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. Two or three levels from the following will be offered in Summer 2023. 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 cancelled.

Class C

Tobira: Gateway to Advanced Japanese (Kurosio Publishers), 8-9 lessons (excerpted) from Lessons 1-9

Class D

Tobira: Gateway to Advanced Japanese (Kurosio Publishers), 8-10 lessons (excerpted) from Lessons 6-15

Class E

Authentic Japanese: Progressing from Intermediate to Advanced [New Edition] (The Japan Times), 6 lessons (excerpted)
movies, TV drams, newspaper articles, short novels, etc.

Class F

Authentic Japanese: Progressing from Intermediate to Advanced [New Edition] (The Japan Times), 6 lessons (excerpted)
movies, TV drams, newspaper articles, short novels, etc.

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.

Name:

Emily Branam

University:

Swarthmore
College

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

Ismail Can

University:

Swarthmore
College

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

Dabbour, Jawad

University:

Franklin & Marshall
College

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

Ernestina Hsieh

University:

Yale
University

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

Plearn Janvatanavit

University:

Wesleyan
University

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

Keanna Lundy

University:

University of
Denver

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

Randy Tran

University:

University of
Washington

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