Japanese Immersion Programme in Kansai

When:

Flights depart Auckland on Sunday 21 September 2025 and return on Saturday 4 October 2025.

Where:

国際交流基金関西国際センター

The Japan Foundation Japanese Language Institute, Kansai (KC)‍

Application:

Registrations open on 17 March 2025 and close on 4 April 2025.

No registrations will be accepted after this date.

Principals and/or in-school PLD approvers will be contacted to endorse a teacher’s application.

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Programme Overview:

This fully immersive experience provides participants with opportunities to use Japanese in authentic contexts while deepening their understanding of Japanese culture and society. Through real-life interactions, they will engage with the language, gain cultural insights, and reflect on their learning. More importantly, they will explore ways to apply their experiences to their own teaching practice.

The programme will help participants:

• Deepen their understanding of the Japanese language and culture
• Connect with other passionate Japanese teachers
• Enrich their teaching with inspiration and insights.
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Eligibility:

Applicants must be New Zealand registered teachers who are currently teaching Japanese at a New Zealand school and are intending to continue to teach Japanese in NZ in 2026 and beyond.

Pre-Service Teachers and holders of a LAT are not eligible.

Places on the trip are very limited, and priority will go to those who:

• Are teaching Japanese at Years 7-10 in 2025
• Have a proven track record in engagement with PLD offered by Tui Tuia | Learning Circle
• Preferably have a Japanese proficiency level of 初中級以上 (A2/B1 level or above)
• Are not a native speaker of Japanese.

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Participant Expectations:

Participants are expected to:

• Submit required documents, including forms requested by KC, such as the Preliminary Questionnaire and others
• Complete three online surveys for Tui Tuia | Learning Circle
• Attend a two-hour online orientation meeting in August (attendance is required).

Programme Activities (TBC):

• Short Stay in Tokyo
• Osaka Orienteering or Home Visit
• School Visits
• Resource Making
• Hands-on Cultural Activity

The final programme is subject to change based on availability and weather conditions.

What’s Included?

• Japanese lessons and cultural activities in KC
• Cost of all group activities and transportation in Tokyo and Osaka
• Airfare to Narita (ex-AKL), including transfers and, if necessary, accommodation in Auckland for participants living outside Auckland
• Domestic transportation within Japan (Tokyo-Osaka, Narita airport to hotel, KC to Itami airport)
• Travel and health insurance
• Accommodation in Japan, including shared group accommodation in Tokyo and accommodation at the KC dormitory in Osaka
• All meals.

What’s Not Included?

• Cost of getting to and from airports in New Zealand (including any parking fees)
• Visa fees (if required)‍
• Personal expenses.

Our partner: The Japan Foundation Japanese Language Institute, Kansai