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INTRODUCTION

The Short Intensive Language Acquisition Courses (SILAC) are taught by the Yamasa Institute's Extension (Continuing Education). SILAC programs are offered all year round with Summer, Autumn (Fall), Winter and Spring Inter-sessions. The courses offer the most flexible intensive environment for learning Japanese available in Japan. There are 23 start dates per year to select from and a total of 105 options. You can study for 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12 weeks in duration. In addition to schedule flexibility unrivalled in Japan, the program offers better value through being both more intensive (the standard format is 23 Japanese classes per week plus an optional culture program) as well as having a highly concentrated minimum of 7 proficiency levels between absolute beginner and intermediate level alone. The maximum class size is 25% less than the requirements of the APJLE. This means that you will not only learn more, faster, but also that your classmates will be of a proficiency level much closer to your own than in almost any other program in Japan.

Yamasa's SILAC programs give students the opportunity to experience studying Japanese while living in Japan and practising in a full immersion environment. It offers the opportunity not only to study the language, but also to personally experience a wide range of cultural activities. SILAC participants have the opportunity to experience Japan's traditional past as well as its modern hi-tech present. During your vacation you can experience a quick improvement in your Japanese proficiency. With Yamasa's affordable "at-cost" tuition prices, why not join us and brush up or dramatically improve your listening and speaking skills. No previous study of Japanese is required for participation. Students are able to start at their own level between absolute beginner and intermediate and quickly improve their skills at the lowest possible cost a quality program can provide.

PROGRAM OUTLINE

SILAC programs are taught in modules. There are 24 modules per year. Each module is 2 weeks long and you need to enroll in a minimum of 2 modules (ie the minimum program length possible is 4 weeks.) You can study for 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12 weeks. It is possible to enroll for an initial 4 weeks and then extend on a fortnightly basis. As mentioned in the introduction, there are 23 start dates per year to choose from. Yamasa's SILAC program is virtually the only program in this country offering this sort of flexibility. SILAC programs are taught at from absolute beginner levels to intermediate.

Definitions: Yamasa's definition of intermediate is a point between Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) levels 3 and 2. Approximately equal to a score range of 210-240 at Level 2. We understand of course that since the JLPT is currently only available once per year, then it is likely that your level will shift substantially before you arrive.

The program is offered in two (2) formats.

(1) Standard Format: The standard format is for 23 classes per week, with a maximum class size of 15 students - 5 students less than the maximum class size required by the regulating body, the APJLE. Japanese classes start at 9.00am and finish at 2.30pm from Mondays to Thursdays. On Fridays Japanese classes are from 9.00am to 11.50am. All of the 7 elementary proficiency levels are taught using this standard format.

(2) Seminar Format: The seminar format is for 15 classes per week, with a maximum class size of 6 students. Japanese classes start at 10.00am and finish at 1.30pm from Mondays to Thursdays. On Fridays Japanese classes are from 9.00am to 11.50am. Intermediate classes are usually offered using this format ONLY, though the 23 class per week format is used whenever there are 7 or more students at the same proficiency level. This is particularly possible during the June - August period (northern hemisphere summer) and December - January period (southern hemisphere summer vacation).

All lessons are communication skills based Japanese classes that includes testing and revision classes. The classes require preparation time and private study. You will need to prepare for classes and submit homework tasks. From April 2000, all SILAC students will also have free access to the online resources being produced for Yamasa's distance learning project (the OCJS) as they are published.

In addition students can choose to participate in an optional culture program (approximately 2 program hours per week) that is paid for separately and is offered on Friday afternoons. The culture program usually starts from 12.40 and depending on the event finishes around 2.30pm. During the summer you may need to reserve a place in the culture program. The cost of the activity will differ each week. The culture program schedule will be published in the online catalog 2-3 months in advance of each start date.

Classes are taught via the direct method. The fastest way to learn Japanese is to be taught in Japanese and hear nothing else. Japanese is the language of instruction, however all of the texts at elementary level also have supporting translations and grammatical notes available in a range of foreign languages and other multilingual aids. You will be able to prepare your lessons in advance so that you can understand the Japanese language only lessons. The program concentrates on communication skills - learning to speak and understand Japanese.

Please note that even though SILAC programs are short courses, Romaji (english alphabet) is not used in instruction. From the initial lessons, you will be reading and writing exclusively in Japanese. This is for a number of reasons including; (a) the highly multinational nature of the student body, (b) the fact that use of Romaji oftens retards correct pronunication and (c) you will not be using Romaji later when you put your Japanese to use - so it makes sense to learn real Japanese from the outset. For more information please browse through the levels and curriculum section.

