Programs
Index
Thorough Japanese language learning
- The program consists of basic and comprehensive Japanese language learning, purpose-specific learning tailored to academic goals, and individualized learning.
- We offer classes tailored to each student's level and goals.
- Conversation practice with Japanese students as class guests and Japanese tutors.
- The learning process is tailored to the students' goals and their level of Japanese language proficiency, in consultation with the instructors.
Course Introduction
| Course name |
Overview |
|---|---|
| Graduate School Preparation Course |
This course is designed for international students who wish to enter graduate school, enabling them to acquire the necessary Japanese language skills and specialized knowledge for their studies at the graduate level. |
| University Transfer Course |
This course is designed for international students who wish to transfer to a university in their third year, enabling them to acquire the Japanese language skills necessary for their studies in their third and fourth years, and to learn the required specialized knowledge. |
| University entrance course |
This course is designed for international students who wish to enter university in their first year, aiming to acquire Japanese language proficiency and other academic skills at the university entrance examination level, as well as to achieve high scores on the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) or pass the N1 level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). |
| Special Course in Japanese Language Learning |
This is a short-term study abroad program for Japanese language learning for research purposes in Japan, for students currently enrolled in a university or graduate school. (A research plan must be submitted separately.) |
About the classes
J. F. Oberlin University Institute for Japanese Language and Culture (Institute for Japanese Language and Culture) leverages the characteristics of a university educational institution to systematically develop the Japanese skills necessary for studying at Japanese universities and graduate schools. We provide step-by-step, practical Japanese education so that international students can smoothly start their study abroad life in Japan and be able to prepare thoroughly for their studies after further education.
Classes are divided into levels based on students' Japanese language proficiency, determined by a placement test administered at the start of each spring and fall semester. This allows students to learn at a level appropriate to their abilities, from beginner-intermediate (equivalent to A2) to advanced (equivalent to C1).
Institute for Japanese Language and Culture aims to develop advanced language skills required for your university destination through classes such as Japanese Proficiency Test (JLPT) preparation and academic Japanese. Additionally, the "Tutorial" provides individualized guidance for each student's university and major to support their goal achievement.
Furthermore, students from J. F. Oberlin University and graduate schools participate as class guests, providing opportunities for students from special courses to learn while interacting with Japanese students. Through actual conversations and collaborative activities, you can develop natural communication skills.
Each class session (100 minutes) equals one credit. A minimum of 13 credits must be earned each semester.
Classes are generally held five days a week (Monday to Friday), and are conducted on a semester system (two terms per year), consisting of a spring semester and a fall semester.
Example of a timetable
Course subjects and registration methods
Students take classes at a level determined by a placement test (level assessment test) conducted at the beginning of the semester. If certain conditions are met, such as Japanese language proficiency, it is possible to take specialized courses in the undergraduate program (consultation with the academic affairs director is required).
Overview of Main Subjects
| Subject name |
Class Name |
Class content |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese language practice and written expression |
Class I (Beginner/Intermediate): A2 equivalent) |
This course aims to help you acquire the basic Japanese language skills necessary for everyday interactions. You will practice understanding simple explanations and expressing yourself concisely on familiar and personal topics. The goal is to build a solid foundation of Japanese language skills necessary for university studies. |
| Class II (Intermediate: B1 equivalent) |
This course focuses on developing the ability to speak, explain, and express opinions in a structured manner, primarily using Japanese as it is used in daily life. We will practice expanding vocabulary and expressions to enable coherent speech. | |
| III Class (Intermediate/Advanced): B2 equivalent) |
With an eye towards university and graduate school, this program cultivates the ability to logically express opinions, including background and reasons, on social and abstract topics, and to explain one's own position in response to others' opinions. | |
| Class IV (Advanced: (equivalent to C1) |
This program aims to cultivate the ability to understand more advanced, specialized, and abstract content and to logically express one's own ideas with supporting evidence, in preparation for university and graduate school. Through academic activities such as discussions, presentations, and report writing, students will further develop their advanced language proficiency. | |
| Japanese (Academic) Japanese) (Elective subjects) |
I (Level guideline: B1〜B2） |
This program is primarily designed for students aiming to enter a bachelor's program in their first year, and focuses on developing the fundamental academic skills necessary for entrance exams and university lectures. It cultivates abilities such as structuring opinion pieces and reports, organizing and summarizing information, and giving simple presentations. |
| II (Level guideline: B2〜C1） |
This course is primarily aimed at students preparing to transfer to university, and covers intermediate to upper-intermediate level academic Japanese for understanding and communicating content in their specialized fields. Through reading specialized texts, explaining diagrams and charts, and practicing presentations, students will enhance the language skills necessary for university studies. | |
| Maid (Level guideline: C1〜） |
This program is designed for students aiming to enter graduate school and focuses on developing advanced skills in expressing logical and critical thinking in Japanese, primarily through research proposal writing, oral presentations, and discussions. | |
| Japanese Language Practice (by Skill) (Exam preparation class) (Elective subjects) |
Preparation for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N1 | |
| Preparation for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N2 | ||
| tutorial |
First year and Transfer preparation class |
We provide individualized guidance to help each student create their own study plan and prepare autonomously to achieve their academic goals. We offer meticulous support and guidance tailored to each student's individual objectives. |
| Graduate school preparation class |
||
| Other elective subjects |
- |
A variety of courses are offered, including "Advanced Grammar" for advanced-level students, and courses that address current events and social issues such as "Contemporary Society" and "Learning about Modern Japan through the News." Additionally, if certain conditions are met, it is possible to take J. F. Oberlin University undergraduate or regular graduate courses. |
Learning environment
You can use the same facilities as undergraduate students, such as the library and study spaces.
Inquiries regarding Institute for Japanese Language and Culture
Shinjuku Campus Office (Institute for Japanese Language and Culture Contact)
- address
- 3-23-1 Hyakunincho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0073
- TEL
- 03-3366-0232 (Weekdays 9:00-17:00)
- rywx@obirin.ac.jp