🎓 R STEP: Ryukoku Short Term Experience Program, Kyoto, Japan

Escape from hustle life for Kyoto calm and dive into Japanese language, culture, and history at Ryukoku University’s brand-new Summer Short‑Term Program, R‑STEP! 🇯🇵✨

Here’s another awesome short-term opportunity waiting for AU students!

📍 Program Overview

R‑STEP (Ryukoku Short-Term Experience Program) invites AU students to spend two weeks (7–19 July 2025) on Ryukoku University’s beautiful Fukakusa Campus in Kyoto City. You’ll dive into specially designed courses in Japanese Language, Society and Culture in Japan, and Buddhism in Japan, plus explore historic Kansai sites on guided excursions.

✨ Program Highlights

Instruction of Language: English
Japanese Language: Build foundational skills
Society & Culture in Japan: Understand modern life
Buddhism in Japan: Learn from Ryukoku’s 1639 heritage
Excursions: Visit Kyoto and Osaka landmarks with a tour guide
Cultural Exchange: Meet Japanese students through extra activities

🎎 Why Ryukoku?

One of Japan’s oldest universities (est. 1639 inside Nishi Hongwanji Temple)
Ten faculties, ten graduate schools, and 300+ global partnerships
Unique Jodo Shinshu Buddhist spirit & rare historical archives

🤔 Why Choose R-STEP?

1. Japanese Language Skill Improvement

Learn beginner-friendly practical Japanese, taught by experienced instructors, focusing on improving conversation skills 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

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.

📝 Who Can Apply?

All AU students
Submit your application by Sunday, 27 April 2025

📅 Key Details

Program Period: 7–19 July 2025
- Arrive on 7 July between 10 AM–3 PM to move into campus‑partner housing
Program Fee: 280,000 JPY (includes tuition, excursions, and dorm)
- You’ll need to pay for your own flight and travel inside Japan (like getting to the dorm or university).

🏠 Housing & Campus Life

Stay in private dorm rooms near Kyoto Station or on campus: