The fourth level course enables learners to continue their language training through explorations in the native culture. Anyone from high school through graduate school who would like to get a start on or make further progress toward fluency is welcome to apply. These courses are designed and implemented by regular OSU faculty. Courses will meet for up to five hours each day for ten weeks. Hours are divided between FACT hours, in which the instructor provides explanations about the language and culture in English, and ACT hours, in which you get a chance to perform in the language.
Participants receive fifteen credits at the program's completion.
Applicants who submit their application materials prior to March 9 will receive priority consideration for admission and fellowships. The final deadline is April 2. A beginning student may combine the summer and academic year intensive programs and reach the proficiency level normally attained through four years or regular study in only fifteen months. The intensive path is important for Japanese, which is more time consuming for American students to learn than other languages. The first level course takes students from zero ability to basic communicative competence and familiarity with the writing system.