Curriculum

Placement Test, Courses & Main Textbooks

Placement Test

Participants are required to take a placement test on the first two days of the program. Their placement will depend upon their test results.

Courses & Main Textbooks

Regular Japanese courses are divided into the following levels, which are determined in accordance with the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines. In Summer 2024, we offer three classes from Class C through Class F. Class A and Class B are not offered. Class size is kept to about 10 students. Please note that class composition and class sizes are subject to revision. If any class has insufficient enrollment (fewer than 6 students), the class will be canceled.

  • Class A (NOT offered in Summer 2024)
  • Genki: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese II (The Japan Times), Lessons 13-23

  • Class B (NOT offered in Summer 2024)
  • Genki: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese II (The Japan Times), Lessons 19-23
    Tobira: Gateway to Advanced Japanese (Kurosio Publishers), Lessons 1-4

  • Class C
  • Tobira: Gateway to Advanced Japanese (Kurosio Publishers), 10 lessons (excerpted) from Lessons 1-15

  • Class D
  • Tobira: Gateway to Advanced Japanese (Kurosio Publishers), 8 lessons (excerpted) from Lessons 6-15
    Authentic materials (e.g., internet articles, short movie clips)

  • Class E
  • Authentic Japanese: Progressing from Intermediate to Advanced [New Edition] (The Japan Times), 6 lessons (excerpted)
    Authentic materials (e.g., internet articles, short movie clips)

  • Class F
  • Authentic Japanese: Progressing from Intermediate to Advanced [New Edition] (The Japan Times), 6 lessons (excerpted)
    Authentic materials (e.g., internet articles, short movie clips)

Click here for more detailed information about the course description & materials.

Other than main textbooks, supplementary materials will be used in order to provide more advanced study commensurate with participants’ level. Our instructors take a holistic approach to participants’ education in the course. This approach aims to enhance participants’ Japanese proficiency according to the level. Therefore, the main textbooks are one means of attaining higher-level proficiency. They are never the goal of the Japanese course itself.

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Comments from Alumni

  • Name:
    Michelle Bechtel
    University:
    Colby College
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    I applied to HIF on a whim, not knowing what to expect. Now that I have completed the program, it's safe to say that applying was one of the best decisions ... more

  • Name:
    Kerra Hinrichs
    University:
    University of Michigan
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    HIF was hands down one of the best experiences of my life. I came into the program with the goal of improving my Japanese, and I certainly achieved that ... more

  • Name:
    Hector Melesio
    University:
    Franklin & Marshall
    College
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    For my first time traveling abroad, I do not think I could have picked a better place to be than Hakodate as an HIF student. Whether it be inside the ... more

  • Name:
    Owen Pietsch
    University:
    Swarthmore College
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    Eight weeks felt like a very short time to spend at HIF. Our teachers and the staff encouraged us to make the most of our time in Hakodate ... more

  • Name:
    Xingruo Sun
    University:
    Colby College
    Xingruo Sun photo

    The summer at HIF has been wonderful for me! I'm so glad that I was able to improve my Japanese so much and met so many wonderful instructors ... more

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