Columbia University Japanese Language ProgramFAQ about The Summer M.A. Program in Japanese Pedagogy
Q: I don't have any background in teaching Japanese and I didn't study this field in college. Is it difficult for me to be accepted into the program?
A: There are students who have neither undergraduate degrees related to teaching languages nor teaching experience, but who are still accepted to the program. You do not have to worry about your qualifications for the program. However, it is crucial that you explain your motivation for participating in the program and your future plans, career goals, etc. in your hand-written statement of purpose, which is a requirement for applying to the program.
Q: How much is the tuition for the M.A. program?
A: The tuition for 2010 will be finalized in March. Typically, the tuition increases by 5 % each year. In 2009, the tuition was $10,062. In addition, there are other charges, such as Facility and Health Service fees. Unfortunately, there are no scholarships available for this program.
Q: I would like to take the three-week Elementary Pedagogy course only as a non-degree student. How much is the tuition?
A: The tuition was $3,410 for the three-week pedagogy course in 2009. Again, it increases by 5 % each year.
Q: When are Elementary and Intermediate/Advanced Pedagogy courses offered? Also, in what cycle are the other M.A. courses scheduled?
A: Elementary and Intermediate/Advanced Pedagogy courses are offered alternately every year. The Elementary course is scheduled for 2010 and 2012, while the Intermediate/Advanced course is scheduled for 2011 and 2013, respectively. The other courses rotate over a three-year period. For example, the 3 M.A. courses offered in summer 2010 will next be taught in 2013.
Q: When do students write their M.A. Thesis?
A: After completing all the course work over three summers, they write the first draft of their M.A. thesis by January, and submit the completed paper in March.
Q: How many courses am I supposed to take in the second and third year? Also, when will I complete the program and earn my degree?
A: The following schedules represent the courses a student would take if completing the M.A. in three consecutive years, beginning in the summer of 2010 or the summer of 2011, respectively.
1st Year (summer 2010): Elem. JPN Pedagogy + 3 M.A. Courses (9 weeks) 2nd Year (summer 2011): Inter/Adv. JPN Pedagogy + 3 M.A. Courses (9 weeks) 3rd Year (summer 2012): 3 M.A. Courses (6 weeks) and register M.A. Thesis Research March, 2013: Complete the M.A. Thesis May, 2013: Obtain M.A. Degree
1st Year (summer 2011): 3 M.A. Courses (6 weeks) 2nd Year (summer 2012): Elem. JPN Pedagogy + 3 M.A. Courses (9 weeks) 3rd Year (summer 2013): Inter/Adv. JPN Pedagogy + 3 M.A. Courses (9 weeks) and register M.A. Thesis Research March, 2014: Complete the M.A. Thesis May, 2014: Obtain M.A. Degree
Q: What are the requirements to apply as a non-degree student?
A: To apply as a non-degree student, you need to submit the followings. You don't need to send your TOEFL or OPI score.
(1) Official Transcripts
(2) Two letters of recommendation
(3) Handwritten Statement of Purpose in Japanese
Q: Do I need to use a specific form for statement of purpose in Japanse?
A: No, but it must be "handwritten" on a single sheet of plain paper. Do not use "genkou youshi".
Q: I'm interested in only one of the M.A. courses which will be offered this summer. Is it possible to take only one course?
A: No, students must take all the courses. Unfortunately, we do not have any enrollment option that would allow you to take only some courses.
Q: How should I request for an application packet?
A: You must apply using the following online application. The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences is no longer printing applications.
Application Information of GSAS (The Graduate School of Arts and Science, Columbia University)
Q: When should I submit application materials to the admission office? Is there "early admission"?
A: The deadline for 2010 summer application is February 15, 2010. You could start the application process online as soon as it becomes available in October, but we suggest that you wait until receiving the result of the TOEFL or OPI test before starting the process. Applicants for our M.A. Program must send us all the materials together, including the TOEFL or OPI score and the essay in Japanese. (Please remember that the admission office will not start reviewing your application until all required materials are received.) In any case, we will not select from among the candidates until the deadline, February 15th. There is no early admission for the Japanese Pedagogy M.A. Program.
Q: Can I get an F-1 student visa if I am accepted into the program?
A: Yes. After you submit the appropriate documentation, the International Students and Scholars Office will issue you a Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 form) to allow you to apply for an F-1 student visa at the US embassy. Bear in mind that the I-20 will only be valid during the program period for the year you will be enrolled.
Q: Is it possible to obtain a one-year OPT visa to work in the United States after completing the MA program?
A. Unfortunately, students are not eligible to apply for OPT after the completion of their program because the program lasts only two months each year and they do not accumulate enough time in F-1 status. According to immigration regulation, in order for a student to apply for OPT, he or she must be in status for at least an academic year. In other words, they need to be register fulltime for at least one full academic year before they can apply for OPT.
Q: Where can I get more information on TOEFL?
A: Please refer to the following TOEFL website.
TOEFL Official Website
Q: I'm a non-native speaker of Japanese. How should I take the Oral Proficiency Interview?
A: Please refer to the following ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) website for the information on OPI.
ACTFL Certified Proficiency Testing Programs
Q: What kind of housing options are available?
A: On-campus dormitory is available for our M.A. students. The housing cost was $47.50/night (not including NY sales tax) in 2009. We expect a slight increase in the housing fee. If you prefer to live in an apartment or a sublet, you may do so. However, in that case, you will have to arrange housing on your own.
Q: When do we register for courses, and pay tuition?
A: Registration will take place after the first day of classes. The tuition and other fees must be paid during the first week of the program.
Q: How can I pay tuition?
A: Checks, money orders, traveler's checks and cash are accepted at our Cashiering windows on campus. Checks must be in U.S. currency drawn on a U.S. bank. You can also pay by credit card, but the university has contracted with a third party processor for those who choose to pay by credit card. The processor will charge a non-refundable convenience fee to the credit card user based on the amount of the payment. American Express, Discover, and MasterCard are accepted.
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