Comments from Alumni | HIF Japanese Language and Japanese Culture Program

2016 Participants

Jason Alexander

Colgate University

I am exceedingly grateful for the opportunity to learn in a close-knit community of 62 passionate students, energetic faculty and staff, and Hakodate’s supportive population. For newcomers to Japan and returning students alike, there was much to learn inside and outside of class—8 weeks was barely enough time to fit in all I wanted to do! Just like somehow having the energy to dance up and down to the Squid Dance hundreds of times with local students at Hakodate’s port festival, everyone’s spirit through it the busy weeks has been impressive. Thank you!

Molly Felner

University of Michigan

A rigorous program in a very beautiful location. You will be surprised at how quickly your Japanese will improve. There are many scheduled events that will give you a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and give you an opportunity to participate in fun activities. Hakodate is a great city to study in; the scenery is very beautiful and the food is fantastic. In addition, living with a host family is a great experience. I made friends I hope to keep in contact with for a long time.

Shayan Golafshani

University of Michigan

The friends I’ve made and the experiences I’ve had here at HIF have been incredible. I’ve grown a lot as a person and I’ve learned a lot of Japanese. The people of Hakodate are very kind and it’s a great place to explore the depth of your own mind in Japanese.

Carl Huang

University of Virginia

Best summer experience I have ever had. The instructors are highly professional and experienced. The classes are well-organized and intensive. For graduated students, I highly recommend using the independent study to explore your research interests in Hakodate and Hokkaido in general.

Qingya Liu

University of Michigan

Attending HIF is probably one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. At school, all the staff members and instructors have been extremely helpful and dedicated. My fellow classmates were amazing too. But besides learning the language and gaining friendship, thanks to the different cultural events and homestay, I was able to go out of my comfort zone and experience a part of the Japanese culture that is usually not available from the media. This is definitely a summer I will forever cherish.

Genevieve Simmons

Yale University

Not only was Hakodate a beautiful city to explore and live in, the program’s pace and methodology was the perfect amount of challenging and stimulating. My host family pairing also couldn’t have been better!

Kieren Weisert

Columbia University

This was my first time out of states and I have to tell you that this is a program you need to want every day but also a program that you will grow to want every day. No diminishing returns. I walk an hour to class every day and I don’t even feel it because as previously noted by the Japan Times, this is the #1 tourist destination in Japan! So, in short, get here, eat Melon Pan, go to class, participate in everything, and squid dance your heart out!

Colton Wetzel

Elizabethtown University

I will say HIF has been the best experience of my life. It has something for everyone. I wasn’t much for doing culture classes as I lived far away, but every day I was able to meet the amazing people of Hokkaido and increase not only my Japanese skill, but my appreciation of their culture. Thank you HIF.

More Comments

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.