IUC Programs 10-Month

First Semester Program — Morning

Grammar Review 
This course is designed for intermediate level students to review difficult and error-prone grammatical points and practice using them to improve their accuracy. Although students enter the course with at least two years of Japanese language education, there are always weaknesses in grammar knowledge and usage skills. The main objective is to overcome these weaknesses. An Introduction to Advanced Spoken Japanese and Japanese Grammar - a Review Text (not yet published) published by the Center for Japanese Studies will be used as textbooks. We also use computer software for review such as “Grammar Review Drill Ver. 2.6” and “ASJ Conversation Ver. 1.1”.

Formal Expressions for Japanese Interaction 
This course teaches honorific expressions and various related behaviors to facilitate smooth communication with Japanese people. The objective of this course is to understand the customs and etiquette that are common knowledge for Japanese students and working adults, and to be able to use appropriate language behavior according to the situation and relationship. The class will be conducted mainly through role-play activities using the textbook “Treatment Expressions”. In addition, the computer software “Treatment Expression Ver.2.1” is used for preparation/review.

Conjunctive Expressions in Japanese 
This course concentrates on various conjunctions and their usage, which are indispensable for understanding the argument of a text. The course uses an original textbook from the Center for Japanese Studies (not yet published).

Integrated Japanese Advanced Course 
Students will study sentence patterns, discourse expressions, and vocabulary in both spoken and written Japanese, including synonyms. The objective of this course is to comprehensively improve students' Japanese language skills to the stage where they can begin studying Japanese by specialty. The textbook is an original material (Integrated Japanese Advanced Course, to be published) consisting of reading texts or conversational texts, explanations of sentence patterns, discourse expressions, and vocabulary, and practice exercises. The class activities include close reading, oral practice of sentence patterns, exercises, and discussion of the contents of the text.

First Semester Program — Afternoon

Applied Japanese Skills I 
Students will learn basic vocabulary in various fields through the “Experiences” unit consisting of essays and video interviews by faculty members and the “Newspapers and News” unit using actual newspapers and news items as teaching materials, while comprehensively applying the grammar and other skills already learned.

Applied Japanese Skills II 
Students will read materials and watch videos (news programs, etc.) on social issues generally discussed in Japan (education system, environmental issues, etc.), and present and discuss these topics. Through these activities, students will comprehensively develop their reading, listening, and speaking skills.

Second Semester Program — Morning

Integrated Japanese Advanced Course 
Same as above

Elective Courses 
Students select courses according to their specialties and interests. There are specialized courses in literature, anthropology and contemporary society, history, law, politics and economics, as well as courses that focus on writing, reading, listening, speaking, and other skills. The content and format of the specialized classes vary from course to course, but basically they consist of exercises in which students read materials and watch videos related to their field of specialization and exchange opinions with each other. This allows students to acquire the necessary vocabulary, expressions, and appropriate presentation methods in each field, while at the same time advancing their understanding of specialized areas. The number of courses may vary slightly from year to year.

Second Semester Program — Afternoon

Applied Japanese Skills III 
Students choose courses from a variety of options, including “Popular Culture,” “Business and Society,” and “Contemporary History,” according to their own specialties and interests. Each course is taught using videos and reading materials, and culminates in a presentation and discussion. 

Project Work 
Each student decides on a theme related to his/her specialty and conducts a literature review, questionnaire survey, or interview (group research is also possible). Students are encouraged to use the Japanese language they have learned at the Center for Japanese Studies in real-life situations to consolidate what they have learned. Projects are student-driven, but the instructor will set aside an hour a week to consult with each student (or group) individually, checking the progress of the project and offering advice.

All Year

SKIP (Special Kanji Intensive Program) 
This program is designed to help students master the commonly used Kanji characters, using the text Kanji in Context to study Kanji together with idioms and example sentences, rather than each Kanji in isolation. Students study at their own pace, using workbooks and computer software for self-study, and take a quiz the next morning. Students are able to master 2,136 common kanji characters during their time at the school.

The 10-Month Program is intended for students embarking on careers in some area of Japanese studies or a profession in which fluent Japanese is necessary. IUC encourages students to apply for admission early in their academic careers, when they can give undivided attention to mastering the language that will be a key to their success in later stages of professional training. The Committee welcomes applications from graduating seniors, graduate students, and those with undergraduate or advanced degrees who can demonstrate a mature commitment to a career related to Japan.

