Spotlights
Report: “Doshisha Summer Session 2026”
The Center for Global Education and Japanese Studies(CGJ) hosted“Doshisha Summer Session 2026” for four weeks, from July 6, 2026 to August 5. This year, there were 18 participants from Uzbekistan, Russia, France, United States, United Kingdom, Korea, China, Hongkong, Taiwan, Japan, and Malaysia.
Gion festival
The Japanese language classes were divided into two levels, and lessons were conducted in the areas of grammar, reading comprehension, and oral expression. In addition, in the course "Traditional culture and daily life in Kyoto," eleven guest speakers were invited to give lectures about Kyoto’s traditional culture, such as the Gion Festival and Nishijin weaving. The participants also participated in hands-on cultural experiences, including tea ceremony, Aikido, Noh, Zen meditation, Kimono, Ancient Characters Art, Japanese food making, and Eco Craft Workshop (creating new things from Nishijin weaving scraps) through lectures and hands-on workshops led by experts, gaining broad exposure to Japanese culture and daily life.
During the period, more than 40 students from both Doshisha University and Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts participated in classes as volunteer study partners, joining in conversation practice and other activities.
Participants and study partners formed small groups and planned activities to undertake together during their stay in Japan, such as learning how to make ohagi, hiking to Kibune, and enjoying a takoyaki party together.
These activities took place outside class hours and led to active interaction among participants.
On the final day, each participant selected topics of interest and gave presentations in Japanese followed by a discussion with study partners. It was a valuable opportunity to reflect on what we learned over the past four weeks in a friendly atmosphere.
We received positive feedback from the participants. All participants said they would recommend the program to their friends and juniors, and could achieve their goals for participating in the program. Also 87% of the students expressed an interest in studying abroad at Doshisha University.
Participants commented that they appreciated the teaching approach of improving Japanese language skills by using previously learned grammar and expressions in real-life situations. They also noted that the hands-on traditional culture classes allowed them not only to gain knowledge but also to deepen their understanding of the values and spirit behind the culture. In addition, they remarked that their study partners were always supportive, enabling them to learn without feeling any language barriers.
During the four-week program, participants enhanced their practical Japanese language proficiency, deepened their understanding of traditional Japanese culture, and actively engaged in exchanges with Japanese people. Through various academic and cultural activities, they acquired valuable knowledge and insights. Participant feedback included comments such as, “I enjoyed every moment and wished the program would not end,” and “I would recommend this program to international students who are interested in Japan,” indicating that the program provided a highly meaningful and enriching experience for participants.
This year, 36 applications were received for the 20 available places, highlighting the considerable interest in the Summer Session. Drawing on the outcomes of this year's program and participant feedback, we will continue our efforts to further improve the program and provide an even more enriching experience in which each participant can fully engage in learning and cross-cultural exchange.
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Office of the Center for Global Education and Japanese Studies Telephone : +81-75-251-3240
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