Z. M. (Griffith College Dublin)

I wanted to study in Japan for a long time and felt incredibly happy when I was accepted into the JLIC program. This program has been an amazing opportunity. It not only allowed me to improve my Japanese language skills at a much higher rate, but also provided me with many cultural experiences I wouldn't have had otherwise. From the beginning, the staff was extremely supportive and helped me whenever I needed it. The classes focused on providing us with practical skills that would let us use Japanese in real life. The teachers were very kind and interesting and the structure of the program allowed me to practice many different aspects of the language. The trips and activities were amazing and let me experience many different aspects of Japanese culture, like trying on a yukata, playing traditional Japanese instruments or participating in a yuzen-dyeing workshop. All the while, the program left us with enough free time to explore and experience life in Japan on our own. I will definitely never forget my stay in Japan. For any student considering participating in the JLIC program, I would wholeheartedly recommend that they apply. The JLIC program is not only a great way to improve your language skills but also an excellent opportunity to experience Japan and make new friends from across the globe.

D. R. (Leiden University)

Visiting Japan has been my dream for a long time. And thanks to this program I was able to fulfill that wish. Though it has been challenging, I can feel that my Japanese skills have increased in the month I spent here. The teachers were kind and really knew how to teach effectively. The activities are also an amazing addition to the program. The opportunity to play the koto or make wagashi made for great memories. The program also offers short trips to various unique places. The visits to the temples will remain an unforgettable experience. As well, the Yuzen dyeing or Shippo-yaki made for beautiful souvenirs and were an interesting look into traditional Japanese culture. Everyone I met thanks to this program, whether a participant or student, has been very nice. Hanging out with everyone has been a joy. Spending time with the Japanese students has also made me more confident in speaking the language. I would like to thank all the people that made this month unforgettable. This includes the students that showed me new and amazing places and the other participants who helped with learning Japanese. They were wonderful people to hang out with. The program staff also deserves thanks for organizing such a good program. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in learning Japanese and would like to spend some time in Kyoto.

R. M. (Florida Atlantic University)

I attended both terms of the JLIC, and it was one of the best decisions I could have made during my time in college. I was able to boost my Japanese learning tenfold as the classes, though not too difficult in workload, truly helped me to immerse myself within the language. I now feel completely comfortable holding a conversation in Japanese, which is a truly surprising development compared to where I was before. True to the program, I was immersed in both the Japanese language as well as culture through the various field trip experiences and club visits. My favorite from those was the "Aizome", or Indigo Dyeing experience, where we got to dye clothes and fabrics using the aizome methods! Above else, the friendships I made there with the other participants and Japanese students are ones that will remain even after the program has ended. I highly encourage you to try this program—I promise you, it will be one of your best experiences!