Currently, the IUC admits approximately 55 students who: 

• are degree candidates or degree holders (either undergraduate or graduate) who intend to pursue a Japan-related career;
•  have demonstrated outstanding professional promise as reflected by grades, recommendations, and statements of purpose;
• have high-intermediate Japanese skills (generally meaning successful completion of two to three years of training in a rigorous college-level Japanese language training program or the equivalent); and 
• have obtained an acceptable score on the IUC Japanese Proficiency Exam.

Admission to IUC is based entirely on the student’s academic qualifications and professional goals.

Applicants must submit their applications by the specified deadline to be considered for admission.

Admissions are made without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

2025-26 10-Month Program

The 2025–26 application period opened October 31, 2024.
The application deadline closed at 11:59 PM EST on January 10, 2025.

Application Fee
The application fee is $50.

Interfolio
Applications will only be accepted via our Interfolio online application portal.

A complete IUC 10-month application consists of the items listed below. Document 1 must be completed on Qualtrics, 3 and 5 must be downloaded from the IUC website, and 8 (application fee) must be paid through IUC’s secure online payment portal on Stripe.

1. Applicant information form (Qualtrics). 

2. Current curriculum vitae or resume

3. Degree Background Form (PDF)

4. Two confidential letters of recommendation from two instructors in non-language courses. Professionals may submit letters from current or former employers.

5. One confidential language evaluation submitted by your language instructor in English or Japanese. English (PDF) | Japanese (PDF) 

6. Statement of Purpose

7. Transcripts

8. Application fee receipt

Downloadable files can also be found here: https://iucjapan.online/10M-forms

Tuition for the 2025–26 IUC 10-Month Program is USD 35,000. Successful applicants currently enrolled in a degree-granting program at, or who graduated from, one of IUC's 13  consortium member institutions* during the 2024–25 academic year will receive a guaranteed scholarship of USD 7,000 for the 2025–26 academic year. (Successful applicants from associate member schools may receive a USD 7,000 scholarship depending on availability.) For information about other scholarships, please visit the Fellowships & Aid section of this website.

Payments
Tuition fees are collected through our administrative office at Stanford University. All fees must be paid in US dollars (USD). Tuition statements are issued in August. Payment should be completed in full upon receipt of the statement or in two installments, with the first due by August 31 and the second due by January 15.

We strongly prefer electronic payments. Payments must be made via our secure online payment portal. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express cards, as well as ACH bank transfers, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. There are no additional surcharges or processing fees. The payment portal URL will be included on your invoice.

If you are making payments through your university (e.g., FLAS, departmental scholarship, etc.), or if you have any questions regarding alternative payment methods, please contact the IUC Stanford Administrative Office at iucjapan@stanford.edu.

Please Note
The IUC retains the right to cancel or modify the program at any time, for reasons that may include, but are not limited to, natural disasters, emergencies, or health and safety considerations.  Program modifications shall not alter the student’s obligation to pay tuition.

* Members of the IUC consortium:

IUC 10-Month Program Calendar 2024–25

1st term 第一学期 | September 2‒October 25, 2024
National Holidays: Sept. 16 敬老の日, Sept. 22 秋分の日 (observed Sept. 23), Oct. 14 スポーツの日

2nd term 第二学期 | November 4‒December 20, 2024
National Holidays: Nov. 3 文化の日 (observed Nov. 4), Nov. 23 勤労感謝の日

3rd term 第三学期 | January 14‒March 7, 2025
National Holidays: Jan. 13 成人の日, Feb. 11 建国記念の日, Feb. 23 天皇誕生日 (observed Feb. 24), March 20 春分の日

4th term 第四学期 | March 24‒June 6, 2025
National Holidays: Apr. 29 昭和の日, May 3 憲法記念日, May 4 みどりの日 (observed May 6), May 5 こどもの日

10-Month Program Estimates (2025–26)

Tuition 
USD 35,000

Successful applicants who are currently enrolled in a degree-granting program at or who graduated from an IUC consortium member institution* during the 2023–24 academic year will receive a guaranteed scholarship of USD 7,000. (Successful applicants from IUC associate member institutions may receive a USD 7,000 scholarship depending on availability.) For information about other scholarships, please visit the  Fellowships & Aid section of this website.

Application Fee 
USD 50

Airfare
IUC policy requires students to purchase a round-trip air ticket or two one-way tickets. Students must have a valid exit ticket throughout the full duration of the program. Cost will vary depending on the student’s selection.

Short-Term International Health Coverage or Continuation of Present Health Coverage Plan 
All students must enroll in a medical insurance plan that covers them both while in Japan and throughout all international travel. Coverage must include (1) overseas medical coverage, (2) emergency medical evacuation, and (3) repatriation of remains. Cost will vary depending on the student’s selection. Plans start at $200 for the full duration of the program.

