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Now Available! R-STEP 2025, scheduled for July, is coming soon. Check out the details below!
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Application Materials:
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Find out how to apply and learn more about the program. Don’t miss your chance to join!
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? |
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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 |
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Participant from Canada
"I would definitely recommend this program to other students. The R-STEP program taught me so much about Japan through lectures, while also giving me the chance to explore real-life locations such as temples and historic sites. The experiences were incredible—wadaiko drumming, sushi making, and kimono dance class. You won’t find anything like this anywhere else in the world." |
"I look forward to returning to Japan. I also appreciate the free time given to us by the university tour guides to explore on our own. I now feel well-prepared to navigate Japan in a way that respects societal and cultural values. I look forward to applying this knowledge when I return in the future." |
Participant from Italy
"I highly recommend this program! Even though it was short, the packed schedule allowed us to experience Japan’s culture from all perspectives. It made us realize how much we truly love this country. We were not disappointed!" |
"I would recommend this program to any student who wishes to work in Japan or in a Japan-related field, as well as to those who want to learn about a new culture and expand their global knowledge. The schedule was amazing, and the people behind this project became a part of my life in just two weeks." |
Participant from Thailand
"I gained a lot of great experiences. I had so much fun, and I learned everything about Japan as I had hoped before joining the program. The most valuable thing I gained was friendships with my Japanese friends. I really appreciate them." |
Participant from the United Kingdom
"I would definitely recommend R-STEP to all students, as you can enjoy everything a country has to offer in just two weeks. I previously participated in a similar summer school in another country, and while both programs were great, I enjoyed this one much more!" |
Participant from Portugal
"It’s a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to engage with Japanese culture. You’ll learn about Japan through the eyes of Japanese people themselves, which is truly enriching and fascinating." |
Participant from Finland
"Everything was well-planned, and everyone was so kind. During the program, we got to do so many things that I could never have done on my own. |
All About R-STEP (Voices of Past Participants)
