For the international researchers and students in Matsudo Campus, the Faculty provides several classes in Japanese language and related cultural subjects.
 

1. Japanese language courses for international, graduate students, research students and academics

There are three basic and one intermediate courses to choose from, as well as kanji (Japanese characters) and speech classes. In order to enroll you must 

(a) formally apply on the prescribed form, and 
(b) sit for a placement test

Japanese language courses for undergraduate overseas students are compulsory and correspond to foreign language courses offered to Japanese students (Advanced Japanese 1-9). Those students who aim at a higher level of language proficiency as well as developing basic research skills can additionally enrol in project work (Project Work). 

For newly arrived students with no Japanese language skills, the best thing is to take the intensive Japanese language course organised by the International Student Center of the University. The duration of these courses is seventeen weeks, with seven hours of language tuition per day, which totals in approximately 600 contact hours. Classes are conducted at three levels according to the students' language proficiency. Much emphasis is put on Computer Aided Instruction (CAI) at the beginner's level. Through CAI students can revise material, self-assess themselves and improve many of their weak points without classroom pressure. Our CAI lab has 16 computers and software to practice grammar and kanji (Chinese characters). Additionally, there are computers exclusively used to practice Japanese word processing and to access the Internet. Apart from regular classes, an instructor is available three days a week for those who need help.

2. Self-study of Japanese

If you chose to study the Japanese language by yourself, the Library at Matsudo campus has an excellent selection of books and audio-visual material for learning Japanese from several languages (Korean, Chinese, English, Portuguese, Spanish, Bahasa, Bangla,...). Also, personal computers at the Library have been prepared for this task, and are available to all students anytime. With the help of these computers you can practice grammar, kanji or even reading texts and explore topics on the culture of Japan available on the Internet.

3. Tutoring

To assist international students cope with the difficulties of the language barrier, a tutoring program was established by Monbusho. We have organized Tutor Meetings to maximize the efficiency of this program in Matsudo campus. 

The current tutors together with those who had experienced this program in the past have regular meetings and try to develop new programs every now and then.