Intensive English Program

This is an eight-week program, offered from mid-July to mid-September before entrance to the all program. The IEP provides 23 hours of classes (focusing on academic writing, reading, listening/note-taking and oral presentation/discussion skills), and requires about 30 hours of homework per week. There is also a full calendar of social and sporting activities, which combine to make the IEP a complete international English experience.

Overview

Features

1. Small class size (9-12)
2. Interactive classes
3. Individualized instruction and feedback
4. An active extracurricular schedule
5. Computer and Internet facilities
6. International and multi-cultural environment, with more than half of the students from outside Japan
7. Residential campus
8. Scenic mountainous surroundings in a rural setting

Goals

1. Develop English language skills for academic needs
2. Develop oral communication skills in and outside of the classroom
3. Develop cross-cultural awareness inside and outside the classes
4. Make use of self-access learning materials
5. Develop leadership and organizational skills
6. Participate in an “English only environment”

Courses

OCSALS (Oral Communication Skills & Academic Listening Skills)

This component focuses on two major activities: oral presentations and small group discussions. Students will develop skills for making individual and group oral presentations, participating in group discussion activities on selected academic topics, and effectively handling group dynamics in group project work.

1. Language needed for general classroom interactions
2. Language needed for oral presentations and group discussions
3. Effective strategies for making individual and group presentations
4. Effective strategies for discussing a topic at an academic level
5. Effective communication skills in a group
6. Pronunciation, stress, rhythm, and articulation of sounds, words, and sentences

Throughout the course, an emphasis will be placed on self-expression and the development of fluency.

This component focuses on the development of comprehension skills in academic contexts and note-taking skills that aid such comprehension. Students will listen to short audio- or video-based academic lectures, take notes, and answer questions or participate in follow-up discussions.
In comprehending academic lectures, students will be able to:

1. identify the overall focus and parts of a lecture
2. distinguish between main points and supporting details
3. identify points of transition and linking words and phrases
4. distinguish repetitions and re-phrasing of ideas from new content

Some news reports and documentaries may also be included as listening materials.
Students will practice efficient note-taking skills and develop familiarity with the use of abbreviations, symbols, and outlining in listening to academic lectures.
Aural comprehension materials will be carefully sequenced in length, complexity, and authenticity, which will help to familiarize students with speech delivered at a speed considered natural for a native speaker of English.

TS (Text Skills )

The Text Skills course focuses on basic academic reading and writing needs common to students in GSIR and GSIM.

1. understand the principles of organization and development
2. write paragraphs and short essays on familiar topics
3. practice editing and revising their written drafts
4. practice paraphrasing and summarizing source material

1. understand the structure and organization of academic texts
2. identify main points and locate specific information
3. distinguish between facts and opinions
4. summarize essential information

The course will also deal with basic grammar and vocabulary in the context of academic writing and reading. Students will make use of reference materials and dictionaries to develop vocabulary. The course will introduce authentic readings from selected IR and IM content courses to expose students to graduate-level reading materials used at IUJ.

Business Communication Skills

Summer-only professional students will attend a customized Business Communication Skills course that focuses on spoken and written English for international business purposes.

Activities

The IEP provides excellent opportunities for social and group activities, mostly organized by students with support from faculty and staff. Members of the IEP Student Committee, formed by student volunteers from the IEP & IMF-OP take initiative in organizing the activities.
Membership in the Student Committee provides opportunities for showing initiative and developing leadership and organizational skills. The surrounding areas are ideal for outdoor activities.

1. parties and picnics
2. sports (tennis, volleyball, badminton, basketball, baseball, etc.)
3. jogging & biking
4. driving around the mountainous countryside
5. hiking up the mountains
6. camping
7. beach trips
8. visits to restaurants and hot springs

For Summer-only participants

If you are interested in participating our Summer Intensive Program but are not entering IUJ, please contact us for further details to iep@iuj.ac.jp.