Summer in Japan

About J.F. Oberlin University

• J. F. Oberlin University is a private four-year university located in Tokyo’s Machida suburb. The summer program will take place on J.F. Oberlin’s Shinjuku campus, which is located in the center of Tokyo.
• Founded in 1946 by Reverend Yasuzo Shimizu, the university enrolls around 9,000 students offering a College of Arts and Sciences, four professional colleges, and a graduate division.
• The university is also recognized for its immersive study abroad and exchange student programs, providing international students with a comprehensive language learning environment.

Location

Classes will take place on the Shinjuku Campus which is located in the center of Tokyo. Housing is located about 25 minutes from campus. Students can enjoy easy access to famous spots such as Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Shibuya, Harajuku, Tokyo, Ginza, and other tourist destinations during their free time.

Courses

The Summer in Japan program offers three sessions, each session being 2 weeks in duration. Students may take one course per session and may participate in one, two, or three sessions total. Each course is 4 JFO credits, which typically transfers to 3 U.S. semester credits (or 4.5 quarter units). The participant’s home university will determine ultimate credit approval and transfer.  

Each course will be comprised of lectures and field trips which will allow participants to get a first-hand experience of Japan. Students wishing to take the Japanese language course are encouraged to learn the Japanese writing systems hiragana and katakana before the start of the program. 

You may download the syllabus by clicking the course title below. Students may choose one course per session:

SESSION 1 COURSES

• Japanese Language A (Beginner)
• Cross Cultural Studies (Anime and Japanese Popular Culture)
• International Business Issues (SDGs)

SESSION 2 COURSES

• Japanese Language A Beginner
• Japanese Language B Intermediate
• Cross-Cultural Studies (Japanese Anime and Popular Culture)
• Business Topics (International Relations)

SESSION 3 COURSES

• Japanese Language A Beginner
• Japanese Language B Intermediate
• Japanese Language C (Intermediate./Advanced)
• Cross-Cultural Studies (Japanese Anime and Popular Culture)
• Cross-Cultural Studies (Japanese Society and Gender)
• Business Topics (Management in Japanese Corporations)

SESSION 4 COURSES

• Japanese Language B Intermediate
• Japanese Language C (Intermediate./Advanced)
• Japanese Language C (Advanced)
• Cross – Cultural Studies (Anime and Japanese Popular Culture)
• Cross – Cultural Studies (Japanese Culture in the Mordern Era)

*Please note that subject areas are subject to change. Availability of courses is based on enrollment numbers and scheduling. 

Eligibility

• 2.5 GPA
• You must be enrolled as a full-time degree-seeking student in a U.S. college or university.
• Gap students are eligible to apply but must provide an official acceptance letter proving their enrollment at a U.S. institution for the semester immediately following the program.

Events & Excursions

Our local staff arranges various activities during the summer designed to help immerse you in the local culture. J.F. Oberlin also arranges weekly cultural activities so that students can engage with other students at the university. If you have a specific interest or hobby, your Tokyo-based TEAN Resident Director will be able to point you in the right direction.

Below are examples of previous activities arranged for students. Note that activities change each summer.

Traditional Tea Ceremony

Learn teahouse etiquette – greetings, walking on tatami floors, drinking a bowl of tea – at a traditional teahouse in Tokyo’s well-known Rikugien Gardens. The tea ceremony (called sado, chado, or chanoyu) is one of Japan’s most important cultural activities, and involves preparing powdered matcha in a very specific, careful manner. The concept of omotenashi, or Japanese hospitality, also plays a central part of the experience – the host carefully prepares the tea in front of you then beautifully presents it. 

Sushi Making

Of course, you have to try making sushi while in Japan! The earliest form of sushi originated in China, but the type with raw fish on top of rice first became popular in Japan during the Edo Period (the 1820s). Decomakizushi is another modern style that is now common throughout the country – the sliced sushi roll reveals a design on both sides of each piece. Practice making your own designed decomakizushi with a local sushi instructor while learning more about Japanese food, culture, and table manners.

Kamakura & Enoshima

Explore the evolution of Japan’s old political centers, shrines, temples, and more while visiting the historic city of Kamakura and Enoshima island. The first shogun of the Kamakura period established Japan’s first military government in Kamakura run by samurai, highlighting values such as martial arts skills, loyalty, frugality, and bravery. Surrounded by mountains and sea, the beautiful city was also known for promoting Zen Buddhism and is still home to significant temples and shrines offering cultural experiences such as tea ceremonies, shakyo (sutra copying), and zazen (Zen meditation). 

