1. SIJ Seven-Day English Seminar

Language Arts Courses

The Language Arts classes are fully divided into small groups according to the participants’ level of English proficiency and age. They learn the basics of how to read and write essays, stories, science reports, etc…  U.S. top university instructors, skilled in teaching and writing, explain the basics of essay structure and paragraph writing. During seven days of SIJ, participants muster skills of how to best describe themselves in writing.

Workshop Courses

SIJ offers two workshop courses that participants can choose one from.

I. Public Speaking

The Presentation Skill Workshop focuses on the mechanisms of an effective presentation. Boosting each student’s confidence in their public speaking skills is one of the most important aspects. That can be achieved through various interactive exercises, not just pure presentation skills. We aim to empower students to constructively evaluate their own speeches and that of their peers, formulate original and well-articulated ideas, and engage with the audience to deliver a powerful and memorable speech.

lI. Computer Science

The Computer Science workshop focuses on teaching students the basic fundamentals of programming and problem-solving. Students will experience the Snap! language, a powerful blocks- and browser-based programming language that can be used to create animations, games, and tools. They will have a basic foundation to learn more advanced computer science topics in seven days.

2. Outreach Programs

Kunisaki City

Junior and seminar high school students from Kunisaki City learn from top US University students the basics of essay structure and paragraph writing and build friendly relationships through original group activities. This program has been successfully implemented since 2015.

Oita City

Harvard College students help elementary and junior high school students from Oita City improve their English speaking and writing skills but also give advice about how to learn foreign languages effectively.

3. SIJ Classical Concert

SInce 2013, this concert has been one of the main events during a half month of SIJ period. It has a wide variety of music, dance and theater work from all over the world. Team USA (Harvard, Stanford, and even the Juilliard School students) perform on stage Sumire Hirotsuru, co-founder of SIJ and violinist, has been the music director.

4. Cultural Exchange Daily Presentations

Every member of Team USA meaningfully offers diverse perspectives regarding their interests, travel, research, hometown, campus life and beyond. Participating young students ask many questions and enjoy each presentation during the class.

5. Touch and Feel Japan

Team USA has the chance to experience the Buddhist lifestyle deeply rooted in Oita Prefecture, explore the beauty of nature from mountains to the beaches, and taste delicious local dishes to the fullest. Also they attend various attractions include a fireworks show, hot spring resort, monkey sanctuary, Japanese traditional festival, dances and a lot more. In addition, they attend Japanese flower arrangements, calligraphy and Japanese language classes.