Japan National Health Insurance (mandatory upon arrival)
JPY 12,000–JPY 15,000 (total for 10 months)

Textbooks
JPY 20,000

Field Trip and Activity Costs
JPY 8,000–JPY10,000

Rent
JPY 100,000–JPY 180,000 per month including utilities (electric, water, gas) (for 40 weeks or 10 months)

Local Transportation
JPY 5,000–JPY 20,000 per month

Food and Daily Necessities
At least JPY 50,000 per month

Internet
JPY 5,000–JPY 8,000 per month

Cell Phone (mandatory)
Examples below include phone purchase, average monthly rates and talk time:

* Members of the IUC consortium:

When do I apply for the 10-Month Program?
Applications for the 10-Month Program are usually due in the middle of January of the year of attendance (i.e. for the program beginning September 2025 applications are due January 2025.

How do I apply for the 10-Month Program?
Applications will be made available on this website in the months prior to the deadline and submitted via Interfolio.com. You will need a CV, transcripts, statement of interest, two general references and a language reference, and a mandatory proficiency exam. There is a non-refundable application fee payable by credit card.

Ideally I would like to enroll in IUC's Summer Program followed by the 10-Month Program.
These two programs have separate applications, separate application deadlines, and separate Selection Committees.  You will need to apply to each program separately.

What do you study at IUC?
The majority of classes at the IUC, especially during the first half of the program, are dedicated to Japanese reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Morning classes are dedicated to grammar, and utilization happens through giving speeches, discussions on certain topics, and writing essays. In the afternoon, the classes are geared toward comprehension, with the utilization of news clips, newspaper articles, and other media.

The second half of the program is more customizable to the student, who selects elective courses to take along with the grammar courses. Courses can include modern Japanese history, Japanese literature, popular culture, business Japanese, law and more.

During the 4th quarter, students are expected to work on an individual project on a topic of choice, concluding in an oral presentation at year-end.

In addition to the regular courses, students are also expected to complete SKIP (Special Intensive Kanji Program), where students will work on their own to learn the nearly 2,136 Standard Usage Kanji. SKIP includes quizzes, which are taken before or after classes.

What do IUC students go on to do after the IUC?
To date, the IUC has trained over 3,000 students. This small but highly influential pool of graduates has done more to heighten international awareness and understanding of Japan than any other group of people over the last six decades. Roughly one-third have joined the professoriate, and hundreds more have taken leadership positions in other Japan-related professions. IUC graduates have:

• taught tens of thousands of students at more than 200 universities;
• served at every level of university administration, from president to department chair;
• shaped government policy as foreign service diplomats;
• facilitated bilateral business and trade as corporate executives, lawyers, and officers of the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan;
• fostered deeper understanding of Japan as award-winning translators, authors, editors and journalists;
• promoted cultural knowledge and exchange as curators of major Japanese art collections;
• provided leadership in a variety of non-profit organizations such as Japan and Japan-America Societies;
• received countless honors in a wide array of academic disciplines and professions.

Are there extracurricular courses?
There are various extracurricular offerings that take place weekly, after classes finish for the day. These courses vary, but past examples include calligraphy, business Japanese, and classical Japanese.

The IUC also arranges for speakers (sometimes IUC alumns) who lecture on topics such as Nationality of Japan-born Taiwanese, Global Warming, and the first Japanese Woman to Study Abroad.
In addition, the IUC often arranges field trips. A literature course class may visit the Yokohama Public Library, or the Japanese culture class might go to a Japanese temple. There are also events put on for the entire student body, such as field trips to parks, or ikebana lessons.

It is through these extracurricular events that some students discover volunteer opportunities within the community.  Serving as a community volunteer enhances the year long experience by improving language skills, enabling students to interact with local agencies and citizens, and deepening the cultural experience.

Who are the teachers?
IUC instructors are all native Japanese speakers trained in Japanese language pedagogy. Most have a specific area of expertise, such as art history, literature, history, political science, economics, anthropology or law and offer elective courses in these disciplines.

How much studying do IUC students do in and out of class?
There is a reason the IUC is called an “intensive” language program! Although classes do not begin until 10 am, most students arrive at the facility at 9 am to work on SKIP or other homework and on-going  projects. In addition, you can expect to spend most of your after class time on homework, essays, speeches, or SKIP practice. The IUC workload does not leave time for part-time work.

