Other Activities (Optional)

Culture Classes
Activities in the Local Community
日本語テーブル (Japanese Conversation Table)
Books for Extensive Reading

Culture Classes

Participants have a wide range of choices for learning Japanese culture. The culture classes are taught by qualified and well-experienced instructors.

Calligraphy
Flower arrangement
Folk music & Japanese traditional musical instruments
Igo (Japanese board game)
Japanese traditional dance
Koto (Japanese harp)
Tea ceremony
Traditional confectionery making
etc.

Activities in the Local Community

Many of the optional activities allow participants to meet local Japanese people and experience Japanese society outside of the classroom and homestay settings.

Appearance in local radio/TV shows
Appearance in the outdoor spectacle of Hakodate history
Club activities at high schools (Judo, Kendo, Kyudo)
Elementary school visit
Exchange with people with disabilities
Guided tour of the Jomon Archeological Site with students from the Hokkaido University of Education
Kimono wearing experience
Participation in the Hakodate Port Festival
Prosecutor's office and court visit
Soba making hosted by the Hakodate Rotary Club
Writing an article in Japanese for a local newspaper
etc.

Most of the culture classes and extra-curricular activities are scheduled in the afternoon on weekdays, and a few of them on weekend. They are run on a sign-up basis. If the number of people who sign up exceeds the maximum capacity, we use a lottery system to choose who can participate. Venues vary by classes or activities. If the venue is not HIF, participants are responsible for transportation fees to get there. A handout in English and/or a translator is available for some classes or activities, but not all of them.
All culture classes and extra-curricular activities are subject to change without notice.

日本語テーブル

日本語テーブル is a Japanese conversation table where participants can practice their Japanese with local people in Hakodate. Sometimes the 日本語テーブル time is devoted to making origami and playing Japanese games.

Books for Extensive Reading (多読)

A collection of Japanese books for extensive reading is available in the 多読 room.

Name:

John Geitner

University:

University of
Notre Dame

The HIF program was super fun and a great learning opportunity! Getting to meet so many new people who all share the same goal of ...
Name:

Marcella Houston

University:

University of
Michigan

There are lots of different ways to enjoy your study abroad and they're all valid! Lots of students choose to travel lots or visit lots of attractions ...
Name:

Helen Liu

University:

University of
Pennsylvania

HIF is extremely rewarding and truly a once-in-a-lifetime chance. I think it's easier to be integrated into a host family as a younger college student ...
Name:

Nicole Lu

University:

Emory University

I loved the HIF program! I was able to learn so much - not only the Japanese language but also the culture and background of people ...
Name:

Kaitlyn Milleret

University:

University of
Notre Dame

I'm very grateful I got the opportunity to stay in Hakodate since it's such an underrated part of Japan. My favorite part was visiting landmarks like ...
Name:

Sofia Pan Xian

University:

University of
Michigan

If you feel you are struggling to speak, this program will make sure you go back feeling confident. You'll be only speaking Japanese - during class ...
Name:

Julian Schempf

University:

University of
Kansas

It might be difficult, but you will have the experience of a lifetime, something you will cherish for years to come.