The program has an emphasis on improving listening and speaking skills, although you will also learn to read in Japanese. At the elementary level you do not need to be able to read Kanji as all of the texts have "furigana" (the reading of each kanji indicated with small hiragana - see the curriculum section). You can of course study the Kanji and learning aids and faculty assistance is available throughout. From intermediate level you will need to study Kanji. Bringing a good kanji dictionary is helpful. Correct grammar use is a major focus. It is a key objective of the program that you will be able to communicate using precise and correct grammar. As a result a large number of classes are discussion based classes interacting with both Yamasa faculty and your fellow students. In the seminar class format where students already have a grammar base to build upon, faculty focus on correcting errors and keeping the communication skill level rising. Your mistakes are always corrected. This is why lesson preparation and homework is so important. Particularly in the seminar format, where there is a lot of time allocated to debates, role-plays, and conversational fluency, lack of preparation will prevent you from making the most of your opportunities.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

To give you an idea of the intensity of the program schedule, please note that from 2000/MAR/30 to 2001/MAR/07, there are 230 program days. The standard format involves no less than 1042 Japanese program classes. Each class period is of 50 minutes duration. When the 24 modules are averaged out, the standard format module averages 44 classes. The variation in the number of classes per module is due to occasional public holidays. There is less variation with the seminar format. When the preparation time is included, the seminar format is actually slightly more intensive than the standard format (Plus with a maximum of 6 students in the seminar classes, there isn't anywhere to hide if you don't prepare). While students in the SILAC program do not study for a full year, the pace of learning is such that the SILAC is one of the most intensive programs in the country, and yet retains the low at-cost tuition rates only possible through a non-profit institute. The intensity of the program is a further reason as to why Yamasa's SILAC is good value. Not only will your budget for public transport, accommodation costs etc be lower than for alternative education providers, but you will receive far more actual instruction in Japanese than elsewhere.

NOTE 1: Each program hour is calculated as 50 minutes in accordance with APJLE regulations.
NOTE 2: Program hours does not include time spent in essential tasks such as placement testing. Yamasa is virtually the only education in provider that only calculates the actual teaching time as program time. According to the APJLE regulations, activities such as Welcoming Ceremonies, parties and day-trips can be counted as classes. As you will see from the schedules for each option included in the Program Dates section (accessed below), Yamasa does not consider these activities to be classes, even though activities such as testing are of course integral to the program. This means that the gap between the actual teaching hours of Yamasa and that of other program providers is also usually understated.

STANDARD FORMAT: A standard format average weekly schedule would resemble something similar to the following:

SEMINAR FORMAT: A seminar format average weekly schedule would resemble something similar to the following:

Both of the schedules above are only samples and would not apply across all classes. Also please note that Yamasa's teaching teams use an interactive style - rote learning has no place in the curriculum. You will be required to speak Japanese and participate in class discussions and graded accordingly.

The class hours listed does not include preparation time. You will need to prepare for classes and submit homework tasks.

In addition, all students enrolling in SILAC programs should be able to learn to use Japanese language software and send/receive simple emails in Japanese. (A "name"@yamasa.org email address is supplied free on request). As mentioned earlier, all students will also have access to the interactive learning resources produced for Yamasa's OCJS as each resource becomes available.

PROGRAM DATES

With 105 options, it isn't possible to list all of the schedules in this html file. There are 24 modules a year and 23 start dates. For all of the information regarding program dates, number of classes per option, notes etc, click on the link below. A weight-link return hyperlink will bring you back to this file so that you can continue. This file is a little heavy so please be patient while the weight links work - it is usually quicker than scrolling.

Public Holidays: Japan has a number of public holidays. The dates listed below are the public holidays that occur on weekdays during the SILAC schedule. Public holidays that fall on weekends have not been listed. The only exceptions are the short break in August (the Obon festival) and the New Year Holiday (includes both Yamasa holidays and Public Holidays)

PROGRAM COST

The low cost location, non-profit status and long-term financial support provided by the Hattori Foundation enables Yamasa to provide the SILAC programs at cost price to international students.

LEVELS AVAILABLE

All students entering the SILAC programs are graded via a placement test and placement interview on arrival. The placement test consists of 3 stages, a written test, a listening comprehension test and a one-on-one interview. This ensures that faculty can place you in a class with students who have attained a similar score in the placement test and are of similar ability. It is usually possible to change classes after consultation and re-assessment with your academic advisor. In addition to our regular classes, private or semi-private (2-4 students) classes are usually also available on demand (you normally need to give at least 2 weeks notice). Private or small classes can be scheduled flexibly.

