SPRING 2022 UPDATE: ENTERING JAPAN, MARCH 10 DEADLINE, AND ONLINE COURSES
The new variant of the coronavirus has spiked in Japan in recent months and the Japanese government has remained quiet about future border openings. It is likely that they are waiting to see if this spike will decrease significantly once we enter Spring season. We are expecting an official announcement from the Japanese government by the end of February on whether the ban will be continued or removed.
Chances of Entering with COE
Since we do not know for certain what decisions the Japanese authorities will make, we are only speculating. There is discussion that perhaps sometime between Spring and Summer, the borders will open to those with Certificates of Eligibility (COE). Priority will most likely be given based on when your COEs were originally issued.
If you do not have a COE, and are considering Spring term, it is unlikely you will be able to enter Japan this early. We suggest you either (1) defer, (2) withdraw, or (3) consider our synchronous online programs. Please let us know which option you prefer.
If you do have a COE, you might have a better chance of entering Japan sooner, but it is uncertain to expect entry in early April. Most likely, it will be between the Spring and Summer terms, or for Summer or later. We suggest that you either consider (1) deferring, (2) withdrawing, or (3) taking our synchronous online course for Spring and be ready to enter Japan when the borders do eventually open.
March 10 Deadline
More information from the Japanese government might become available late this month or early March, so we have set a deadline of March 10 for everyone to decide and to let us know what they would like to do.
Online Synchronous Courses
This Spring we are offering a package of online synchronous courses, with earlier evening class hours. We are offering Spring online programs for levels 1-3 if a minimum of 5 students have signed up for each level. These online courses are accredited, and college credit remains available to the Japanese language part of the program.
KCP Levels 1-3:
Sunday – Thursday
April 6 – June 20 (Placement test and orientation in late March, TBA)
$2700
Approx. 1 year of US University college Japanese
Level 1: 5 PM – 8:15 PM PST (8 PM – 11:15 PM EST)
Level 2 and 3: 5:30 PM – 8:45 PM PST (8:30 PM – 11:45 PM EST)
Note: Those who begin the online courses will likely remain online for the entire term, whether you are able to enter Japan or not. If you can and choose to enter Japan during the Spring term, you will still be taking the online class. There is a possibility that you might be able to switch and take classes on-campus, but this depends on a variety of factors, and it’s best for you to consider that your entire term will be online. For those who will be able to enter Japan during the middle of Spring term, the program cost, including housing cost, will be assessed and adjusted accordingly.
We understand that this is a difficult time for everyone. We need to recognize that this is affecting so many students and schools everywhere, and that this once in a lifetime pandemic will come to an end soon. Let’s keep the hope and plan for our future together.
