Heartland Community College is proud to offer two different summer programs to Japan: one month-long program in partnership with the College of DuPage and a shorter two-week program. 

College of DuPage: Kyoto and Osaka

• June 11 to July 12, 2024

Immerse yourself in the language and culture of Japan. Held in cooperation with Kyoto International Academy in Kyoto (KIA), classroom instruction comes alive with the surroundings serving as a hands-on classroom and language laboratory. Students practice and improve knowledge of the language by interacting with the Japanese people on the street, on buses and in museums, theaters, shops, restaurants and cafes, as well as with their host family.
The program begins with a field trip in Hiroshima where students are getting to know each other very well. A variety of field trips and excursions are planned throughout the program. These field trips take students to famous temples, shrines, castles, parks and museums. Since Kyoto was a capital of Japan (AD 794 - 1868) and is still regarded as a cultural center of Japan, students will learn a variety of things from living in Kyoto and nearby cities, such as Osaka, and Nara. Transportation and fees for these field trips are all included. Optional weekend trips will also be offered. 

Academics

The goal of the program is to make textbook language come alive. The whole community serves as a giant classroom for the students. Students will attend Japanese language classes from 9:15am until 12:45pm Monday through Friday. These classes are taught by faculty from the Kyoto International Academy in Kyoto. In addition, prior to departure for Japan, students will attend an Intensive Weekend Seminar during which they will learn about the culture and civilization of Japan. The weekend seminar will also prepare them for the trip.

Students will enroll in two courses:

• Appropriate Japanese Language (4 credit hours)
• INTR 102 Introduction to East Asian Culture and Society (3 credit hours)

Accommodations

Students are scheduled to stay at the homes of carefully selected families in Kyoto, Japan during the entire program. Breakfast and supper are provided every weekday during the homestay. Lunches are not included.

Fees

Fee includes round trip airfare from Chicago, transportation in Japan, on-site Japanese classes, accommodations, some meals and some excursions.

Application Deadline

The month-long program is a partner program with COD with applications due to me February 15. If COD has space available, they’ll accept HCC Students.

 

Heartland: Morioka University

• May 24 - June 8, 2026

Morioka lies in the shadow of Mt. Iwate, on the Kitakami and Nakatsu rivers. A historic center of wealth and power in the area, the city has a rich cultural heritage of craft and music.

Students will spend time at the University taking language classes (no pre-requisite or previous Japanese language required) and taking part in cultural events in town. There will also be a weekend in Tokyo and daytrip to Kamakura. 

Academics

Students will enroll at Heartland Community College in:

• INTL 112: Culture and Civilization of Japan (3 credit hours)

Accommodations

Students will be staying in dorms at Moioka University and hotels in Tokyo. 

Fees include

• Lodging with double occupancy
• most in-country transportation 

Fees do not include: round-trip airfare (~$1,800), meals, passport fee, optional activities

Application Deadline

Applications are due December 12, 2025.

Eligibility:

• 18 years or older
• 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale
• Completion of at least 12 hours of college-level coursework by the time of departure
• Completion of one college writing course (commonly known as English Composition I and/or II, or its equivalent) with grade of B or better, by the time of departure

How to Apply:

To apply, please contact Zach Petrea, the Study Abroad Coordinator at 309-268-8613 or zach.petrea@heartland.edu