Classes are usually offered from Foundation (absolute beginner) through Elementary, Pre-Intermediate and Intermediate. An Upper Intermediate/pre-advanced curriculum is added during the summer. Students who are currently in Japan and/or believe that they are around intermediate level will need to confirm their level. The meaning of the word "intermediate" varies substantially. The definition of intermediate at Yamasa is usually a lot higher than at other institutes.

The first thing to do is to check through the curriculum. The main texts used at elementary level are the Minna no Nihongo series. The series is covered in 12 weeks.

It is considered extremely important by Yamasa that we be able to help students determine whether the SILAC programs are suitable for them or not BEFORE they enroll, so that you have plenty of time to consider other program offerings at Yamasa, a different time schedule or another program provider. For this reason and because the most difficult problem facing faculty members is to work out the level of proficiency of each student as early as possible (so as to increase planning time), Yamasa's multimedia studio has developed a series of online placement tests. These tests are not the actual placement tests but act as an indicative survey. They are designed to help you by allowing you to know where you would be in Yamasa's curriculum. You will be requested to complete an online test after you have submitted your application form. However if you are worried about your level and would like to do an online test prior to submitting the application form, please contact the Admissions Coordinator, Mr Declan Murphy at Admissions

Yamasa's Admissions office will then be in a better position to advise you and assist with program selection.

MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

The SILAC programs are extension courses (continuing education programs) and as such are not formally academic programs. However students do need to have a high level of motivation to learn Japanese. Most students are graduates or have some university or college background, however this is not a minimum entry requirement.

As an absolute minimum:

1) Applicants must have a minimum of 11 years of full-time education in their native country or have a diploma equivalent to a Japanese senior high school diploma.

2) As a general rule students need to be 18 years and over. If you are not going to be 18 at the time of the program commencement please contact the Admissions Coordinator Mr Declan Murphy at Admissions

It is not a pre-requisite but it is helpful if you have some experience of studying Japanese or a foreign language before.

Citizens of certain countries will need to find guarantors. Please check the Visa Requirements section in the center homepage to see if this applies to you.

PROGRAM LOCATION

All SILAC program classes are conducted at Yamasa's Okazaki campus. Classes are usually conducted in Aoi Hall - just 7 minutes walk from JR Okazaki Station.

You will enjoy living in the historic castle town of Okazaki, located in Aichi Prefecture in Central Japan. The castle was the birthplace and initial stronghold of the greatest 'shogun' Tokugawa Ieyasu (born 1542), the founder of modern Japan. With a population of 330,000, it is a prosperous town with modern hi-tech industries that has also maintained its traditions and festivals and has many heritage sites, old temples and shrines including Hozoji - now more than 1200 years old. More information about Okazaki is available from the Location file in the center homepage. In short though, it is safer, cheaper and quieter than crowded cities like Tokyo or Osaka, and more suited for study and a taste of the traditional Japan.

For students, Okazaki has the advantage of being halfway between Tokyo and Osaka and convenient to both. It is also not too far from Kyoto and Nara to the west, Mt Fuji and Shizuoka to the east. It is easy to travel to each of these locations from here. Prices here are much less than Tokyo, Osaka or that of tourist traps like Kyoto, (rent for example is actually less than half that of Tokyo), the cost of living is therefore lower. Public transport is good, bicycles probably the best and easiest mode of transportation.

FACILITIES

As noted in the Location section, the classes will be usually be conducted in Aoi Hall. This recently renovated facilty is fully air-conditioned and is a smoke-free zone. For more details please see the Campus Guide.

All students have free internet access and can send and receive personal electronic mail. Students bringing laptops should be able to connect directly to the LAN through jacks provided specifically for student use. Each of the classrooms in Aoi Hall have a jack for LAN access. Students without laptops will be able to access the internet throught the PC's supplied by Yamasa. For more details regarding internet connectivity please read through the internet connectivity file in the center homepage.

All classrooms and amenities are large and western style. Yamasa allocates more space per student than nearly any accredited institution in the country. The extra space means that instead of sitting in chairs with writing flaps attached to the arm of the chair - student have wide desks for spreading dictionaries and study aids in front of them for easy reference. This extra space is assisted by the policy of having at maximum class size of 15, which is 5 students less than the standard required by the regulating body for Japanese language education in Japan - the APJLE.

