Senshu Summer Program

The Japanese Language and Culture Program (JLC) is predominately a language intensive program, offering five levels from elementary to advanced. Students will take language classes every morning, and the cultural aspects of the program will be planned for various afternoons throughout the program.

For the 7-week Summer program, you can expect to earn  6 UCalgary units (2 HCE). 

The summer JLC program runs for 7 weeks from June 16-August 4 2023 (2024 dates not yet set).

Senshu also offers Fall, Winter, and full-year exchange options!

Note: If you plan to go on any spring GSP in Japan, please speak with the exchange advisor before applying!

Students will live at Senshu International House ("i-House), that comes equipped with WiFi and bedding (pillows/sheets/blankets, but not towels). While there is not a meal plan, it does have kitchen facilities (with fridge, microwave, toaster ovens, electric rice cookers, and dishes/cutlery). There are also a variety of cafeterias on campus, and fast-food outlets at nearby Mukogaoka-yuen Station. Washers/dryers (and steam irons) are also located on each floor, and cost approx. 200 yen per load. There are also study rooms available. Alcohol and smoking in the dorms are prohibited.

Packing:
June/July can sometimes be rainy in Tokyo, so make sure to pack an umbrella, raincoat, and waterproof shoes in addition to other climate-appropriate clothing. Average temps range from 18-31 degrees over June to August, with an average monthly rainfall of about 168mm. 

Cultural Immersion:
Japanese students who are residence assistants also live in the dorm. In order to facilitate cross-cultural interactions, Senshu tries to pair each student with a local Japanese student as a roommate, however they cannot always guarantee it. It's recommended to bring pictures, school-related goods (like UCalgary Swag), and other items typical in Canada to share. It may also be recommended to bring a voice recorder (or have an app on your phone), athletic shoes for the gym, a bathing suit for the pool, and formal or semi-formal attire for the welcome and farewell parties. 

There is an option to do a three day homestay with a local Japanese family as well (it's recommended to bring small gifts from Canada for your host family). 

Student Tips: "I stayed at Senshu International House. The building was quite new and there was lots of space outside the rooms. The rooms were a little small but the location was right on the campus so it was good. Basic amenities were provided, such as bedding, dishes and such. Things that had to be bought were things such as laundry detergent and towels. The building had internet and such, but amenities such as the gym were on campus. We were expected to arrange food ourselves, however there were multiple cafeterias on campus. There was also a 7-11 nearby that is 24 hours with food. [In terms of security] there was always staff on the residence. 2 Office staff during the day, and security guards after office hours."

This exchange is open to regular, full-time students in any faculty at UCalgary, who have completed at least 1 full year (10 courses) at the post-secondary level, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.

Japanese 205 is recommended, though it is not required. Students are expected to know hiragana before beginning the program.

Important Visa Info: Japanese citizens must travel on their Japanese passport.

What's unique about Senshu and the Summer JLC Program?

Senshu University also hosts our Japanese Language and Culture Group Study program (the Spring session)!

The JLC Summer program is run at the Ikuta campus in Kawasaki, a suburb of Tokyo. The program emphasizes small class sizes (average of 10 students) for personalized learning, culturally-rich activities, and the opportunity to live in a new residence building alongside Japanese roommates. 

Because the JLC program is less than 3 months long, students are eligible to purchase the JR pass before they leave for unlimited travel on all JR train lines!

The program incorporates great cultural field trips and cultural experiences, from learning traditional calligraphy, participating in a Tea ceremony, attending a Kabuki Theatre performance, visiting Kamakura (large Buddha statue), to museum visits like Ghibli Museum and the Edo-Tokyo Museum.  

What resources are available for incoming students?

Senshu's library in Building 9 has over 4 floors and 1,000,000 books in a variety of languages, and offers the opportunity to watch DVD movies, or listen to CDs. On the 4th floor of the building there is also a computer center with 2200 computers available for use. The International Center is located on the 5th floor of this building and supports students with a variety of information and support. 

The campus also has a number of budget-friendly cafeterias, as well as a gym (located next to Building 9). The gym has a weight/training room, basketball courts, ping-pong tables, a swimming pool, and an indoor track.