Japan
Kwansei Gakuin University – Intensive Japanese Language & Culture Study Program
Application deadline: April 4, 2026
Program dates: July 14 – August 6, 2026
The Center for Japanese Language Education at Kwansei Gakuin University (KGU) welcomes students from our partner institutions to join the Intensive Japanese Language and Culture Study Program every summer and winter.
This is a three-week program designed for those who wish to improve their communication skills in the Japanese language while increasing their understanding of Japanese culture through a variety of activities. There are three different levels for Japanese language classes, Beginner, Elementary, and Intermediate, offering an interactive approach through lessons with KGU students who will support international students in classes.
The program will not only focus on language studies. We offer a variety of cultural learning opportunities – in addition to the regular language classes, students will also be able to engage with Japanese culture through participation in Japanese Culture Study classes, traditional arts, and other cultural activities, including a field trip to a historically rich place like Kyoto.
This is a great opportunity for you to add a global experience to your studies. Come and join us to learn more about Japan with people from all over the world!
Japanese Language Course
Course Level
Beginner
Prerequisite skills and other requirements:
- Students must be able to read Hiragana and Katakana (self-taught is also acceptable).
- Basic communication ability in English is required for students with no previous experience with the Japanese language.
Elementary
Prerequisite skills and other requirements:
- More than 150 hours of Japanese language studies (self-taught is also acceptable).
Intermediate
Prerequisite skills and other requirements:
- Japanese language studies at a level higher than Elementary (self-taught is also acceptable).
Kwansei Gakuin University – Summer School 2026
City: Nishinomiya
Application deadline: March 21, 2026
Program dates: June 9 – July 11, 2026
The KGU Summer School is a joint program run by Kwansei Gakuin University (KGU) and selected partner institutions.
This 5-week program offers “East Asian Study” track – students can select courses that suit thier interest, allowing them to study a variety of topics related to Japan and East Asia along with KGU students.
Courses in the East Asian Study track are taught by KGU faculty member and visiting professors from partner institutions covering a wide range of topics such as politics, international relations, history, cross-cultural psychology, business, economics and more.
Students participating in this program will benefit greatly, not only from the academic values, but also from the cultural exchange experience.
Come and join us this summer, and be inspired by people you will meet from all over the world and create lasting memories at KGU!
Course Information
Group A
- Contemporary Japanese and American Politics and Society
Credits: 3 credits / Offered by: Southern Methodist University - Women, Gender, and Sexuality in Asian History
Credits: 3 credits / Offered by: Nazareth University - Walking in Japan: A Study in Urban Design
Credits: 3 credits / Offered by: Presbyterian College
Group B
- Humanity and Global Environmental Change
Credits: 3 credits / Offered by: Southern Methodist University - Japan-U.S. Media and Pop Culture Remix: Special topics in
Communication and Media Studies
Credits: 3 credits / Offered by: Stetson University - Japanese Economy and Business
Credits: 3 credits / Offered by: Kwansei Gakuin University