TUFS Online Preparatory Japanese Language Course for International Students (OPJLC Spring 2024)
- Course Period: February - March 2024
- Course Types: Live-Lesson type and On-demand material/Self-Study Course
- Eligible participants:
① International students who are enrolled in (or will be enrolled in by April 2024) a regular university or graduate school program
② MEXT-funded international students (including those who will arrive in Japan by April 2024)
*Exchange students, self-funded research students, and other non-degree students are not eligible. - Course Levels:Elementary - Pre-Intermediate
- Course Fee: Free
- Application/Nomination Period: Open until Friday, January 19, 2024

What is “TUFS Online Preparatory Japanese Language Course for International Students (OPJLC)”?
The Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (TUFS) is offering online Japanese language course for international students* (undergraduate and graduate) from February to March 2024. In this course, students can choose between a "Live-Lesson Type" and an "On-Demand Learning Materials & Self-Study Type" according to their level and learning style. Please refer to the "Course Outline" below for more information about the study contents.
Many international students have participated in the course and are now studying elementary and pre-intermediate level Japanese and living their university life in Japan with confidence. We look forward to your participation.
Students can take this online course from anywhere in the world with an Internet environment and access to designated application(s) and Internet services.
*International students who are enrolled in (or will be enrolled in by April 2024) a regular university or graduate school program are eligible. MEXT-funded international students (including those who will arrive in Japan by April 2024) are also eligible. Exchange students, self-funded research students, and other non-degree students are not eligible.
** Access to Zoom (a video conference platform) is required to take the course.
About the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies
TTokyo University of Foreign Studies has a long history, celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2023, and continues to play an important role as one of the centers of international academic research and exchange in Japan. In addition, it is one of the largest Japanese language institutions in Japan, having accepted many international exchange students from all over the world and provided them with a high standard of Japanese language education.
Course Outline
Live-Lesson Type
This is a course to learn Japanese language through online lessons twice a week. Morning and evening classes are offered, and you can choose which class you would like to take.
- Features of the Course
- This course focuses on conversational Japanese, taught through a total of 12 online live lessons twice a week.
- Two levels are available for those who have never studied Japanese before and for those who have completed the first half of the beginner level.
- Students can prepare for and review the live lessons with assignments given before and after class. - Levels / course contents
Level | This course is aimed at: | Eligibility Requirements |
---|---|---|
Elementary | Those who are learning Japanese for the first time. This course include Hiragana and Katakana lessons. This course include Hiragana and Katakana lessons. Students will study focusing on conversation through interactions in live lessons. To be able to introduce yourself and talk about yourself is the goal of the course. Course contents |
The textbook can be purchased from here. (International shipping available.) |
Pre-Intermediate | Those who finished studying the first half of elementary level. (Around JLPT N5 level) The course focuses on conversation. Course contents |
The textbook can be purchased from here. |
- Class Schedule
Levels | Live Lesson Schedule |
---|---|
Elementary / Pre-Intermediate |
Mondays and Wednesdays, February 5 – March 18, 2024 *No class on Wednesday, February 12 due to national holiday in Japan. 【Morning Class】9:30~11:00 (JST) |
- Capacity: 10 students / class
- Media used: Zoom and Google Classroom
On-Demand Learning Material (Self-Study) Type
This is a course that allows students to study autonomously using online learning materials developed by TUFS. Students can participate in weekly online schooling via Zoom to check the results of their self-study and their level of achievement.
- Features of the course
- The online learning materials developed by TUFS are provided at free of charge for the duration of the course.
- Two different levels are offered: one for those who have never studied Japanese before and the other for those who have studied Japanese for about 6 months.
- Instructors and student staff specializing in Japanese language education will support your study during schooling. - Levels / Course Contents
Level | This course is aimed at: |
|
---|---|---|
Elementary 1 | Those who are learning Japanese for the first time. This course include Hiragana and Katakana lessons. | ![]() ![]() |
Elementary 2 | Those who applies to at least one of the followings: | ![]() ![]() |
- Course Schedule
Elementary 1 (Tuesdays) | Pre-Course Guidance | January 30, 2024 | 16:00-17:00 |
Online Schooling | 1st session: February 6 | | |
2nd session: February 13 | |||
3rd session: February 20 | |||
4th session: February 27 | |||
5th session: March 5 | |||
6th session: March 12 |
Elementary 2 (Thursdays) | Pre-Course Guidance | 2024年2月1日(木)午後4:00~5:00 | 16:00-17:00 |
Online Schooling | 1st session: February 8 | 16:00 – 17:30 | |
2nd session: February 15 | |||
3rd session: February 22 | |||
4th session: February 29 | |||
5th session: March 7 | |||
6th session: March 14 |
- Capacity: 15 students / class
- Media used: TUFS Moodle “mojl”(Moodle for Japanese learning), Zoom
Read before taking the course
Issuance of Open Badge
An Open Badge* will be issued to students who meet the course requirements for grades, attendance, etc.
*Open Badges are digital certificates (badges) of your knowledge, skills, and experience. The issued Open Badge can be posted on social networking sites, email signatures, and resumes to showcase your strengths to clients, interviewers, and others.
Badge Sample Image
Application
■Procedure for students
Fill out and submit the student application form below by Sunday, January 14, 2024. A notice of acceptance will be emailed to students by Monday, January 22, after your eligibility is confirmed. Information necessary for taking the online course (Zoom meeting info etc.) will be notified by January 30.
■Procedure for the person in charge of the university
Sunday, January 14, 2024 is the deadline for applications from students. TUFS will send the list of students to the person in charge at the university by Monday, January 15. Please check the list and confirm the eligibility of students by Friday, January 19 by sending an email to opjlc[at]tufs.ac.jp.
(If you require more time for confirmation, please contact us.)
*If the above schedule is difficult to follow, please contact us.
* In case of large number of application, there will be a draw.
Contacts
Office for OPJLC
PR & Collaboration Division, General Affairs and Planning Department
Tokyo University of Foreign Studies
Email: opjlc[at]tufs.ac.jp
3-11-1 Asashi-cho, Fuchu-shi, Tokyo 183-8534
University website: https://www.tufs.ac.jp
*For inquiries, please contact us by e-mail.
*Please replace [at] with @.