Application Guidelines Summer in JAPAN 2026

Let students shine under the guidance of Harvard instructors! 7 key features of SIJ

  1. Through three workshops taught by Harvard students, children actively discover and pursue what they love and what they are good at
  2. By exchanging ideas with Harvard students, children develop leadership and teamwork skills at an early age, those that last a lifetime
  3. With Harvard students as role models, children grow into people who can ask good questions and solve problems in English
  4. Genuine admissions advice for applying to top schools overseas
  5. Private violin lessons by violinist Sumire Hirotsuru (limited to 3 students)
  6. Sumire Hirotsuru’s SIJ Concert (scheduled on a weekend so parents can also attend). To be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Oita City “Oto no Izumi Hall” (open to the public / paid event)
  7. Children make new friends from across Japan and around the world, inspiring each other, clarifying their goals, and making rapid progress

1. SIJ2026 Overview

Summer in JAPAN is a non-profit educational support organization. Since 2013, a summer English program taught by Harvard University students has been held every year in Oita City, the hometown of founders Mari Hirotsuru and Sumire Hirotsuru. We warmly invite you to join the 14th Summer in JAPAN English Summer School in 2026. The application deadline is February 28, 2026. Wishing you an unforgettable 8 days.

Schedule

An eight-day program from Saturday, August 1, 2026, to Saturday, August 8, 2026.
Day 1: After arriving in Oita City, participants will attend the “13th Sumire Hirotsuru & Friends Concert,” which starts at 7:00 p.m. on August 1.
From Day 2 onward: Classes will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day from August 2 to August 8.

Venue

Oita City, Oita Prefecture, 3-minute walk from the JR Oita Station

Application Eligibility

  1. Students aged 7 to 18 with English proficiency at CEFR A2 and above.
  2. Open to students from all countries.

Faculty

・Harvard students and alumni: Among approximately 100 applicants, only a few are selected through written examinations and interviews, with emphasis placed on exceptional talent and character.
・Mari Hirotsuru — SIJ Founder and President (CEO of Dirigo English School)
・Sumire Hirotsuru — SIJ Co-founder (B.A. from Harvard University with the David McCord Prize, M.M. from The Juilliard School with the William Schuman Prize)

The profiles of the Harvard student instructors will be posted on our official Facebook and Instagram once finalized. (Click here to see our past instructors.)

Teaching Assistant

・University students currently studying in Japan who have acquired English as a native or second language and demonstrate exceptional character.
・Experienced instructors from the Dirigo English School who are well-versed in the Hirotsuru Method.

Enrollment Cap

Limited to 45 participants

Application Period and How to Apply

Applications for SIJ 2026 from January 12 to February 28, 2026.
How to apply: Please fill out the form below.

2. Curriculum

Morning: Language Arts Classes

An intensive summer program designed to significantly strengthen English skills. Students will markedly improve their reading and writing abilities, and develop exceptional proficiency in English under the leadership and care of Harvard instructors.

The classes are divided into 4 levels
Foundation：Elementary Students at CEFR A2 Level
Fundamental：Elementary and Junior High Students at CEFR A2-B1 Level
Intermediate：Elementary and Junior High Students at CEFR B1-B2 Level
Advanced：Students who are at level B2-C1 and above
          (We provide college essay practice)

※ Class placement will be determined based on SIJ English placement test and a comprehensive evaluation of various English proficiency exams.

Afternoon: Specialized Workshops to Nurture Your Passion

Choose your favorite from three courses. Get excited together with Harvard students and your peers!

Public Speaking: Three-part program ① Writing a speech ② Practicing the speech ③ Confidently presenting on stage
Performing Arts: Two-part program ① Creating a musical together, including script, acting, dance, singing, and stage design ② Shining on stage during the performance
Computer Science: Three-part program ① Fundamentals of theory ② Creating fun games and apps with programming and AI ③ Presenting the final product on stage

3. 期間内のイベント Events During the Program

  • Annual Favorite: Sumire Hirotsuru’s Classical Concert
    Saturday, August 1, 2026 – “13th Sumire Hirotsuru & Friends from Harvard” (Open to the public / Paid, SIJ participants free)
  • Opening Ceremony, Opening Speeches delivered by Hirotsuru Mari, Hirotsuru Sumire and Honored Guests (parents may attend)
  • Lectures by all Harvard instructors: “Campus Tour,” “What I’m Studying at University,” and “My Admission Experience”
  • Keynote Lecture by Sumire Hirotsuru: “How My Harvard Study Abroad Experience Nurtured My Career” (in English)
  • Final Day Student Stage Presentations (parents may attend)
  • Closing Ceremony (parents may attend)
  • Commemorative Photo and Social Time with Harvard students (parents may attend)

4. Tuition and Payment Dates

Tuition

8 days: ¥330,000 per participant (tax included)

  • Benefit: Invitation to Sumire Hirotsuru’s concert
  • The fee covers tuition only. Accommodation, transportation, and other expenses are not included.

Payment Dates

From March 6th to March 20th, 2026

If payment is not made within the specified period, your spot will automatically be given to someone on the waiting list.

  1. If the number of applicants exactly meets the capacity, those who apply by February 28, 2026, will pay the full tuition on or after March 6.
  2. If the number of applicants exceeds capacity, a lottery will be held on March 5. Successful applicants will be notified immediately and must make the payment.

Tuition payment should be made by bank transfer. Your application is considered complete upon receipt of payment. Please note that cancellations after the application is complete, including refunds, are generally not accepted.

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Application Form

Applications for SIJ 2026 open on Monday, January 12, 2026!