JASC’s Rikai | 理解 Scholarship for studying abroad

The application period opens in early spring and is due by May. This scholarship will help fund travel and/or living expenses for a study-abroad program in Japan through an accredited higher education program.

japan cup

If you are a middle, high, or college-level student studying Japanese try your luck at our annual Japanese language competition. New in 2024, we will have an online grammar study guide available for students to reach their max potential!

Passport to Japan

Try JASC’s 8-week beginner Japanese course before you head off to your first trip to Japan. Learn phrases, and mannerisms, and even try your hands at some Japanese crafts. Taught by Junko-Sensei, you are bound to have a great time! Members get a discount.

Japan in the Schools

Bring a sample of Japanese culture and experiences to your or your child’s classroom for free. Lesson plans can be created jointly to ensure a fun and educational experience tailored to each classroom.

jasc kaiwa club | 会話クラブ

A local (and free!) space for you to practice your Japanese with other fellow enthusiasts!

Yamagata study abroad

Being a member of JASC and a Colorado sister city, Yamagata prefecture provides an immersive experience of traditional Japanese history and culture through sightseeing, events, hot springs, and nature. The region offers a wide range of fields at 5 different universities.

-These programs are not specifically endorsed by JASC -

SBC HIMEJI JAPANESE LANGUAGE ACADEMY

Located in Himeji City, home of the world-famous Himeji Castle, students from more than 10 countries study Japanese. In addition to regular classes, the school offers preparatory classes for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), which is required for higher education. In terms of daily life, the program provides assistance with procedures at the city hall, utility bills, daily living assistance, and job placement assistance. In addition, Himeji City is one of the safest and most livable cities in Japan, so you can enjoy your life in Japan with peace of mind.

Temple University Japan Campus (TUJ)

Temple University has been a long-time supporter of JASC’s educational programs. Temple University, Japan Campus (TUJ) is the oldest and largest foreign university located in Tokyo, Japan. Founded in 1982, TUJ has developed into a nationally recognized institution offering an extensive range of educational programs for students preparing to enter college all the way to med-school preparation. You’ll find something fit for you.

• Learn in Yamagata

• Live in Yamagata

• Work in Yamagata

• Balanced Learning : Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing

• Courses range from beginner to the most advanced levels of the JLPT and EJU

• Further education guidance and orientation support

• Contact

• Undergraduate Programs

• Graduate programs (Arts, business, law, music, education, engineering, science, & more.)

• Continuing education (incl. non-degree & summer high school programs)

International University of Japan

Founded in 1982 this graduate school welcomes students from over 70 countries into its 1 or 2-year programs. Coursework is offered in English and utilizes Western-style teaching methods. IUJ offers a variety of scholarships, career support, and a very strong elective Japanese language program.IUJ is located in Niigata Prefecture.

Graduate Programs

• International Relations

• Management

• Public Policy

PhD Program

• Economics/Public Mgmt/Int’l Relations

akita international university (AIU) 秋田国際大学

Established in 2004, AIU has quickly become a popular university for both Japanese and non-Japanese students. AIU is known for offering both bachelor's and master's degrees in English. Students can join one of 48 clubs and over 88% choose on-campus housing for a complete immersion experience.

• Undergraduate

• Graduate

• Non-degree/Exchange

• Intensive Japanese Summer Program

The Naganuma School

The Naganuma School is located in Shibuya, Tokyo with approximately 600 students and 100 teachers representing about 50 countries. Founded in 1948 by Naoe Naganuma, the school is a highly regarded institution for Japanese language study as its teaching methods were originally developed to instruct US Embassy diplomats following WWI. Therefore students will find many language development options that will align with their educational and career goals.

• Japanese University Preparation

• Japanese Immersion

• JLPT Preparation

• Business Japanese

• Private Lessons

John Manjiro-Whitfield Commemorative Center for International Exchange:

Japan-America Grassroots Summit

The Japan-America Grassroots Summit is an annual large-scale meeting of Japanese and American citizens, held each year alternating between Japan and America. Guests and hosts will create meaningful memories together in the spirit of omotenashi (uninhibited hospitality and friendship) between both countries. The summit celebrates the historic friendship between Nakahama Manjiro and Captain William Whitfield. Read their story here.

