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Teen Summer Program
Teen Language Programs/Summer Camps
Teen Language Programs/Summer Camps Teen Language Programs/Summer Camps Teen Language Programs/Summer Camps Teen Language Programs/Summer Camps
Teen Language Programs/Summer Camps Teen Language Programs/Summer Camps Teen Language Programs/Summer Camps

Live & learn Japanese in KANAZAWA
for mature teenagers looking to study with older international students with no supervision after classes


PROGRAM CHECKLIST:
JAPANESE FOR TEENAGERS AGED 16 +

>> Dates 2009
(All Year) study for as many weeks as you wish (a good knowledge of English is a requirement) / for all language levels / with a mix of international students
>> Unsupervised Program (Level - NONE)
Unsupervised school / including meals / no curfews / study & live with older students

Kanazawa is located on Honshu, Japan's Main Island, and lies on the coast between the mountains and the sea. It is a modern city yet has a history and is one of Japan's foremost castle towns.

The city was built in the 15th century and was the richest walled city in Japan during the Edo period and boasts many places of historic and aesthetic interest: the splendid Kenrokuen, known as one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan, and lshikaw a-mon, the commanding gate to the old castle grounds.

In Kanazawa, one is acutely aware of the change in seasons. Not only is Kanazawa's natural scenery a colorful delight year-round, but every seasonal change is so carefully celebrated in Kanazawa's traditional cuisine, decor and yearly events that one comes to feel as if there are many more than four seasons.

Our school is located in the nicest part of Kanazawa, in the heart of the city center and is within a few minutes walking distance to the main train station and the Yokoyasue-Cho shopping area.

The main street and Omicho Market are only 3 blocks away and most places of interest, including parks, museums, historic buildings are within walking distance or a short bus ride away.

The school is housed in the modern International Exchange Center which is an architecturally attractive building located on the corner of two streets. The small modern school is very relaxed, students and teachers form a friendly atmosphere.

School facilities include:
5 bright large classrooms
Social areas / lecture rooms
Small class sizes average 8 students
Wireless internet access
Bicycles can be rented from the school
Satellite televisions and a public library with free Internet access.

Bicycles are the most convenient method of transport for getting around town. (Bicycles can be rented from the school) The nearest mountains and beaches are only half an hour away on bicycle. There are also beautiful riverbanks where you may enjoy jogging.

Students will need (6) I.D. passport photos for various applications and certificates after you arrive in Japan. For example, you will need identification photos to apply for a foreign registration card, and to register at the school.

IMPORTANT: This program is designed for very mature, age 16+ students; for well-traveled, independent thinking teenagers- who enjoy and can handle NO supervision; can mix and study with adult students, travel to/from school alone, after class and on the weekends.

Standard: (24 lessons per week).
a good knowledge of English is a requirement for this course, class sizes max 13, students will be mixed and could be in classes with more mature students 18+

Teachers are native speakers and many are University educated with years of teaching experience. Programs are designed for all levels of the language and a lot emphasis is placed upon the speaking ability of the student.

After classes are over for the day our program allows you plenty of time to discover your new country, culture, traditions, customs and everyday life.

Our optional cultural and social activities allow you to make new friends among your new international classmates. Our afternoon program offers the students the opportunity to learn more and understand Japanese culture and society. Activities could include: tea ceremonies,Kimono clothing, calligraphy and origami (paper-folding), sporting activities, cookery courses. Lectures are in Japanese or English - so you need a good basic knowledge of English.

Other optional visits and day trips could include visits to local Schools (elementary to university levels), Zen Temple and Mediation, Sake Brewery, Police Station with a lecture on police/koban system and martial arts demonstration, Historical Trail Walk Tours (Kenrokuen Gardens, Geisha Quarter, etc.) and the Noh Theater.

At the weekend many students arrange to take our optional excursions to local cities or local places of interest: Noto Peninsula (northern Ishikawa) - A scenic coastal drive, a visit to a Shinto shrine and Buddhist Zen Temple, a Ryokan (Japanese style hotel) tour, a lacquer ware workshop, and an onsen experience (hot spring bathing),Kaga (southern Ishikawa).

Others trips include: a Taiko manufacturer (Japanese drum) & taiko-style drumming demonstration and lesson, a visit to Kirin Beer Brewery, a visit to a Buddhist temple, Ryokan (Japanese style hotel) tour, and an onsen experience (hot spring bathing). Gokayama Mountain Villages - A scenic drive to Mt. Hakusan, a visit to a Shinto shrine, a visit to Gassho-style farmhouses designated as UNESCO World Heritage, and a Japanese washi paper making workshop.

