Japanese Language & Culture Course
for Foreign Students


ELIGIBILITY

Who can apply? This course is primarily geared for foreign senior high school students with an English speaking background, in particular students from New Zealand, Australia, England, USA, and Canada. Candidates must be between 16-18 years old, and enrolled in an SDA high school in their home country. Candidates must have a keen interest in the study of the Japanese language and culture, and be willing to integrate into a Japanese Christian high school environment.

VISA REQUIREMENTS

What are the visa requirements? Due to immigration laws and regulations, Saniku cannot accept foreign students for more than three months. All foreign students must enter Japan with a visitor's permit which is valid only for 90 days for nationals of New Zealand, Australia, England, USA, and Canada. Students must return to their home country before the 90 days are up.

ACADEMIC CALENDAR

What is the length of the study program? The course is designed for three months only. Students wishing to enroll in the course can choose to do so either for the spring quarter (April - end of June) or the fall quarter (September - end of November). However, regardless of the term chosen, students cannot stay more than three months, as the length of their stay is based upon their visa.

ENROLLMENT

How do I apply? All documentation for enrollment are in English and available in PDF files in the Admission section of Saniku's web site. Acceptance of students will be based upon the candidate's age, academic standing, character reference, finance, and space availability in the dormitory.

COST

How much are the fees? The total cost for the three month program is ¥330,600 Japanese Yen. For more details click here. To find out the cost in your currency click here.

HEALTH & ACCIDENT INSURANCE

What about insurance? It is advisable to have a medical and dental check before coming to Japan. In the case of necessary medical care at school, the Nursing Office will take the students to the nearest local medical facilities. We strongly recommend that you apply for a private travel, health & accident insurance policy valid for 90 days in your home country prior to coming to Japan, as health cost can be prohibitive without insurance.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

  • To give foreign students of high school age from other English speaking countries the opportunity to experience Japanese school life for three months, and study the Japanese language and culture.
  • To foster cultural exchange and diversity as well as long-lasting relationships between Saniku students and students from other cultural backgrounds.
  • To encourage a more open and positive attitude towards better international understanding and cooperation, develop a greater cultural awareness, and heighten the sense of responsibility as Christian citizens of the world.
  • To foster understanding and respect for those who hold different world views, and instill in students an appreciation of cultural diversity.

    COURSE CONTENT OUTLINE

    The course is divided into two sections: academic and cultural. In the academic section emphasis is put on the study of the Japanese language. Credits will be given for all core and elective subjects. The cultural section comprises extra-curricular school activities on and off campus. For a typical weekly time table click here.

    Section One: Academic

    Core Subjects
    Subjects taught in English by Japanese teachers
  • Japanese language (grammar, vocabulary & reading comprehension)
  • Japanese listening comprehension & oral communication
  • Japanese writing (Hiragana, Katakana, Kanji, Composition)
  • Japanese culture

    Elective Subjects (based on availability)
    Subjects taught in Japanese by Japanese teachers

  • Fine Arts
  • Calligraphy
  • Crafts
  • Music
  • P.E.

    Elective Subjects (based on availability)
    Subjects taught in English by native English speaking teachers

  • Geography
  • Bible
  • French
  • Christian Ethics

    Section Two: Cultural

    On campus extra-curricular activities

    Students will have the possibility to join any extra-curricular activities on campus such as sports clubs, brass band, and any activities held on campus organized by the school during the quarter, so they can fully mingle with Japanese students outside of the classroom in a more social setting.

    Off campus cultural and extra-curricular activities

    These cultural activities are especially organized for the foreign students studying at Saniku in the form of cultural trips, visiting places of cultural interest within Hiroshima prefecture. There will be one cultural trip per month to the following places:

  • Sankeien Garden, Peace Park, A-Bomb Museum, Hiroshima Castle, Mitaki Temple
  • Miyajima Island, Itsukushima Shrine
  • Setoda or Onomichi

    The purpose of these trips is to introduce the students to Japanese culture and history and give them a practical learning experience based on what they have studied in their culture class. These trips will take place on a given Sunday. Once a month students will also be able to go off campus for recreation purposes and to remove the stress of being campus bound, and enjoy what Japan has to offer in wholesome recreation, such as going to onsen, cycling, and shopping within the vicinity of the school.



    • (C) Hiroshima San-iku Gakuin 2001-