Summer Programs

Japanese Governor’s Academy

The Governor’s Academy is an amazing experience that gives participants the opportunity to meet other students who are also dedicated to learning Japanese. There are language lessons that really strengthen a person’s grasp of Japanese. You learn new vocabulary and grammar structures with an emphasis on learning to speak more naturally and freely. There’s also a variety of cultural activities such as folding origami. It’s overall a super immersive experience that makes you feel like you come out of it knowing Japanese better.

​

KAKEHASHI Project

The KAKEHASHI Project is a week-long cultural exchange—including a homestay—entirely paid for by the Japanese government. While the easiest way to get it is by placing as one of the top teams in Japan Bowl, sometimes TJ will be randomly selected for it. This random selection has happened twice so far in 2012 and 2018. Only students in the Japanese program are allowed to go.

 

It’s such a uniquely immersive experience! Your schedule throughout the day is packed with activities showcasing hidden sides of Japan from touring a wasabi plantation to even exchanges with local high schools! Sensei also travels with students to other popular destinations in Tokyo like anime hub Akihabara after the main Tokyo Kakehashi schedule’s over.

 

There’s also a LinkedIn network and various alumni events that you can join! The alumni events are nice for getting to know others involved in US-Japan relations like Japanese college professors and even high school students who’ve gone on similar exchange programs.