How does the IUC evaluate the performance of students in its programs?
IUC students are constantly evaluated throughout their program, and they are given a detailed, written evaluation at the end of their coursework. This evaluation letter constitutes the IUC equivalent of a “transcript.” As a matter of school policy, the IUC does not issue letter grades for courses. Students whose home institutions require a one-word summary of the IUC evaluation letter should have their institution email the Stanford Administrative Office.

Does the IUC offer course credits that can be transferred to schools in the U.S. or elsewhere?
No, the IUC does not offer course credits. The mission of the IUC program is to train students with career goals that demand high fluency in Japanese; such students typically do not need course credits to achieve their aims.

When will I learn if I’ve been admitted to the 10-Month Program?
Students are notified via email by the end of March.

Is there a wait list?
Yes.  Every effort is made to contact students immediately after an opening becomes available. We will attempt to finalize the class list no later than early June.

When will I learn about scholarship for the 10-Month program?
The majority of scholarship assignments take place between late April to June. Students who do not initially receive an award during this period may receive scholarship in a subsequent funding round.  Scholarship assignments are fluid and continue throughout the summer months until all funds have been assigned.

What are my chances of receiving tuition scholarship?
IUC scholarship support is determined on the basis of merit, with consideration given to financial need when possible. All applicants who complete the scholarship form are considered for all applicable scholarships administered by the IUC. The IUC is able to provide a range of tuition scholarships, from partial to full, for approximately 45 students. Typical enrollment is 50-55 students.  During 2024-25, the awards ranged from USD 17,000–35,000 and most awards included modest living stipends. Not all students who are offered admission will receive IUC scholarship.  Admission to the IUC does not imply or guarantee receipt of scholarship.

What about cost of living support?
Most of our scholarships include a modest living stipend. Please note that this amount will not comfortably cover all of your living expenses for the full duration of the program.

What is the tuition for the 2025-26 10-Month Program?
Tuition for the 2025-26, 10-Month Program is USD 35,000. Successful applicants who are currently enrolled in a degree-granting program at or who graduated from a consortium member institution during the 2024–25 academic year will receive a guaranteed scholarship of USD 7,000 to attend the IUC during the 2025–26 academic year. (Successful applicants from associate member schools may receive a USD 7,000 scholarship depending on availability.)  

Are there other costs for the 10-Month Program beyond tuition?
In addition to tuition, students need to have funds for housing, local transportation, food, medical insurance (Japan National recommended, as well as U.S. Travel Insurance, Repatriation, and  Emergency Evacuation are required), Internet, cell phone, and RT airfare are some examples. Sample student budget can be viewed by clicking on "Sample Budget."

Will my current student loans be deferred while enrolled at IUC?
Each year, several IUC students ask the IUC administrative office to help them obtain deferrals for outstanding educational loans with other institutions. We are willing to help in such efforts when possible, and many of our students are successful in obtaining such deferrals. There have, however, been cases in which the deferrals are denied, and the loan officers’ logic is not always clear. IUC students should, therefore, be aware that some deferrals might be denied by loan agencies. IUC does not participate in the guaranteed student loan program and is unable to certify loan applications. A student graduating with a BA or BS but admitted to a graduate school should seek assistance from that graduate school on loan certification.

Will I be able to purchase discounted rail passes and other items with a “student discount” card?
No. IUC students do not hold student visas. The Cultural Activities visa does not provide for student discounts.

Do I need a visa to study at the IUC 10-Month Program?
Yes, if admitted you will need to obtain a Cultural Activities visa. The IUC will provide assistance with this process.  You will be expected to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) prior to making your visa application. The CoE will require you to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to participate in a year of study abroad (tuition plus living costs). The CoE application will be due in late May.

When do I apply for my year-long visa?
Accepted students will be sent visa information after admission. Before applying for a visa, students must make an application for the Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) (see above). The CoE application is coordinated by the Yokohama staff and can only be made through arrangements with their office.  Please do not apply for a visa until you have your CoE in hand. Your visa will be good for one year from date of entry. The CoE application will require you to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds (tuition plus living costs) to participate in a year of study abroad.  Scholarships may be used to help offset these costs.

How can I import or bring medications into Japan for personal use?
The Japanese Government makes decisions on what medications or medical devices may be imported legally into Japan. This information is available only from the Japanese authorities, subject to change. https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/policy/health-medical/pharmaceuticals/01.html

Is there an IUC Student Handbook?
Yes!  We provide each student with a comprehensive Student Handbook in June. The handbook contains valuable information on travel/arrival, foreign registration, Internet access, banking, rentals, transportation, medical insurance, and general logistics. Students are provided with a smaller handbook during orientation at the IUC.

