanese Culture program is a rigorous eight week program designed to develop Japanese language proficiency through well-planned compulsory classes and optional activities that require communication in context. Homestay is a key element of the program. This is a long-standing program of the Hokkaido International Foundation and receives applications from throughout the country, typically more than it can accommodate. Admission is competitive. UI students earn transfer credit on this program.

The most current program information is available at the Hokkaido International Foundation webpage here. Summer information is updated in November of the prior year.

Hakodate

Hakodate is located at the southern tip of Japan’s northwest island of Hokkaido. At the time of Commodore Perry’s visit to the port in 1854, Hakodate led Japan's progress towards modernization. Today it is a small, quiet, rural town, with a population of about 300,000. The whole town participates in the reception of the summer foreign students.

While Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and other areas of Japan are known for their intense summer heat and humidity, the summers in Hokkaido are relatively cool and pleasant. The night view of the town from Mt. Hakodate is considered one of the most spectacular in the world.

Travel Arrangements

Students make their own travel arrangements to arrive in Hakodate by a designated date. Specific information will be provided by the Hokkaido International Foundation office.

Costs

Cost information is provided by the program and payment is made directly to HIF.
In addition, students will be charged a UI Study Abroad administrative fee and mandatory international health insurance coverage on the U bill.

How to Apply

Interested students should visit with the Japan programs adviser in the UI Study Abroad office before December 10th of the previous year to review application procedures and to discuss completion of the UI Credit Approval Form for Study Abroad. Students must obtain an Intention to Apply form from the study abroad adviser.

The program application is available from the Hokkaido International Foundation. Students are advised to mail a complete application to arrive in Japan ahead of the program's published deadline.

Admissions decisions are made mid-March and students may be placed on a waiting list.

Complete instructions for arrival and all other matters pertaining to summer study in Hakodate will be provided by the Hokkaido International Foundation once admitted to the program.

Prior to departure, students also attend a general TIPS orientation for UI Students Studying Abroad. In addition, the exchange program adviser provides cultural notes and individualized information about registration and credit procedures at Iowa.