Rikkyo University in Tokyo, Japan, is offering a short-term Japanese language program!
Program Venue
Rikkyo University, Ikebukuro Campus
3-34-1 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
Course
The 2026 Summer Short-term Intensive Japanese Program consists of about 46 hours of Japanese classes including cultural activities. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion and an Official Transcript.
Language requirements/Language of instruction
In this program, “Beginner” and “Elementary” level classes will be held.
The classes are suitable for students who have no or little experience in learning Japanese or students who have learned Japanese for approximately one year and are at JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) N4/N5 level.
Please note that English is the primary language for communication in this program, and participants are expected to have a certain level of English proficiency.
Program dates
Tuesday July 21 – Friday July 31, 2026 (10 days)
(Check-in on July 20; Check-out on August 1)
Program website
https://cjle.rikkyo.ac.jp/english/sijp/application.aspx
Program Fee
Selected students pay 320,000yen (approx. CAD$2830) to the host university consisting of the following:
Tuition: 120,000 yen
Activity Fees (including insurance fee*): 9,000 yen
Accommodation (single room and management fee): 154,000 yen
Administrative Fee: 37,000 yen
Accepted students will pay the program fee to Rikkyo University by Friday, May 22, 2026.
Students are additionally responsible for meals, airfare, insurance, local transportation, and daily expenses. A $100 SMU Study abroad admin fee will be charged on banner
If academic credits are earned, students will not be assessed additional SMU tuition for the transfer credit hours.
Canadian passport holders typically do not need a visa to enter Japan for a short-term program. If a visa is necessary (depending on your citizenship), consider costs of applying for a visa. It may be necessary to travel to Montreal to visit the Consulate General of Japan in Montreal and apply in person. Please see the Immigration section below.
Transfer credits:
Students may be able to earn credits to the extent that those credits are applicable to the program requirements of your SMU degree. Please meet with your academic advisor of your program (https://www.smu.ca/academics/academic-advising.html) to see if any of your remaining degree requirements can be completed at another university. If your advisor confirms that there is room for credits from another institution in your degree requirements, you will request approval to take courses for transfer credits by submitting a Letter of Permission Request Form (found at https://www.smu.ca/academics/student-forms.html) and course descriptions to the Academic Advising Office as soon as your acceptance is confirmed.
Alternatively, if not transferring credits, you may receive recognition for extra-curricular experiences through the Co-Curricular Record (see here).
Housing
Participants will stay in a single room at the designated hotel near Ikebukuro campus.
Funding
Limited funding ($500 on average) may be available. Students who are accepted to the program will be invited to request funding.
Immigration:
Citizens of certain countries are required to apply for a short-term visa before entering Japan, while visas are waived for others. Normally, Canadian citizens are not required to obtain a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Questions related to immigration should be directed to the Consulate General of Japan in Montreal at https://www.montreal.ca.emb-japan.go.jp/en/consular/visa_menu_en.html.
Participants requiring a visa need to obtain the Letter of Reason for Invitation and the Letter of Guarantee and the Travel Itinerary from Rikkyo University. Rikkyo University will issue the above documents once they are admitted to the program and the payment of the program fee is confirmed.
Number of SMU students accepted: 1-2
The maximum number of participants in the program is capped at 30 students.
How to apply:
Interested students should submit the SMU Exchange Program application* by March 15 2026 to the Global Learning Office.
*To complete your application, you will:
1. fill out your Study Abroad Application (https://studio.smu.ca/s/StudyAbroadApplication2021.pdf)
2. write a one-page letter of intent. (Tip: book an appointment with The Writing Centre once you have a draft https://studio.smu.ca/wc-student-tutoring)
3. print (in pdf) your unofficial transcript from banner
4. prepare your resume, and
5. secure two references (one must be from a SMU professor of one of your courses) – referees can email their letters directly to Global@smu.ca. Inquiries can be sent to Miyuki.arai@smu.ca.
Once you have all four pieces of application documents (except for references), upload them at the application link here https://smuniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_55UpfboKu5sImUe.
What happens after you apply?
Once your application package is received, the Global Learning Office will be in touch to schedule a short interview. If you are selected, 1) you will be nominated to the host university by the SMU Global Learning Office and 2) you will be instructed to complete a set of applications for the host university by early April. Once the host university accepts you into the program, they will provide all program-related information as well as instruction for the payment of the program fee (due in May). You will also be expected to attend our pre-departure orientation meetings. You will arrange your own international travel.
Questions?
Email the Global Learning Office (Global@smu.ca or Miyuki.arai@smu.ca).