Please note
The IUC retains the right to cancel or modify the program at any time, for reasons that may include, but are not limited to, natural disasters, emergencies, or health and safety considerations. Program modifications shall not alter the student’s obligation to pay tuition.

Application specific FAQs
 

Should I wait until my recommenders submit their letters before submitting my application?

No, you do not need to wait for your recommendations or evaluations to be submitted before submitting your application. Your evaluators will still be able to upload their files after you’ve submitted your application. Please note that we will not be able to check any submitted materials until your application has been submitted.

Can I make changes to my application after I submit it?


Yes! You can make changes to your application up until the deadline. We recommend submitting your application as early as possible.

Can I upload the confidential letters of recommendation/evaluation myself?


No. All reference letters and evaluations must be submitted confidentially via Interfolio. Once you enter your recommenders' contact information into Interfolio, they will receive an automated email with a unique URL to upload their letter/evaluation.


When entering contact information for your references, please DO NOT enter names in Japanese. Applicants in the past have encountered technical difficulties after doing so and had to contact Interfolio’s help desk to have the contact deleted before re-entering the information.

Why does it look like I can attach the confidential references myself in Interfolio?
This platform is often used for academic job applications, where many users apply to multiple positions simultaneously. The “add” button that you see is for the purpose of reusing existing documents in your dossier for additional applications, not for uploading letters of recommendation on your own.

I applied last year. Can I reuse my materials from last year? 

No, you cannot reuse materials from previous applications. If you have any questions, please contact Alice Kada at akada@stanford.edu.

How will my references know what to include in their letter or which form to complete?


When asking your referee to write your letter or complete the form, please share the details of what should be included. For your language evaluation, be sure to either attach or share the link to the form. You will have the opportunity to edit the email before it’s sent to your reference. I would recommend including the instructions with your request.

Can my letters of recommendation be in Japanese? 

Yes, that will be fine.

My language evaluator would like to include a recommendation letter with the evaluation form. What should they do?


If your evaluator wishes to include a letter of recommendation along with the evaluation form, they must combine both into a single file, as Interfolio only allows one file per submission. If your evaluator encounters any issues uploading the file, please ask them to contact Alice Kada (akada@stanford.edu) for assistance.

I have not recently taken a college-level Japanese language class. Who should I ask to complete the form?


If you need advice on selecting a language evaluator, please contact Alice Kada at akada@stanford.edu.

I would like to be considered for funding from the IUC. Do I need to submit a separate application? 

No, a separate application is not required. However, you will need to provide your financial information and answer the following question in Qualtrics: “What aspects of your life experiences, interests, and personality would help you to make a distinctive contribution to the Program” (up to 250 words)

I am not a US citizen. Does this mean I am not eligible for funding? 

While some scholarships have citizenship restrictions, most do not. Rest assured that if the selection committee finds your application strong enough to merit funding, you’ll receive a scholarship regardless of citizenship.

I have applied for an external scholarship that I’m confident I will receive. Should I mark my application as not seeking funding from the IUC? 

We recommend that you still mark your application as seeking funding so that it can be reviewed in case you do not receive the external scholarship. Please inform us as soon as you secure external funding, and we will remove your application from consideration for IUC funding.

What happens if I encounter technical issues while submitting my application?


If you experience technical issues with the Interfolio platform, please contact Interfolio directly. For all other issues, please contact Alice Kada at akada@stanford.edu.

Do I need to upload official university transcripts?


For your current or most recent transcript, we prefer copies issued directly by your university's registrar's office (not a printout from online records). We understand that this makes the transcript unofficial, which is fine. For earlier transcripts, if you do not have an official copy, a printout of your student records is acceptable; we realize that obtaining official transcripts can be costly.

Can I upload additional documents such as my JLPT results and certifications?


This is not necessary, but if you wish to include them, please combine them with your transcripts before uploading them to Interfolio.

I took the JLPT in December, and the results are not out yet. How can I include this in my application?


If you wish to update your application with your JLPT results after the application deadline, please contact Alice Kada at akada@stanford.edu.

When will the proficiency exam take place?
 

Information about the exam will be shared with all applicants in mid-January. The exam will take place at the end of January and will be conducted online with remote proctoring. Please be sure to have a computer with a webcam installed for the test.

Do you have any study guides to help me prepare for the exam?

No, we do not. If you are interested in self-studying prior to the exam, we recommend reviewing JLPT N2/N1 study guides.

Alice Kada 
Program Manager
akada@stanford.edu