3-day Homestay Program

• No limits on age or Japanese ability

• Limited to first 100 registrants

• Contact Info

  • manjiro@manjiro.or.jp

  • 202-429-5545

University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC)

USAC is a non-profit dedicated to providing affordable, academically rigorous, and enriching cross-cultural study abroad programs to undergraduate and graduate students. USAC also offers over 20 scholarships awarding over 2 million dollars to students for USAC programs. USAC offers over 50 programs in 25+ countries for all majors in summer, semester, or yearlong programs. Feel free to email former JET alumni, Caroline Anderson for questions or to hear about her study abroad experience with USAC in Japan! caroline.anderson@usac.edu

• Japan Study abroad programs (Short-term, semester, or year-long)

• USAC Scholarships and Discounts (USAC study abroad programs)

• External Study Abroad scholarships

• Can I afford study abroad? Yes!

 Ayusa by Intrax

Ayusa was established in San Francisco in 1980 and in Tokyo in 1985 and has been organizing study-abroad opportunities for young language and culture learners ever since. They offer summer, semester, and year-long programs. Click HERE for a brief video introducing the highlights of the Summer Camp in Japan program.

Study Abroad Programs

• Summer Camp for High school students

  • No JPN ability req.

• Study Abroad for High school students -

  • Min. 2 years Japanese Language

  • 2.5 GPA or higher

International Christian University (ICU)

Located in Musashino district in Tokyo, ICU has a strong focus on creating internationally minded individuals that appreciate values from different nations, races, and cultures. Students will benefit from not only a bilingual (JPN/ENG) education but the focus on becoming part of a global society requires students to also develop proficiency in a third language.

• Undergraduate/Graduate

  • Over 30 majors available (Arts, Music, Literature, Economics, Business, Law, Public policy, International Relations, Media, and more!

• Scholarship info

Sendagaya Japanese Institute (SJI)

Established in 1975, SJI offers a wide variety of courses designed to meet the different learning needs and goals of its students. They offer the Everyday Course (short-term), Summer Course with cultural activities, Business Japanese Course, JLPT Prep Course, etc. Their campus is located in Tokyo. For more information see their School Information Booklet or visit their website.

• Japanese Language Classes that help prepare students for

  • Japanese Graduate Schools

  • Japanese Vocational Schools

  • Japanese Universities

• Scholarship info

Human Academy Japanese Language School

Founded in 1985, they now have campuses in Osaka, Tokyo, and Saga. Human Academy’s main role is to support foreign students from over 40 countries who are preparing to enter Japanese universities.

Programs

• Japanese language Study abroad (3/6/9/12 month program)

• Online

• Job Hunting

• Japanese University Preparation

japan exchange and teaching program (JET)

JET is a competitive employment opportunity that allows young professionals to live and work in cities, towns, and villages throughout Japan. While on JET many attendees attend online or local Japanese classes. Questions? Connect with local JET alumni via the JET Alumni Association Rocky Mountain chapter website.

Positions on JET

• Assistant Language Teacher

• Coordinator for Int’l Relations

• Sport Exchange Advisor

university of northern colorado

Located in Greeley, Colorado, UNC also offers a specialized program that combines Japanese language and cultural studies with teacher preparation courses. It equips students with the necessary skills to become qualified K-12 Japanese language educators. With a comprehensive curriculum and a focus on practical teaching skills, UNC provides a valuable pathway for aspiring Japanese teachers within the broader Asian Studies program.

Programs

• B.A. in Asian Studies: K-12 Japanese Teaching Emphasis

• Minor in Japanese

Red rocks community college

Located in Lakewood, Colorado. Although unassuming, RRCC has consistently produced competitors for JASC’s Japan Cup Language competition. Students can take up to four years of Japanese study including a conversation class.

