International Experience Program: Japan
Faculty of Education
Yamagata University Cultural Program - not available in 2013
Students will spend two - three weeks in Yamagata, Japan on an international study program. A CSU staff member will accompany the group as they take part in a one week cultural studies program at Yamagata University, Kojirakawa Campus and then spend one- two weeks in the local Japanese schools.
The Yamagata Cultural program includes study about Japanese language, writing, music, food, religion, history and cultural.
During the two week school visit program students will learn about the characteristics of the Japanese school setting and have the opportunity to work with students in small groups to whole classes.
As a result of involvement in this program, it is expected that student- teachers will acquire:
- a greater appreciation and understanding of schooling in a different cultural setting;
- increased capacity to reflect on their teaching practices;
- increased intercultural competence.
Yamagata is in the north of Japan. It is a mountainous area where mountain walks and skiing are well established. For further information go to : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamagata,_Yamagata
Program dates: 19 November – 3 December
Number of places: maximum 12 students
N.B. This program will require 10 students to go proceed.
Program Cost: Approx: $2,600.00*
*The $500 Travel Grant (for eligible students) has already been deducted from the program fee.
Costs should include: Return flights, insurance, visa, accommodation
Eligibility: All Faculty of Education students
Indicative Credit: Credit Provisions (on application)
- Bachelor of Education (K-12) students are eligible for 1 week credit for the diverse placement in EPT 321.
- Bachelor of Education (HPE) students may be eligible for 2 week diverse placement credit in EPT 441.
- Bachelor of Education (Primary) students may be eligible for an 8 credit point subject elective substitution.
*All students participating in the program will be eligible to enrol in the 0 credit point subject International Cultural and Educational Program in recognition of full participation. There is no cost to students. This ensures student participation is captured on their transcript.
Application time-line:
- Applications close: 23 July
- Students advised if they are accepted into the program within 2 weeks of the closing date.
- $100 non refundable deposit due: 16 August.
- Final payment due: 9 September.
All students must have a valid passport by the 9 September (must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure) - pre-departure - introduction to the on-line pre-departure module: 6 September 3:30 – 5:00
- videoconference – strategies for teaching English to students who are using English as a second or foreign language:20 September
- videoconference Country specific pre-departure briefing:September-October (TBC) 3:30 – 5:00
Click here to download an application form [pdf]
Please return application forms to Margaret Hamilton via e-mail, post or fax.
Margaret Hamilton
Business Development Officer
Faculty of Education
Charles Sturt University
Panorama Avenue
Bathurst NSW 2795
Australia
Fax: 02 63 384 182
Email: mhamilton@csu.edu.au
Click here to download a flyer [pdf]
Indicative program outline:
A CSU staff member will accompany the group as they take part in a 15 day school visit and cultural studies program at Yamagata University. During the school visit program students will visit a range of primary and secondary schools where they will lead group activities in a range of areas that might include Australian food, folk dancing, dot painting, conversational English activities, Australian geography, fauna and flora or Australian literature.
The cultural program will include a range of workshops on Japanese education, Tea Ceremonies, Sake brewing; buckwheat noodles, earthenware bells, pounding cooked rice stampers and flower arranging. There will be weekend tours and the opportunity for boat riding or mountain climbing. A 4 day homestay in included to immerse students in the Japanese lifestyle. Students will fly into Tokyo and catch the bullet train up to Yamagata.
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | other |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Arrive Yamagata Station | ||
| Tuesday | Guided tour of YU campus 1st lecture |
2nd lecture Welcome party |
|
| Wednesday | Visit local primary school | Visit local Junior High School | Travel to Tozowa village |
| Thursday | Visit Tozowa Board of Education and primary school | Primary school visit | |
| Friday | Visit Junior High School | Visit Junior High School | |
| Saturday | Homestay family time | Homestay family time | |
| Sunday | Tour of Mogami Town (incl boat ride/mountain climb) | tour cont. | Travel to Shinjo city |
| Monday | Visit Shinjo City and Chara Art Gallery | Visit Primary School | |
| Tuesday | Visit to Primary School | Visit to Primary School | |
| Wednesday | Visit to Junior High School | Visit to Junior High School | |
| Thursday | Visit Nishikawa-machi Town Hall Japanese culture w'shop - tea ceremony |
Japanese culture w'shop - Sake Brewery | |
| Friday | Japanese culture w'shop - Buckwheat noodles | Japanese culture w'shop - earthenware bells/Lake Gassan | |
| Saturday | Japanese culture w'shop - pounding cooked rice stampers | Japanese culture w'shop - flower arranging | Farewell party at Nishikawa |
| Sunday | Free time /Tour Yamagata City | cont. | |
| Monday | Depart Yamamagata Station |