Tokyo

Japanese Language and Culture in a Virtual Setting

Take your Japanese language skills to the next level!

Are you ready to dive into a world of cross-cultural collaboration and language learning? Join us for an exciting journey where you’ll connect with Japanese students, explore the depths of Japanese culture, and sharpen your communication skills—all from the comfort of your own home. This program is your gateway to becoming a global citizen and enhancing your academic and personal growth. Don’t miss this opportunity to broaden your horizons and make lifelong connections!

Participants in the Virtual Exchange Program will engage in a variety of collaborative learning activities with Japanese students, designed to enhance cultural understanding, language proficiency, and global collaboration. Among the feature events, participants will take part in Virtual Exchange Conferences, where students from both countries can share insights, discuss topics of mutual interest, and strengthen their intercultural communication skills.

Throughout the program, participants will also engage in a range of possible projects, including Second Language Training Sessions, which focus on improving language skills in a collaborative environment, with students learning from and teaching each other. Translation Training offers practical experience in translation, allowing participants to work on texts that require careful consideration of cultural nuances and language expertise. Another exciting project involves the Creation of a Bilingual Book, where students combine their linguistic and creative talents to produce a meaningful cultural artifact. Participants can also engage in Travel Guidebook Research, exploring and documenting unique aspects of Japanese culture, history, and attractions. Finally, the Japanese Folktales Research project provides an opportunity to delve into traditional Japanese stories, analyzing their cultural significance and retelling them in a modern context.

Student at computer

Photo by Windows on Unsplash

Key information

In-country partners

Seisen Jogakuin College

Language

Japanese and English

Semester

Spring 2025

Program type

Virtual Group Program

Application information

Application information

Open

Apply Now

Additional requirements

This program is open to students from all majors. See the Eligibility section below for more details.

Application deadline

First come, first considered for remaining spaces!

Info sessions

December 10, from 3-4pm on Zoom 

Click here to register

Have Questions?

For program information, please contact Professor Akiko Sharp at asharp@ucalgary.ca 

For application and registration support, please contact the Group Study Team at group.study@ucalgary.ca

Tuition and fees

There are no additional fees or costs required for you to participate in this amazing opportunity! 

Participants will only pay the tuition and fees affiliated with for-credit courses on campus.

Info Session

Program details

Delivery method:
This program will be delivered virtually through synchronous sessions as well as asynchronous work. 

Questions about this course should be directed to the program instructor.

  1. Courses offered

    Students on this program are required to enroll in the following course:

    JPNS 310.01: Japanese Language and Culture in a Virtual Setting I

  2. Prerequisites

    JPNS 310.01:  JPNS 207 or consent of the School of Languages, Linguistics, Literatures and Cultures 

Class times and additional activities:

Click here to view the tentative schedule.

Please note that in addition to your live classroom lectures and activities, you will be participating in group work and online discussions. These are also an important and required component of your program and your learning. Please ensure that you have time built into your schedule to participate fully in these activities.

  1. Costs

    There are no additional fees or costs required for you to participate in this amazing opportunity! 

    Participants will only pay the tuition and fees affiliated with for-credit courses on campus.

  2. Funding

    Student loans: If you qualify for student loans, your program should qualify. We are able to provide you with a letter confirming your participation in the program for funding purposes. Please email group.study@ucalgary.ca to request a letter.

    Please note that eligibility for student loans is determined by your loans provider.

This program is open to undergraduate students in good academic standing from all faculties.

Applications will be considered after your application and supplemental documents have been received by Study Abroad.

PLEASE NOTE: When searching for this program in our online application system RAISA, the easiest way to find this program is to search "Japan" or "Japanese" in the program name search field. Please do not search based on institution or country as this is a virtual program and is not tagged to a location in our system. 

  1. Application

    1. Submit an application in our online application system RAISA.

    2. Email your unofficial transcript to group.study@ucalgary.ca. Click here for a step-by-step guide to access your unofficial transcript.

    3. Complete the additional form and email it to group.study@ucalgary.ca. 

Will there be any additional cost to me?
There are no additional fees or costs required for you to participate in this amazing opportunity!
Participants will only pay the tuition and fees affiliated with for-credit courses on campus

Can I take just one of the courses?
You must enroll in and stay enrolled in both courses offered. This program is a group learning experience and your continued commitment to the community cohort is part of the enhanced learning experience.

Please ensure that you have read the Group Study Program General FAQs thoroughly before applying.

Getting started

Program-Specific Info Sessions

Info sessions are scheduled for every Group Study Program. Attending an info session is not required to apply, but strongly recommended as it will give you an opportunity to meet the instructor and learn more about the travel experience.

We also recommend watching Global Learning 101 for general information.

Watch Global Learning 101

Global Learning Advising

If you have questions about this program, you can meet with one of our Global Learning Advisors by emailing group.study@ucalgary.ca or booking an appointment through the link below.

1. Select "Advising"
2. Select “Study Abroad”
3. Select “Book by Appointment Type”
4. Select your program advisor to view available times.

Book an appointment

Academic Advising

Before applying to study abroad, you should ask your academic advisor how a Group Study Program might align with your degree.

After you are accepted, you should ask your academic advisor more specific questions about courses/credits. It’s also recommended to follow up with your advisor again once you return to Calgary.

Find your academic advisor

Start your application

Once you have gathered everything you need, you can begin your application!

Please note: Applications will not be considered complete until all required documents are submitted in full.

APPLY NOW