Program Description

Rikkyo University presents the Short-Term Intensive Japanese Program. With more than 35 years of experience in teaching Japanese as a foreign language, Rikkyo University established the Center for Japanese Language Education (CJLE) in 2011. The Center has supported hundreds of international students in their pursuit of Japanese language abilities and Japanese cultural knowledge. For students who wish to enhance their Japanese language skills and experience the Japanese culture, the CJLE offers a unique learning opportunity.

Starting from AY2025, the program will be renewed and offered twice a year, in summer and winter, on Ikebukuro campus, Tokyo.

Course Description

The program runs for around 2 weeks from Monday to Friday. The entire program consists of about 46 hours of Japanese classes including cultural activities.

In both the Summer and the Winter program, “Beginner” and “Elementary” level classes will be held. The program is especially suitable for the introductory level learners who have no or little experience in learning Japanese or students who have learned Japanese for approximately one year and are at JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) N4/N5 level. For more details please refer to “Japanese Language Course” below.

In addition, some optional social events will be offered and there will be ample opportunity to interact with Rikkyo local students.

Upon successfully completing the program, participants will be issued a certificate of completion and an official transcript.

Japanese Language Course

Beginner Class

This class is for students who have little or no experience of learning Japanese. The aim of this class is to acquire survival Japanese expressions and vocabulary which are necessary for everyday life. For example, the class provides situations and topics that students encounter in Japan such as greeting, shopping, asking for directions or talking to Japanese friends. At the end of the course, students will be able to talk and get necessary information with limited vocabulary and grammar. In addition, they will be able to read and write hiragana/katakana letters.

Elementary Class

This class is for students who have learned Japanese for approximately one year, and who are at JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) N4/N5 level. The aim of this class is to brush up grammar and vocabulary already learned and to improve their Japanese language skills. At the end of the course, students will be able to communicate with Japanese speakers at a basic level and give a simple presentation in Japanese.

Assessment

About Rikkyo University

Founded in 1874 by an American missionary, Rikkyo University is one of the oldest and major private universities in Japan and boasts 11 undergraduate colleges and 15 graduate schools. Rikkyo has two campuses, one in Ikebukuro (Tokyo) and one in Niiza (Saitama) and a student population over 20,000 students. Rikkyo University has long history of excellence in education and research, which has earned Rikkyo a reputation as a premier educational institution, due to the substantial investment in state of the art information technology and teaching facilities.

FAQ

Academics

Q1.Are there classes that suit the level of my Japanese language proficiency?

A1.The program is especially suitable for the introductory level learners who have no or little experience in learning Japanese or students who have learned Japanese for approximately one year and are at JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) N4/N5 level.

Q2.Is it really possible to increase my Japanese proficiency level in only a few weeks?

A2.During the program, there is ample opportunity to interact with Rikkyo University students. If you take advantage of these opportunities, it is certainly possible to improve both the accuracy and fluency of your Japanese even in a few weeks.

Q3.What kind of teachers handle the Japanese language courses?

A3.Japanese language courses are headed by experienced teachers from our faculty.

Q4.Will I receive credits or a certificate of completion?

A4.A certificate of completion will be awarded at the completion ceremony on the final day. As for credits, once your grades have been finalized, a transcript will be sent to your home university.

Student Life

Q5.Where will I be staying?

A5.All students will stay in a single room at the designated hotel near Ikebukuro campus for the duration of the program. Ikebukuro campus is conveniently located near supermarkets, convenience stores, restaurants, and other facilities.

Q6.What do I need to bring?

A6.The hotel has the basic amenities such as towels, soap, shampoo and hair conditioner at your disposal. The detailed information about the accommodation will be sent to you in advance. Any electronic equipment you bring may not work with the Japanese power grid, so bring adapters or transformers as necessary.
In addition, please bring your own laptop or/and tablet because it is necessary for your Japanese classes.
If there are any other things that you are required to bring for your program, you will be separately informed.

Q7.What facilities are available at Rikkyo University?

A7.With the student ID that will be issued to you, you can have the access to the library. Furthermore, after attending orientation you will be able to use the training gym.

Q8.I have some dietary restrictions. Will this be a problem?

A8.We will ask that you list your dietary restrictions on your application form so that we can assess your situation.

Q9.Can I access the Wi-Fi on campus?

A9.A V-campus ID and a password will be provided to you along with your student ID. With these, you can log in to the Wi-Fi network on campus.

Q10.Is it possible to go sightseeing on the weekends?

A10.Fundamentally you are free to do anything you want on the weekends.

Q11.Is it possible NOT to stay at the designated accommodation during the program?

A11.During the program, you basically have to stay at the designated accommodation, but you are allowed to stay out of the designated accommodation overnight on Friday and Saturday nights if you submit the overnight stay form to the CJLE office on weekdays. You are not allowed to stay somewhere else overnight on other nights.

Q12.Is it possible to arrive in Japan before the program starts, or to stay after the program ends?

A12.Yes, it is. However, you must arrange for and fund your extra stay in Japan, including your lodgings, insurance etc., by yourself. Please plan accordingly.

Q13.I need a visa to enter Japan. What is the procedure to apply for a visa?

A13.Rikkyo University will prepare and send you the documents you need for the visa application, which are Letter of Reason for Invitation, Letter of Guarantee, Travel Itinerary and Flier of Short-Term Intensive Japanese Program once you are admitted to the program and the payment of the program fee is confirmed. We will send you the documents early enough for you to apply for and acquire the visa before the program, so you do not have to worry about it.