Non-Degree seeking

• Japanese

University of Colorado at Boulder

Located in Boulder, Colorado, CU Boulder not only offers Japanese classes, but also offers a robust collection of Japanese language study topics including Medieval Literature, Modern Japanese Literature, classical Japanese, Japanese for Sinologists, and more. CU Boulder also has a Japanese Student Association (JSA) that helps connect students interested or learning Japanese with study-abroad students from Japan.

Undergraduate Programs

• Major / Minor in Japanese

Graduate Programs

• MA / PhD in Asian Languages and Civilization - Japanese

University of Denver

Located in Denver, Colorado, DU offers a Japanese minor in the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. Students can participate in the Japanese club on the DU campus and later consider study abroad semester or year-long programs through the study abroad office.

• Minor in Japanese

Colorado state university

Located in Fort Collins, Colorado, students can minor in Japanese in the College of Liberal Arts. CSU also has a Japan club where students can even connect with inbound study-abroad students from Japan.

• Minor in Japanese

Colorado college

Colorado College is a renowned liberal arts institution located in Colorado Springs. With its diverse academic programs, one notable offering is its Minor in Japanese, allowing students to explore the rich language, culture, and traditions of Japan.

• Minor in Japanese

Metropolitan state university of denver

MSU Denver is a dynamic urban university located in downtown Denver, offering a B.A. in Japanese and a teacher licensure program with a concentration in Japanese. These programs equip students with valuable language proficiency and cultural understanding, preparing them for diverse career paths in an interconnected world.

Programs

• B.A. in Japanese

• Minor in Japanese

• Teacher Licensure: Japanese concentration

• Scholarships

University of Colorado, colorado springs

• Minor in Japanese

ARAPAHOE Community college

Non-degree seeking

• Japanese

Japanese Academy of the Rockies

Email main@japaneseacademyoftherockies.org for more info.

Japanese School of Denver

Following Japanese Ministry of Education Standards, offers weekly Sunday classes for grade levels 1-9. Students must be able to have a basic conversation level to attend.

Colorado Japanese School

Offers weekly Saturday classes for grade levels 1-9. Also offers High school-level thesis classes. Requires interview in Japanese before enrollment.

Denver Center for International Studies

• Middle School Course offering

• High School Course offering

Keio Academy of New York

Located in Purchase, NY (30 miles north of NYC), this bilingual curriculum high school accepts about 230 students a year. With over 52 classroom teachers available the average class size is about 15. Students have a well-structured educational program supported by on-campus resident life. To that effect the school boasts 100% college enrollment.

east high school

Offers Japanese courses from Levels 1 - 4 as well as Community College Concurrent Enrollment.

Course Catalogue 2024-2025

Boulder high school

Offers Japanese courses from Level 1 - AP

Eaglecrest high school

Offers Japanese courses from Level 1 - AP

bear creek high school

Offers Japanese courses from Levels 1 - 4 as well as Community College Concurrent Enrollment.

Japan america society of kentucky

• *Eastern Time Zone

• Beginner / Intermediate classes

• JASC Member Discount Coming Soon!

Japan foundation los angeles

• *Pacific Time Zone

• Beginner classes

japan america society of chicago

• *Central Time Zone

• Beginner / Intermediate / Conversational

• JASC Member Discount Coming Soon!

japan america society of washington d.c.

italki

Browse hundreds of profiles and find a Japanese instructor who can work with your schedule online. You’ll find teachers who can guide you through a textbook, practice conversational Japanese, or give you lessons on proper business Japanese usage.

• *Eastern Time Zone

• Beginner / Intermediate / Conversation / Advanced

• *Various time zones available

• Get an additional $10 credit when you sign up using the JASC community link here (new users only).

for kanji

Skritter mobile app allows you to practice writing Chinese and Japanese characters while leveraging Spaced Repetition System (SRS). Get an additional 10% off when you sign up using the JASC community link here!

For kanji & vocab

Wanikani desktop and mobile app teaches you kanji through the introduction of radicals and then reinforces your kanji understanding by following up with related vocabulary words. Leverages SRS system.

for hiragana & katakana

Tofugu has published a free online Kana quiz. Simply select the character you want to study and then click “start quiz”. Tofugu also has an extensive Japanese Learning Resources Data base you can leverage.