Admissions

Application Procedure

Please read the information on this page carefully to learn about the step-by-step procedure to apply for the HIF Japanese Language and Japanese Culture Program. Remember that getting transcripts and reference forms submitted can take some time. Please plan ahead.

Application Deadline: February 15, 2023 (JST)

FOR APPLICANTS

1. Create your account.

Visit the HIF Online Application Portal and click “Create your account (Applicant)”. In the registration form, you are asked to fill in your basic information (e.g., name, address, university, major). When the registration is complete, your ID and password will be automatically created and sent to your registered email address. If you do not receive them within 24 hours after submission of the form, please contact us (jj@hif.or.jp).

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2a. Log into the online application portal, and submit the application documents.

You may work on the documents listed below in any order you want. You don’t have to complete all the documents in one sitting. However, since “save” or “resume” functions are NOT available in each form, you must fill out all required fields and submit each form in one sitting; otherwise, any information you entered won’t be saved and you have to start over. Once a form is submitted to HIF, a confirmation email will be sent to your email address and there will be no further chance of editing.

Japanese Educational Background Sheet
Japanese language courses you have taken, self-evaluation of your Japanese proficiency, your future plan to take a Japanese class, etc.
Sample Screen
Statement of Purpose
Length: 500-700 words
Language: in English
Question: Based on your understanding of our program’s three components and slogan, how can you contribute to our communities, including, but not limited to, the city of Hakodate, your host family and learning community?
Sample Screen
Official Grade Transcript
Contact the Registrar's Office at your institution to obtain a transcript that includes your Fall 2022 grades. Choose one of the following two ways to submit your transcript to HIF.
1) Online form: Scan all the pages of your transcript. Upload the scanned file(s) in the online application portal.
2) E-mail: Ask the Registrar's Office to email your transcript to jj@hif.or.jp in a secure format.
Sample Screen
Letter to Host Family
Write a letter to a host family, in Japanese and in your own handwriting. Upload a scanned image of the letter to the online application portal. If you are accepted into the program, HIF will send this letter to your host family before the program begins.
Sample Screen
Consent Form
Download the consent form from the online application portal. Sign it, and upload a scanned image of the form.
Sample Screen
Application Fee (non-refundable)
Make a payment through the PayPal (external link).
Regular: US$80
Late: US$100

2b. Contact your reference providers.

You need the following three documents submitted by your reference providers. Students who are currently taking a Japanese course often ask their course instructor to fill out both the Grammar Checklist and Reference A.

Grammar Checklist
To be filled by the applicant’s current or most recent instructor of Japanese.
Sample Screen
Reference A
To be filled out by an instructor of Japanese at a university (or an equivalent institution) who has taught the applicant for at least one semester/quarter and knows them well. A high school teacher or private tutor is not qualified to complete this form.
Sample Screen
Reference B
To be filled out by a faculty member who belongs to an institution of higher education and can evaluate the applicant in a classroom setting.
To be filled out by a someone other than in Reference A.
Sample Screen

Give your reference providers the URL of the HIF Online Application Portal to create an online account, and obtain their ID from them.
Use the ID to register them as a reference provider in your account. Once this step is done, a notification email will be sent to your reference provider and they will be able to access the form(s) in their account.
(See the illustration below.)

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3. Application is complete.

A confirmation email will be manually sent to you by HIF Office. Please allow us 2-3 business days.

HOW THE SYSTEM WORKS BETWEEN APPLICANT & REFERENCE PROVIDER

FOR REFERENCE PROVIDERS

1. Create your account. (Skip this step if you have already created one for this year.)

An applicant asks you to write a reference to apply for the HIF Japanese Language and Japanese Culture Program, and gives you the URL to create your account. When the registration is complete, your ID and new password will be automatically created and sent to your registered email address. If you do not receive them within 24 hours after submission of the form, please contact us (jj@hif.or.jp).
If you are asked to write a reference for another applicant(s) after your account is created, you can skip this step and start with the next step.
Please note that you cannot use the account you created in previous years for this year’s application. You need to create a new account every year.

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2. Provide the applicant with your ID. (ID only. Please keep your password confidential.)

The applicant needs your ID to register you as a reference provider. Once they enter your ID in their online application portal, a notification email will be sent to you and the form you are asked to fill out will appear in your account.
Please do not give the applicant your password.

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3. Log into your online account and fill out the form.

Fill out the online form and submit. There are no “save” or “resume” functions available. Please make sure that you fill out all required fields and submit it in one sitting; otherwise, any information you entered won’t be saved and you have to start over.

Once a form is submitted to HIF, a confirmation email will be sent to your email address and there will be no further chance of editing.

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Comments from Alumni

  • Name:
    Emily Branam
    University:
    Swarthmore
    College

    This program for me was about self discovery more than anything. I was given the opportunity to ... more

  • Name:
    Ismail Can
    University:
    Swarthmore
    College

    Throughout my time at HIF, I feel that I made many wonderful memories, whether that be with my ... more

  • Name:
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    University:
    Franklin & Marshall
    College

    HIF was one of the most incredible experiences ever. Being immersed in a homestay in Japan, ... more

  • Name:
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    University:
    Yale
    University

    I feel so lucky to be here. From the fluidity of transportation from home to school or culture classes to ... more

  • Name:
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    University:
    Wesleyan
    University

    At HIF, I was able to not only improve my Japanese, but gain a better understanding of the culture. more

  • Name:
    Keanna Lundy
    University:
    University of
    Denver

    The HIF program has exceeded all my expectations and has become one of my most valued experiences. more

  • Name:
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    University:
    University of
    Washington

    HIF gives you the tools, resources, and support to help you not just succeed, but to exceed! more

  • Name:
    Michelle Wan
    University:
    Emory
    University

    HIF has been a great experience for me. The program provides you with lots of opportunities to get involved with ... more

  • Name:
    Yiyang Zhong
    University:
    University of
    Washington

    TThe HIF program is wonderful in respect of not only improving your Japanese language skills, but also on ... more

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