Host Family: (private room - 2 meals daily)

All families are chosen after a careful selection procedure and are visited regularly by the school to ensure that high living standards are maintained. As many of our host families live in the surrounding neighborhoods, the trip to school, is usually not more than 10 to 30 minutes away.

There will be at least one person in the family or neighborhood who can communicate in basic English on your behalf.

The lifestyle in a Japanese household is a mixture of traditional and more modern western styles. Futon beds, tatami mats and western beds and chairs often times coexist under the same roof. In most families the baths will be Japanese style: the body is washed first before entering the deep bathtub.

Booking a program online is easy using our ONLINE SECURE PAYMENT METHOD
(scroll up to the top right of this page and follow the steps)

The following is required for enrollment in a program and must be signed by the parents or legal guardians of the teenager, students may only enroll directly if 18 or older.

A non-refundable deposit of $300.00
A completed enrollment form (N/A if booking online)
A Teenager under age waiver form
We must be informed of any health conditions requiring special attention or special diets

If you prefer not to book online, please click on the
"Prices & Start Dates" button below for additional information & how to enroll not using our online rervation system!

QUICK LINKS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION




 



 




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Teen Language Programs/Summer Camps


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Click on Kanazawa map to enlarge
outlines school location

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STUDENT FEEDBACK

""It was a wonderful time, one of the best of my life.

The town was perfect for getting to know Japan -- not too big and not too small. The cultural activities were excellent and it was wonderful to be able to make friends with both Japanese and students of all ages from all around the world.

The school was great in terms of having fun, learning about Japan, and meeting people from all around the world. I didn't learn as much Japanese as I could have: This was because the majority of students there were beginners, so I was forced to speak English in order to socialize with them.

My roommate was a very fun person, house location which was close to a famous temple and close to the mountains, but far from the school, was good for me. I like to explore places, and I really enjoyed the long bike ride each day.

The director of the school, Aizawa Yasuko, was an absolutely wonderful person and was extremely helpful in arranging anything and everything we needed or wanted to do as students."
Charles Frederick

________________________________

"I have never had so much fun in my life.

The city and people were wonderful. My host family made my experience special".
Sarah Voss (age: 18)

Arrival airport:
TOKYO or KOMATUSU

From Tokyo airport:
Take the JR Joetsu Shinkansen to Echigo-Yuzawa and transfer to the JR Hakutaka limited express to Kanazawa. There are Hakutaka trains almost every hour and the whole trip takes about six hours and approximately 13,000 Yen one way. Note for holders of the (Japan Rail Pass) - As the Hakutaka partially runs on a different company's railway tracks, pass holders will have to pay an additional fee of roughly 1500 Yen while they are on board the train.

A free alternative route by JR Tokaido Shinkansen to Maibara and then by limited express on the Hokuriku Line to Kanazawa takes about 45 more minutes. (This alternative costs about 15,500 Yen one way without Japan Rail Pass.) There is also a direct night train from Ueno to Kanazawa, departing around 11pm and arriving around 6:30 am. It costs 8000 Yen one way plus the fee for a bed.

From Komatsu airport:
The airport is located about 40 minutes from Kanazawa and accepts only domestic flights. Bus (from the airport) A regular express bus service from the airport takes you to downtown Kanazawa (travel time 40-50 minutes)
Website http://www.pref.ishikawa.jp/k_air/index_e.html

Train (from the airport) A regular train service from the airport takes you first to Komatsu train station (12 minutes) then catch a connecting train to Kanazawa train station (travel time 30 minutes). From Osaka/Kyoto airport: There are two direct limited express trains to Kanazawa every hour, taking two hours from Kyoto and 4 hours from Osaka Station.

Passports / Visa / Length of stay: It is the participant's responsibility to have a valid passport and any necessary visas and permits to study abroad.

Visit G3Visas for comprehensive information on visa, passport, permit and general country entry requirements.

Flights
Independently, students will arrange flights and travel to their program destination. Upon arrival, they will be met by one of our qualified airport chaperones and taken to their accommodation. During travel days, students will have access to a 24 hour emergency hotline, should they have any questions, require support or wish to advise us of flight delays!

Insurance coverage included Travel medical insurance is included in this program with many benefits

Communication abroad:
Would you like to know how to SAVE 70% on international calls, purchase an international cell phone, sim / phone card or calling tips for communicating abroad.

Receive a FREE Travel Journal (with automatic tracking) when you purchase an international cell phone package or SIM card.
>> CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION

Finally....
We have resource pages dedicated to Parents/Guardians & Teens, which address specific concerns and answers about our programs...we believe these pages are a "MUST READ" before enrolling in a program abroad!

Parent Zone

Teen Zone

If you still have questions, please contact us!

Teen Language Programs/Summer Camps