The offices of your academic advisors are also located in the same building so that you can easily consult faculty outside class hours.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

At present the following accommodation options are available to SILAC students:

i. Studio Apartments

ii. Yamasa Student Village

iii. Homestay Program

iv. Rec World Hotel Annexe

For details please visit the Student Accommodation section in the center homepage.

Students can choose various combinations of Student Housing. It is possible to move from one option to another. All prices are in the Student Accommodation section in the center homepage.

VISA INFORMATION

Students enrolling in a SILAC program will not require anything more than a tourist visa. The visa requirements section in the center homepage has further detail and appropriate links to the relevant Ministry of Foreign Affairs sites.

Citizens of certain countries will need to find guarantors. Please see the Visa requirements section of the center homepage.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Once you have read EVERYTHING on this page, especially the sections below, have checked your status re guarantors, chosen your preferred accommodation options, schedule and so on, you will need to apply as follows.

In the Online Catalog you will find an icon called Program Applications. Please click on that icon and follow the directions given. Remember that you must submit passport photographs and a deposit/tuition transfer.

If you are applying for a homestay - please note that the application should be made AT LEAST 2 months in advance. All students are advised that the homestay search does not commence until tuition fees have been remitted.

DEADLINES FOR APPLICATION

After you complete the Online Application, you will need to submit 4 passport photographs by mail or 1 by email. We request that you complete the application at least 42 days (6 weeks) prior to commencement. If as you read this you realize that the deadline has passed, please check the following course availability update box to see if the program is full.

If it indicates that your preferred program start is full but you still want to try for a place, please contact the Admissions Coordinator Mr. Declan Murphy at Admissions immediately to see if a vacancy remains or if cancellations will give you the opportunity to take up a place.

Once your application and photos have been received and confirmed, Yamasa will require you to confirm your place either by making a deposit of 22000 yen or by transfering the program fee. If you confirm the place via a deposit, please remit the balance of the tuition at least 35 days (5 weeks) prior to commencement. Only after the tuition (not a deposit) has been paid are we able to issue a letter LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE - this is the letter that you show Immigration as you enter the country, or if you need to apply for a tourist visa, then its the letter you show to the embassy or consular officials.

PAYMENT METHOD

Payment of Program Fees OR Deposits (22000 yen for a deposit) is usually done by Bank Transfer. If the bank fees for a transfer are excessive, another option is to post or courier an International Money Order or Bank Check. It is possible to pay accommodation fees and subsequent tuition fees by credit card (Master/Visa) after you arrive in Japan, it is only the initial payment that needs to be done by bank transfer. More information and Yamasa's bank account details can be accessed from the Fee Payments section.

Yamasa will confirm all remittances.

We hope that you can join us and study Japanese in one of Japan's leading programs. If you have any inquiries please contact "SILAC Admissions" at Admissions

Please send any postal mail to:

The Yamasa Institute
1-2-1 Hanehigashi-machi, Okazaki-shi,
Aichi-ken Japan 444-0832

ARRIVAL INFORMATION

As SILAC students pay for their accommodation by the number of weeks (see the accommodation file in the center homepage for prices), it is no problem to arrive up 2 days early, and/or stay up to 2 days past your completion date. Please note that you can only stay in Yamasa's student accommodation if you are an enrolled student - the housing office is not maintaining a hostel for travellers. For students studying in courses where a student visa is not required, rent is calculated from the DAY OF ENTRY. You need to pay a minimum of 4 weeks rent when you enter the accommodation. Please check the Student Accommodation files for details and fees.

SILAC students are required to arrive in Okazaki at least 1 day prior to commencement. If you are travelling across 6 time zones or more (ie there is a time difference of 6 hours or more between your location and Japan) then we advise you to arrive 2 days early. Students arriving at Nagoya International Airport can arrange to be met by our free pickup service. Yamasa plans to offer 3 airport pickup services per day on the 2 days before each commencement date. If arriving at Nagoya Airport we request you to arrive either the day before or 2 days before your commencement date. Students arriving by train can be met at JR Okazaki Station. For more information please read the Airport Pickup Information in the center homepage.

Please also note that if you arrive 2 days before commencement or earlier, then due to the scheduling requirements of the Housing office, you may be required to move rooms after 1 or 2 days before entering you main accommodation. If accommodation is available then it may be possible to arrive 3 days earlier or more, although in this case the airport pickup may not be available. Due to the difficulty of scheduling accommodation, we ask that students who need to arrive earlier than 3 days prior to the program commencement inform the Admissions Office well in advance.

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