Program Description

2017 Participants

Matthew Donley

University of Michigan

HIF is an outstanding program that offers not just instruction in the Japanese language, but it also serves as a gateway into Japanese culture through its cultural events and homestay. Through its countless opportunities to engage other people in Japanese through experiential learning, I highly recommend this program for anyone seeking to improve their Japanese abilities.

Clarissa Krisnawan

University of Washington

There are various activities, you can enjoy at HIF. You can also discover the beauty of Hakodate City along with friends as well as your host family. I love HIF program because it gave me the chance to travel to Japan for the first time. Be ready to have a lot of fun, make a lot of awesome friends, and face the challenges.

Alexander La Forest

University of Notre Dame

The HIF Japanese Language and Japanese Culture Program is worth every penny. Not only do you learn a lot in class, but also outside of it doing homestay and through interaction with local people, whether it be at a cultural activity or just around them at stores and restaurats. There are countless things to be done in Hakodate alone. Advice: DO NOT worry only about studying. You will improve. Take time to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Matthew Li

Ursinus College

I honestly can’t believe that it’s only been two months. Within this time, my Japanese isn’t the only thing that’s changed. Despite having plenty of experience in international study, I’ve still found myself in difficult or surprising situations, and that’s helped me grow as a person and as a member of an international society. But most importantly, my thoughts, hopes, and heart have also changed drastically, and that’s good. This program will help you blossom, and discover things that you never knew about yourself. And yeah, it’s a bit scary, but don’t worry. Everything will be fine.

Alex Prosi

University of Michigan

HIF truly excels in providing opportunities for its students wherever they need or want them. Through the program, I found myself busy almost every day with fun and engaging activities that helped me both improve my Japanese skills and grow as a person. The staff were always available and engaging, encouraging each student to always do more which really helped me push myself to where I wanted to be.

Griffin Roth

University of Chicago

HIF was a lot of fun and very educational, from both a language and a cultural standpoint. If you’re interested in homestay, it’s a very good program!

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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:
    Dabbour, Jawad
    University:
    Franklin & Marshall
    College

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

  • 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 ... more

  • 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. 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:
    Randy Tran
    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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