SGU Japanese Language and Culture Summer School in Fukuoka

Key Information

Information

Application Deadline: 02/02/26 at 9:00 am

Opportunity type: Extra-curricular opportunities, Summer Schools

Ref: 10010229

Dates

Departure Date: 13/06/26

Return Date: 19/07/26

Costs

£1900: the estimated cost for travel, accommodation, tuition and cultural activities (excluding DMU Global funding). Students will also be required to pay for: UK and in-country transfers, food and drink, visa (if applicable)

Funding

DMU Global Bursary: £400

Additional Funding: All students are eligible to receive £684 from the Turing Scheme. Students from a 'Widening Participation' background will receive an extra £144 + £905

Booking

Accommodation: University accommodation will be provided as part of the programme fee

Travel: Flights will be booked independently by students (£900-1000)

Contact

General Enquiries: Global Mobility Office - dmuglobal@dmu.ac.uk

How to pay

Payment details: Students will be required to pay the pay £850 programme fee directly to SGU after being accepted by them for the summer school. The DMU Global bursary and Turing funding will be paid directly to students.

Your application

Important: The use of generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot and others to write or generate content for your application is not permitted. DMU Global reserves the right to reject applications that have been created using these tools. To learn more, visit our application process page.

Eligibility

All DMU students are eligible to participate in this opportunity, but it would be of particular relevance for students currently studying the Japanese language with DMU Global or independently. DMU students who are planning to study on exchange in Japan in 2056-26  are also encouraged to apply. There are a maximum of 8 places available. Students are recommended to check the eligibility criteria before applying.

 

Students are recommended to apply for no more than 2 overseas opportunities. Further application submissions will not be considered.

About

DMU in cooperation with its partner, Seinan Gakuin University (SGU), are able to offer students the chance to participate in a 4-week Japanese language and culture summer school. SGU’s campus is located in the major Japanese city of Fukuoka, which is surrounded by nature and nestled on the northern shore of the island of Kyushu overlooking the Korean strait. The city is major gateway to Asia and the main hub for travel in southwestern Japan.

The 4-week summer school programme (teaching between 15 June and 17 July) offered for students is for those who have a basic understanding of the Japanese language, and some prior knowledge and experience of studying. You will study approximately 50 hours of Japanese with highly trained and experienced instructors each morning, and the rest of the day will be yours to enjoy optional Japanese culture classes and activities. It is the perfect option for students who are looking for a full-summer session of language learning and cultural experiences!

Here is an overview of what to expect from the programme:

  • 5 Japanese class levels ranging from beginner to advanced
  • Project work will include on/off campus field work, workshops and language lab activities
  • A range of visits to nearby cultural and historical sites, markets and restaurants
  • Participate in cultural classes focusing on: Manga, Caligraphy and Hakama
  • Take part in a day field trip to Kyusyu Area to visit local shrines, temples and other attractions

A more detailed overview of the programme can be found via the programme guide below…

Japanese language and culture summer school
SAMPLE SCHEDULE



Application information

Please note that once you have applied by the deadline (9am on Monday 2 February) DMU Global will contact you to confirm whether you have been successfully shortlisted. If shortlisted, you will then be required to submit an online application directly to SGU by 15 March 2026. Successful applicants will also be invited to an information session in early February, where the steps involved in the application process will be explained.


Practical information

Students that participate on this summer school will stay on campus in single sex shared accommodation. Seinan Gakuin University (SGU) has three self-catered dormitories located on the west campus that are 5 minutes walking distance to classrooms more information about the housing can be found here.


Costs & Funding

  • The SGU the summer school application fee of ¥12,000 Japanese Yen (£57)
  • The programme fee of ¥180,000 Japanese Yen (£850) which includes: tuition, course materials, accommodation and field trips.
  • In addition to the programme fee, students will be required to pay for and book flights to Fukuoka, Japan (approx. £900-£1000).

Students will receive the following financial support for this opportunity:

All Students Students who meet the criteria for ‘widening participation student
£1084 (£400 DMU Global bursary + £684 Turing Scheme funding)£2133 (£400+£684) plus an extra £144 and a flight cost bursary of £905.

Cultural Activities

There will be a range of cultural activities as part of the formal programme that students can participate in. Activities will include a series of Japanese culture classes and activities, including calligraphy, tea ceremony and hakama dress-up experience. There will also be an amazing variety of activities led by Seinan volunteer students outside of classes, including workshops, games and sports.

On evenings and weekends students will also have plenty of free time to explore Fukuoka and the surrounding area independently. Students are recommended to explore Japan’s incredible street food by visit the traditional yatai stalls, as well as taking a stroll around the peaceful Ohori Park which includes the ruins of Fukuoka castle.