FOCUS: SILAC Program

April 2000 saw the launch of the Short Intensive Language Acquisition Courses - a rolling 12-week program that students can join at two-week intervals, studying from 4 weeks up to 12 weeks at a time. The aim of the program is to increase flexibility, so that you can come and start your Japanese language studies whenever you have time. The program has seven levels, from absolute beginner to intermediate, and with 23 start dates each year, it should be able to accommodate virtually everyone. In addition to schedule flexibility unrivalled in Japan, the program offers better value by being more intensive (the standard format is 23 Japanese classes per week plus an optional culture program).

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. During your vacation you can experience a quick improvement in your Japanese proficiency, and no previous study of Japanese is required for participation.

PROGRAM OUTLINE

The program is offered in two formats.

(1) Standard Format: The standard format is 23 classes per week, with a maximum class size of 15 students.

(2) Seminar Format: The seminar format is 15 classes per week, with a maximum class size of 6 students.

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.

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. 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.

DEADLINES FOR APPLICATION

Please complete the online application at least 42 days (6 weeks) prior to commencement. Check accommodation availability (from Center homepage) before enrolling. 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. Euan McKay at Admissions immediately to see if a vacancy remains or if cancellations will give you the opportunity to take up a place.

For complete information, see the Yamasa Institute's Aichi Center for Japanese Studies homepage at http://www.yamasa.org/acjs/english/programs/silac2000_2001.html

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