Introduction to R-STEP
(Ryukoku Short-Term Experience Program)
The Ryukoku University Center for the Promotion of Global Education (R-Globe) hereby welcomes International Students to apply for R-STEP (Ryukoku Short-Term Experience Program), a short-term summer program held on our Fukakusa Campus in beautiful Kyoto City. This program offers specially designed Japan-focused lectures for International Students including [Japanese Language], [Society and Culture in Japan], and [Buddhism in Japan]. Additionally, participants will have ample opportunities to interact with Japanese university students, allowing them to naturally improve their Japanese language skills in a practical setting. International Students will also have the opportunity to explore both past and present-day Japan through excursions in the Kansai region, to locations known for evoking quintessential images of the country.
| Summary | |
|---|---|
| Program Term | Two weeks in early July (exact dates TBA). |
| Location | Lectures will be held on Ryukoku University’s Fukakusa Campus. Field trips will take place mainly in Kyoto, with some excursions to Osaka. |
| Eligibility Requirements | Applicants must currently be registered students at one of Ryukoku University’s Partner Institutions. |
| Further Information | Please refer to the Application Guidelines for details on how to apply. This year’s Application Guidelines will become available on this page in early April. |
| Why Choose R-STEP? |
|---|
1.Japanese Language Skill Improvement
With Japanese language classes taught by experienced instructors, beginner-level students can focus on learning practical Japanese. Emphasis is placed on improving conversation skills and acquiring language that can be used in real-life situations.
2. Unique Cultural Experiences in Kyoto
R-STEP offers a rich variety of cultural experiences unique to Kyoto. (Past activities have included making sushi and wagashi (Japanese sweets) and workshops in Japanese dance, taiko drumming,and kintsugi (golden joinery). In addition, participants can immerse themselves in Japanese culture while strolling through Kyoto’s historic streets.
3.Interaction with Japanese University Students
Through pair work and group activities with Japanese students, participants can engage in everyday communication. In addition to classes, various extracurricular opportunities are planned, such as field trips and welcome parties.
4. A Reliable Support System
Our Center for the Promotion of Global Education (R-Globe) Office staff are always available to provide support, ensuring that the program participants have a safe and comfortable experience.
5.Network of New Friends from Around the World
Studying alongside international students from different countries allows participants to build new, long-lasting international networks, and also to reflect upon their own unique cultures, customs, and communication patterns, which is essential for gaining deep multicultural understanding.
| Voices from Past R-STEP Participants |
|---|
Participants from China
“I gained a lots details of Japanese culture, and lots of Japanese friends. Japanese level up! I would recommend very lovely city and beautiful university. Very fun field trips and useful classes. Very nice experience and super fun. I will never forget this experience!” |
Participants from England
“Great experiences and new knowledge of Japan, opportunities to practice Japanese, and new friends from the programme. This programme was a good way to experience a diverse range or what Japan has to offer.” |
“I gained an experience of life and culture in Japan. I would recommend this programme because it’s a good and well structured introduction to Japan.” |
Participants from Lithuania
“I gained lot of unique experiences, a lot of information especially about religions and saw a lot of beutiful places, got to try new foods. Also interaction with Japanese students who were very supportive and nice. Definitely recommended for those interested in Japan it is very good, useful and fun.” |
Participants from Russia
“I gained new friends new knowledges. I recommend this program because it was very interesting to me and would be interesting to my friends.” |
“New friends, new memories, new vision of life, inspiration to live more quite and more meaningful life, new material to study as an orientalist, basic Japanese language knowledge. Everything is well organized and the staff is nice, program is interesting.” |
Participants from United States of America
“I learned about Japanese culture and history, as well as the opportunity to talk to Japanese university students. I would recommend this program because it's not too expensive and has lots of cool experiences I wouldn't be able to do without this program.” |
Participants from Taiwan
“I learned Japanese culture. This program is good to learn about Japanese and Japanese culture.” |
All About R-STEP