Close to Kamakura, the small, picturesque island of Enoshima is often portrayed in traditional ukiyo-e artwork and known for its beaches, Mt. Fuji views, Enoshima Shrine, and the local delicacy shirasu (whitebait). 

Kawagoe

Experience Japan’s traditional side by strolling through Kawagoe’s streets, sampling local sweets, taking in the traditional setting, and even trying on authentic kimono. Now called “Ko-edo,” or “Little Edo,” Kawagoe was a flourishing castle town during the Edo Period and is known for its well-preserved architecture. Along with picturesque warehouses from the Edo Period, the town’s Taisho-Roman Street brings the Taisho Period to life with its retro atmosphere created by a mix of Japanese machiya buildings, granite stone pathways, and Western-style architecture

Mt.Takao Day Trip

The sacred Mount Takao, or Takaosan in Japanese, offers six scenic hiking trails, a great view, and a beautiful temple. Hike up the 599-meter-high mountain along Trail 6 to discover the peak’s diverse flora and fauna, Biwa Falls, and Yakuoin temple near the summit. After the hike, learn more about Takaosan’s natural, historical, and cultural beauty at the Takao 599 Museum.

Nikko

Explore natural wonders and a stunning environment during this activity-packed 2-day excursion to Nikko. Though close to Tokyo, Nikko shares more in common with Japan’s northern provinces, such as Hokkaido, drawing in visitors thanks to its majestic mountains, lakes, marshland, waterfalls, and natural hot springs believed to have healing properties. Along with exploring the region’s natural delights, you’ll also experience what life was like in a feudal Japanese town during the Edo Period at Edomura Wonderland.

Application Deadlines

TEAN has a rolling admissions process. We recommend submitting your application anytime from December onward for the summer. Late applications may be considered. Contact TEAN if the application deadline has passed.

PAYMENT DEADLINES

Your signed program contract and full payment for the program are due by the program deadline. Please note we do have options for using financial aid and enrolling in a payment plan if you cannot make full payment by the payment deadline. You can find more information about funding your program here

summer 2025

Session 1

Session 2

Session 3

Session 4

* Apply for more than just one session and receive discounts!

summer 2025

• Session 1 Program Fees: $5,250
• Session 2 Program Fees: $5,250
• Session 3 Program Fees: $5,250
• Session 4 Program Fees: $5,250

* Discount of $2,250 is applied for any 2 consecutive sessions

* Discount of $4,300 is applied for any 3 consecutive sessions

* Discount of $6,050 is applied for all 4 sessions

* Housing Included in Program Fee

What’s Included

• Full tuition (1 course per session)
• Guaranteed prearranged, off-campus housing
• Comprehensive overseas health insurance
• Services of local Resident Director
• Comprehensive orientation program with meals and transportation
• Included cultural activities, excursions, and trips
• Wireless Internet access in housing
• University and course selection advice
• Official academic transcripts from host institution
• Credit approval and transfer assistance
• Academic advising
• Airport pickup and reception
• Host university orientation
• A truly one-of-a-kind adventure!

What’s Not Included

• International airfare ($2,000)
• Books ($200)
• Meals during the semester ($5 – $20 per meal)
• Airport transfer at end of semester ($30)
• Travel insurance ($350)

*Numbers are estimated based on previous student experience and budget. Actual amounts will vary depending on the student.

PASSPORT

All students must submit a current passport valid for their entire program duration in order to be accepted. If you plan on traveling to other countries during your program, we strongly recommend having a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after your program end date. Your passport must have at least one blank page for an entry stamp.

If you do not currently hold a valid passport, please apply for one immediately as processing times can be very lengthy.

VISA

All US citizens participating in the summer Japan program are not required to apply for a visa to enter Japan, since the program is less than 90 days. You may enter Japan without a visa as long as you have a valid passport with at least one blank page. At the airport, they will stamp your passport with a tourist visa good for a 90-day stay. This visa is not extendable.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will need to contact your local embassy or consulate to verify entry requirements. Please refer to this list to find out if your citizenship will allow for the exemption of visa during short-term stay. As visa requirements vary based on citizenship, non-U.S. citizens may not be permitted to travel to Japan without a visa or outside of their visa dates. Also, visa fees for non-U.S. citizens may differ, so please be sure to check your specific consulate’s website for the most up to date information.