JCMU Japan Center: Intensive Japanese Language & Culture

6 recent reviews
  • Location(s): Hikone, Japan
  • Program Type(s): Study Abroad

Request Info

(For American Students)


A Program Rep. will contact you shortly after
For non-American students, please contact the program directly.

Or Register With Facebook

It will help you track your requests and only takes a second.

Experience life in Japan while immersing yourself in its culture! On this program, you can make Japan a part of your academic plan by studying abroad for the summer, fall, spring, or the entire academic year. Discover the historic city of Hikone, ... read more

All Reviews

OVERALL RATING 3.9
Based on 6 Reviews
Social/Cultural
Cost of Living
Academics
Housing
Food
Admin
Overall Experience
I learned to be more confident in myself, both when using Japanese and English. I am able to do presentations and talk to new people easily compared to before I went. - Albion College View Entire Review
It was completely worthwhile. I have made friends quicker in this program than before. I learned a lot about living on my own, as well as in a community. - Albion College View Entire Review
On top of the Japanese language skills I gained, I learned a ton about Japanese culture. JCMU's location in Shiga Prefecture was a scenic location with plenty of historical sites, and the area is close to Kyoto, Osaka, and Nagoya, meaning I could explore the country when I wasn't in class. It was an eye-opening experience, and t... - Michigan State University View Entire Review
I would pick a different program but i wouldnt change my experience in Japan. it was incredible to say the least. - Salem State College View Entire Review
Past Review Difficult Time
I met a few people who I still have a good friendship with, and i got to live in Japan for ~2 1/2 months. - Western Michigan University View Entire Review
I gained so much information about Japanese society, rural life, Japanese language and how the average family is run. It was more than worthwhile and an experience I will never be able to forget. - Michigan State University View Entire Review
A student studying abroad with Japan Center for Michigan Universities / JCMU: Hikone - Semester/Year Japanese Language & Culture
I definitely learned how to interact with people that have a different first language and don't quite understand English and its quirks. It was painful to have to lie about enjoying my time at the program there all the time, though. I personally wished I had just visited Japan instead of studying abroad, especially at this prog... - Oakland University View Entire Review

About


Experience life in Japan while immersing yourself in its culture!

On this program, you can make Japan a part of your academic plan by studying abroad for the summer, fall, spring, or the entire academic year. Discover the historic city of Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, right in the heart of Honshu (the main island of Japan). Built as a castle town during the early 1600s, Hikone retains much of its original charm. Spend your time visiting sites such as Hikone Castle, one of only twelve Japanese castles to remain in its original construction. After a day of sightseeing, head back to our campus directly on the shores of Lake Biwa, the largest freshwater lake in Japan and the third oldest lake in the entire world.

You have the choice of living either in the JCMU on-campus dorms or with a Japanese host family. The JCMU student dorms are designed for double occupancy with two private bedrooms and a shared kitchen, dining area and bathroom. If you are looking for a more immersive experience, JCMU arranges short and long-term homestays with local families based on family availability. Want to bolster your resume even more while you're abroad? Take advantage of the optional non-credit internships offered at JCMU and further acclimate yourself to the Hikone community (not available during the summer program).

Of course, the main goal of the intensive Japanese language program is to rapidly improve your Japanese language skills! While at JCMU, you will immerse yourself completely in Japanese language and culture. There are no language prerequisites, though: we offer beginner level courses all the way through advanced. You will get the chance to participate in a wide range of classroom activities, including practice with a Japanese student and sitting in on a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Through this, you will find that your ability to utilize Japanese on a day-to-day basis in Hikone will increase exponentially.

New friends, immersing yourself in a different culture, and a chance to explore one of the most scenic parts of Japan – what are you waiting for?

This program is offered in varying lengths throughout the academic year.  Click the links below for information on program details, application deadlines, program costs and more to find out which program is the best fit for you and your academic plan!

Summer Intensive Language (10 credits, 9 weeks)
Fall or Spring Semester (14-15 credits, 15 weeks)
Academic Year (24-30 credits, 32 weeks)


Program Type(s):
Study Abroad
Program Length(s):
  • Fall
  • Summer
  • Spring
  • Academic Year
Instruction Language(s):
  • Japanese
Relevant Study Subject(s):
  • Asian Studies
  • East Asian Studies
  • Japanese Studies
  • Foreign Languages and Literatures
  • East Asian Languages, Literature
  • Japanese Language, Literature
  • Cultural Studies
Minimum GPA:
2.5
Year Founded:
1989
Website
Take me there!

Statistics

Videos

Facebook