It’s critical to understand that people study languages for a variety of reasons and come to the learning experience at different proficiency levels.

Join us for a summer in the Japanese School, where we provide the resources and support systems to engage you at your present level, while propelling you on to the next. As you work, you are supported by an enthusiastic community of motivated learners—your peers. “We’ve created an atmosphere in which students from different levels feel comfortable communicating with each other,” says Japanese School Director Kazumi Hatasa. “This mutual understanding and support gives them the freedom to speak up, ask questions, and help each other learn.”

Year after year, we bring together teachers from the world’s top universities; working with a teacher-to-student ratio that is among the lowest in academia, they will challenge and encourage you, giving you the tools you need to dramatically improve your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Outside of the classroom, you’ll practice those skills in a variety of cocurricular activities, from tea ceremonies to karaoke. The Language Pledge® will have you “living the language” in every great and small moment of your day, and dramatic language breakthroughs are as likely to happen during mealtimes as they are in class.

This summer, immerse yourself in Japanese language and culture. Whether you’re anticipating travel abroad, preparing to teach Japanese, doing graduate research, or even exploring the popular culture of contemporary Japan, the keys to linguistic success will be at your fingertips.

• Applicants to the Japanese School are eligible to apply for the  Kathryn Davis Fellowships for Peace: Investing in the Study of Critical Languages. These fellowships cover the full cost of the program plus a stipend for program related expenses.