A Japanese Experience Specifically Designed
for Secondary Teachers of Japanese 2008

International Languages Aotearoa New Zealand (ILANZ) and the Prefecture of Fukushima, Japan share a mutual interest in promoting educational initiatives between the two countries. The Governor of Fukushima wishes to invite two professional senior secondary teachers of Japanese, teaching at the year 7-13 level, to a special two-week experience (28 September - 10 October 2008, includes 2 free nights at the end of the programme in Tokyo) in this beautiful area of northen Japan. The programme is available for selected educators, all-inclusive of travel, home-stay accommodation (N.B. the 2-night Tokyo experience is at ones own expense), and a specialised "educators" programme, which will introduce teachers to the culture of Japan as experienced in Fukushima.

Deepening the friendship between Japan and NZ through mutual exchange. A NZ educator experiences kyuushoku (school lunch). Fukushima students listen attentively as two NZ educators give a talk on NZ.

FUKUSHIMA
Fukushima Prefecture is one of the most progressive and economically successful regions of Japan. Governor Sato is an internationalist who is determined to provide a global perspective for teachers and students in his prefecture. Fukushima blends the old and the new of Japanese culture in a diverse geographic setting reaching from the coastline of eastern Honshu to the mountain ranges of the interior. It has a proud and fascinating history reaching back over a thousand years.

PROGRAMME
This programme is a special project by the Governor and as such enjoys strong support from the Prefecture. The programme will be coordinated by ILANZ. As invited guests you will:

Be received by the Governor of Fukushima
Enjoy the "real" Japan through home-stay accommodation and a traditional Japanese Inn
Spend time at high schools in Fukushima. These visits will include the opportunity to talk in depth with fellow teachers and to spend time observing students' classes and extra-curricular activities. On top of this you will be given ample opportunity to teach the Japanese students about New Zealand's culture through talk, song, games, etc. (A unique opportunity to enrich and appreciate your own culture)
Receive special lectures on Japanese language, culture, economy, and history. This will include hands-on cultural activities such as Ikebana, calligraphy, tea ceremony and more such uniquely Japanese experiences
The programme will conclude with two nights in Tokyo to enjoy sightseeing at your leisure

This is a unique opportunity for Japanese language teachers' professional development. The learning experience has a cross-curriculum focus and will add a new dimension to your teaching capabilities.

Secondary teachers of Japanese language with the enthusiasm to set up solid ties with senior high schools in Fukushima will be given first preference.

For further information and application form, please contact:

Jocelyn Laine
International Languages Aotearoa New Zealand (ILANZ)
PO Box 27-022
Wellington.
Tel: (DDI) 04 913 6484
Fax: 04 913 6489
Email: programmes@ilanz.ac.nz

Ms.Jessica Harvey or Mr.Katsuhisa Hayakawa
Fukushima Prefectural Government
Email: kokusai@pref.fukushima.jp
Phone +81 24 521 7183
Fax +81 24 521 7919

The closing date for applications is: Monday 30th June