Japanese Language and Japanese Culture Program

How to Apply

Prerequisites

Academic Background
Applicants should be enrolled at an institution of higher education in an undergraduate, graduate or postgraduate course. Professionals or graduates with at least an undergraduate degree are invited to apply.
Japanese Level
Applicants should have studied Japanese for at least one semester at any appropriate institutions, and have attained a proficiency of higher than Novice-Mid as outlined in the ACTFL proficiency guidelines.
Non-academic Requirements
Applicants should have willingness to abide by the program's regulations. Also they should be able or willing to adapt to new situations with social and cross-cultural sensitivity.
Commitment
Applicants should be able to participate in the program for the full duration and be committed to an intensive Japanese language and Japanese culture study program.

*Please note that the above conditions are negotiable only in exceptional cases.

Selection of Applicants

Applicants are selected for admission by the HIF Selection Committee by reviewing all submitted materials. Please note the enrollment in the Japanese Language and Japanese Culture Program is limited to 60 and if there are a large number of applicants it may not be possible to admit all applicants even if qualified.

Application and Admission Procedure

  1. Please download the application forms listed below from the HIF website.
    (a) Application Forms(1 and 2)
    (b) Personal Statement
    (c) Japanese Educational Background Sheet
    (d) Grammar Checklist –-------- SEALED
    (e) References A (1 and 2) –-------- SEALED
    (f) References B (1 and 2) –-------- SEALED
    (g) Letter to your Host Family
    (h) Official Transcript of Grades –-------- SEALED
    (i) Application Fee (Non-refundable) of US$75 (US$90 for late applications)

      Application fee should be paid by the following methods:

    • INTERNATIONAL Postal Money Order issued at a post office payable to Hokkaido International Foundation (available only in America).
      Domestic Postal Money Order(GREEN)

      INVALID in Japan      		 International Postal Money Order(PINK)
    • Bank Money Order

      • *Traveler's checks and Personal checks will not be accepted.
  2. Complete all sections of the application, (a) through (i), indicated above, and send them to: Hokkaido International Foundation
    14-1 Motomachi Hakodate, Hokkaido
    040-0054 Japan

    *Application materials will not be returned.

    Application Deadline: February 9, 2012.(postmarked)
    *Early submission is encouraged.
    *Sending the materials by express mail is highly recommended to avoid losses and delays in the mail.
    *Late application fee $90 is applied to applications after the deadline.

  3. Screening results will be announced by e-mail from around mid March. Applicants on the waiting list will be enrolled according to space availability.
  4. Successful applicants should send an e-mail to confirm or decline participation in the Program to the HIF office within 3 days of the announcement of results.
  5. The tuition and Group Travel Plan fee (if applicable) should be paid by bank transfer by the payment deadline. Please contact the HIF office immediately, should you wish to cancel your enrollment in the Program.
  6. Participants who require a visa to enter Japan should contact a Japanese Embassy or Consulate directly. For details, please refer to the links on our website.  (http://www.hif.or.jp/en/useful/index.html)
  7. Participants MUST obtain medical insurance to cover possible illness or accidents while staying in Japan.

    * As for more detailed information, HIF will update in early March for successful applicants.