Kawai Juku Cosmo (Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo), which supports students aiming for university admission after high school dropout or from correspondence high schools, will hold its 'August Trial' from August 1 to 31. For one full month, participants can spend their days at Cosmo and experience all classes and activities.

A New 'Place to Belong' Different from Home: A One-Month Opportunity to Take Your First Step This Summer

Restarting after non-attendance or dropping out can be a source of great anxiety and stress for both students and parents. Even when a restart date is set, things may not go as planned, leading to deeper feelings of anxiety and discouragement.

To address this, Cosmo is offering a one-month trial period in August, allowing each individual to restart at their own pace. This trial offers students who have experienced non-attendance or dropping out a chance to see how it feels to begin preparing for future university admission within the supportive 'place to belong' that is Cosmo. During this period, participants can join all programs—including academic classes, seminars, and club activities—just like regular Cosmo students. This experience allows them to assess whether Cosmo can serve not only as a place for learning but also as a safe and encouraging environment to explore interests and plan for the future. This is a one-month trial that respects small steps—such as 'I couldn’t go today, but maybe tomorrow or next week'—and provides gentle, step-by-step support.

We kindly ask your media outlet to introduce this trial program as an opportunity for students with experiences of non-attendance or dropping out, or those attending correspondence high schools, to leave home this summer and discover a new 'place to belong' as a starting point for a fresh beginning. Interviews about the daily life at Cosmo, including the trial program, and with staff experienced in supporting non-attending and dropout students are also welcome.

<What You Can Do at Kawai Juku Cosmo's 'August Trial'>

1. [Academic Learning] Enroll in Summer Courses

Welcome to all, whether you have gaps in your studies or want to prepare for entrance exams. You may enroll in as many courses as you wish from subjects including English, Math, Japanese, Science, and Social Studies (History, Geography, Civics). For those nervous about returning to classroom learning, starting with video-based lessons is also acceptable.

2. [Broaden Your Horizons and Think About the Future] Participate in Seminars and Club Activities

・Seminars: Covering topics such as art, psychology, food, and social issues—some at a university-level depth. Special summer-only seminars are also planned.

・Clubs: Active in diverse areas including sports, philosophy, pottery, urban exploration, and retro gaming.

3. [Spend Time in a New 'Place to Belong'] Use Self-Study Rooms and Free Spaces, Talk and Consult with Instructors and Fellows

Read books in the free space. Write reports for correspondence high schools in the self-study room. Talk to instructors and fellows about anything—your future, university plans, or even things that don’t seem important.

4. [Prepare for September and Beyond] Watch Recorded Lectures from the First Term (April–July)

Ideal for those planning to continue studying at Cosmo from September onward.

5. [For Parents] Participate in 'Parent Philosophy Café,' an Informal Dialogue Space

A time to gently step outside the invisible boundaries of words like 'society' and 'normal' that unconsciously constrain us. Parents are invited to have warm, open discussions on questions that have no single correct answer.

<Cosmo’s Daily Life>

Courses are offered from foundational to Common Test level, making them accessible even for those with learning gaps. Seminars sometimes take students beyond the classroom to learn from society (e.g., court observation experiences). The popular pottery club has even inspired some participants to pursue careers as potters.

Kawai Juku Cosmo 'August Trial (One-Month Experience)' Program Details

Eligibility:

Students who have experienced non-attendance or dropping out of high school and aim for future university admission, as well as current or former students of correspondence high schools.

* Students aged 18 and over are welcome. Support for the High School Equivalency Exam is also available.

Period:

August 1 (Sat) – August 31 (Mon)

* Opening hours: 9:00–19:30 (Monday to Saturday)

Venue:

Kawai Juku Cosmo

(Kawai Juku Shinjuku Branch Annex, 7-14-7 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo)

Program Content:

(1) Enrollment in summer courses (90 minutes × 3 days per course; unlimited enrollment)

(2) Participation in seminars and club activities

(3) Use of self-study rooms and free spaces, academic support including Q&A and consultations with instructors and fellows

(4) Viewing of recorded lectures from April to July

Participation Fee:

33,000 JPY (tax included), including materials

* Additional actual costs (e.g., transportation, materials) may apply for seminar and club participation.

Application Method:

Apply via the online form:

▶ https://bit.ly/cosmo2608

After applying, a personalized schedule will be created in consultation with a fellow based on the applicant’s preferences and condition.

(Schedule adjustments, such as adding or reducing courses, are possible after the trial begins based on the participant’s progress.)

Capacity: 20 participants (first-come, first-served)

Inquiries:

Kawai Juku Cosmo: 03-5331-7581

Additional Information:

We welcome inquiries and consultation requests at any time.

We encourage participation as an opportunity to learn about the reality of university admission after non-attendance or dropping out.

For more details, visit the Kawai Juku Cosmo website: www.kawai-juku.ac.jp/cosmo/

[About Kawai Juku Cosmo]

Launched in 1988—before non-attendance became a widely recognized social issue—Cosmo is a Kawai Juku program that has supported high school dropouts, non-attending students, and correspondence high school students in university admission for 38 years. Respecting students’ 'freedom, autonomy, and self-discipline,' Cosmo does not impose anything on students. In addition to core academic classes, it offers unique activities such as seminars and clubs to broaden students’ horizons and deepen their interests. Cosmo provides each individual with the time and space needed to take on new challenges.

A moment from Cosmo Farm, where students, instructors, and fellows all work together.

・About Kawai Juku Cosmo:

▶ https://www.kawai-juku.ac.jp/cosmo/feature/

・Kawai Juku Cosmo Official Facebook: Daily activities including seminars and extracurriculars

▶ https://www.facebook.com/kawaijukucosmo/

・Alumni who have made significant impacts in society after Cosmo

▶ https://www.kawai-juku.ac.jp/cosmo/voice/experience/

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Event