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Program & Admission Information - Kyoto, Japan
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Summer Intensive Course
This four week course is designed for students seeking conversational proficiency and a deeper understanding of the Japanese language in a short period of time. Classes are scheduled from 9:00 to 12:30, Monday through Friday. A total of 8 levels are available: three basic, three intermediate and two advanced. There is a maximum of 15 students per class, with 120 students in the entire program.
The basic level classes are centered around oral practice and drill work, and are designed to enable the students to master the necessary patterns and expressions used in everyday conversation. In addition to the spoken language, reading and writing of the Hiragana and Katakana syllabaries are taught, as well as approximately 300 Kanji characters.
In the intermediate levels, students learn and practice how to distinguish and use words and expressions in accordance with specific situations. Students will also learn how to read and comprehend simple sentences.
In the advanced levels, students practice conversations in which they are expected to explain and support their opinions. Speech practice and written compositions supplement the program.
Please Note: Applications and tuition fees for the Summer Intensive Japanese Course should be submitted no later than 3 months in advance of the program start date.
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Intensive 6 Month Term
The Intensive 6 Month Term is designed for those coming to Japan for the purpose of studying Japanese. Students who complete this course enter schools of higher education in Japan, or use their higher level of ability in Japanese to pursue their research and/or business either in their home countries or in Japan.
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The course is offered at five different levels: two basic, two intermediate and one advanced level. The curriculum of each level is designed according to the students' ability. Regardless of the level, however, all classes are taught entirely in Japanese. There is a maximum of 18 students per class, with 240 students in the entire program. PLEASE NOTE: Students must possess a post beginner level in Japanese to register for 6 Month Term.
Note: It is possible to take 2 Terms, spending a full year in Japan. For more additional information, please contact us at 1-888-678-6211
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Class assignments are determined at the beginning of each term by the results of a written placement test and an interview test, with some consideration given to prior Japanese language education. Classes are scheduled from 9:00 to 12:30, Monday through Friday.
Intensive 6 Month Term Course Descriptions
The curriculum of each level is designed according to the students' ability. As all classes are taught entirely in Japanese, individuals interested in 6 Month Term programs must hold a post beginner language proficiency level.
* Basic Level 1 - 6 Months
o Students learn basic sentences through practice acquired in the form of questions and answers.
o Speaking ability on essential matters for carrying out daily activities using these patterns and vocabulary is learned.
o Video programs and audio tapes are frequently used to improve hearing ability; students come to understand the contents of the program accurately.
o Students learn to understand relatively short and simple sentences composed of patterns already learned as well as to write about everyday situations using Kanji and the Kana syllbaries.
o Students learn Hiragana and Katakana as well as about 550 Kanji characters.
o Students completing this course move up to Intermediate Level 1 and are approximately at the same level as level-3 in the Japanese Language Proficiency Test.
* Basic Level 2 - 6 Months
o Designed for students who, having accumulated approximately 200 hours of language class outside of Japan, have a good foundation in the basic grammatical structures and patterns of the language, but are still unable to sufficiently apply their knowledge.
o Beginning with a review of the material that students studied in their own countries, the practice drills and exercises are aimed at enabling the students to actually use what they know.
o The introduction of new expressions and patterns, and the practicing of shortened and colloquial forms is also an important part of the curriculum.
o Students are taught about 600 Kanji characters and are expected to learn to read and understand full, complete sentences.
o Students completing this course move up to either Intermediate Level 1 or 2.
* Intermediate Level 1 - 6 Months
o Students learn advanced expressions using reading materials for foreign students of Japanese, learning to grasp the contents of relatively long and complicated passages.
o Students learn to describe their opinion using complex patterns.
o Students are taught to be able to distinguish style in various situations found in daily life.
o Approximately 800-1,000 Kanji are taught.
o Students completing this course should be able to pass level-2 in the Japanese Language Proficiency Test.
* Intermediate Level 2 - 6 Months
o Acquisition of a sufficient level of Japanese for entering a university and for following special research interests in Japan. For this purpose, students learn a wide range of vocabulary and come to understand the logical structure of sentences and to acquire the ability to read rapidly.
o Various topics concerning social problems are discussed and students summarize the main points of the debate in simple sentences.
o Students practice exercises for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, level-1 (Advanced).
o Students passing this course should be able to pass level-1 in the Japanese Language Proficiency Test.
* Advanced Level - 6 Months
o This advanced level is designed for students who already have a sufficient working knowledge of Japanese but who need a high level of ability in Japanese to pursue their research and/or business in Japan.
o Reading ability is acquired in order to understand extensive topics as well as paying attention to literary expressions.
o Students will survey current and professional topics, exchange opinions and information, and summarize contents.
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Admissions & Academic Credit
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Students age 18 years and older are welcome regardless of educational background, occupation or nationality, however, applicants must have completed at least 12 years of formal education (completed high school). No previous knowledge of Japanese is required except where otherwise indicated. Placement of those who have already studied Japanese will be based on a test and completed by the student prior to the beginning of the course. An informal interview will also be used.
Students desiring credit for their study should contact their home school or request the NRCSA Credit Fact Sheet. Generally, U.S. universities consider 15 hours of study to be equal to 1 semester credit. Students wishing academic credit should furnish details of past academic work before arrival.
For general information on academic credit, please click here.
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Visas
When students in the Intensive Course enter Japan, they are given the status of residence "Pre-college Student" for studying Japanese and students are permitted to stay for a period of 6 months from the time of arrival. Students can extend their period of stay every 6 months. In general, the period which students can stay in Japan for the purpose of studying Japanese is a maximum of 2 years.
Since the school is recognized by the Immigration Department, students enrolled at the school are not required to appear in person at the Immigration Office to apply for permission to extend their period of stay at the end of each school term, but can do so through the school's main office. Students can also apply for reentry permits at the school to leave Japan for home countries or other countries temporarily for a short period during a summer or winter vacation.
Students of the Summer Intensive Course cannot obtain a visa for studying Japanese. They can, however, enter Japan on a temporary visitor visa (tourist visa) which is issued upon arrival. For students from those countries with visa exemption agreements with Japan (including the U.S.), no visa is necessary to enter Japan on a short term basis. Currently, Japan has such agreements with approximately 50 countries. For more detailed information concerning visa application requirements and procedures, please make inquiries at the Japanese Consulate or Embassy in your home country.
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Living Expenses
Average monthly living costs of a foreign student in Kyoto are estimated to be at least 40,000 Yen. You are advised to come with sufficient funds.
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