Summer Session (Japanese Language and Cultural Studies)
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.
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.
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 they learned over the past four weeks.
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.
Participant feedback included comments such as, “I enjoyed every moment and wished the program 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.
We values the achievements of this year's program and participant feedback and will continue striving to provide an even more enriching program where every participant can enjoy learning and intercultural exchange.
Doshisha University Summer Session 2026 (A short-term Program on site)
The Center for Global Education and Japanese Studies at Doshisha University offers a program called “Summer Session”. It is a short-term program to study Japanese language and culture.
Participants will study Japanese intensively in small classes with experienced instructors. In addition, they will deepen their understanding of Japanese culture and society through lectures on Japanese culture and variety of cultural activities.
Doshisha volunteer students will participate in classes as study partners to support your Japanese language study.
Why don't you study in Kyoto, the center of Japanese culture, with students from all over the world? Looking forward to a lot of application!
- Application Information for Summer Session 2026
Requirements
- Students who are enrolled in undergraduate or graduate school, or those who have graduated from college or university.
- Japanese Language proficiency level：Pre intermediate to Pre-advanced （JLPT N4 to N2 or equivalent）
※ Elementary and advanced (JLPT N1 equivalent) learners are not applicable to this program.
- Able to obtain a visa for their stay on their own if they need one.
※ Applications from overseas are also welcomed.
Program Period
July 6th (Mon) – August 5th (Wed), 2026
Program Fees
250,000 JPY
Capacity
20 (Minimum number of participants:10)
Application Period
Application Instructions
- Apply online at the URL or QR code below.Doshisha University 2026 Summer Session Application Form
※ When you apply, the following documents must be uploaded;1) Photocopy of passport (page with photo)
2) Motivation Letter and Letter of Consent
- Admission Results (Late March)
- Payment: Registration is complete upon payment of program fee.
[Payment period of program fees]
Early April
| Contact |
Office of the Center for Global Education and Japanese Studies E-mail：ji-nbn@mail.doshisha.ac.jp |
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