11th- 23rd April 2027
Applications are now being sought for the 47th Ishikawa language and culture course.
These courses are organised by the Australia – Japan Society (ACT) and run by the Ishikawa Foundation for International Exchange (IFIE) in April and October each year.
There is a maximum of 10 places available for this course so it has to be “first in, first served”.
The course runs for 2 weeks from orientation on Sunday afternoon 11th to Friday evening 23rd April and includes intensive language lessons, cultural activities and home stay accommodation with a Japanese family. This latter is one of the outstanding features of the program and certainly gives a boost to the participants’ language skills.
During the course, mornings are spent in formal language classes and, most afternoons, opportunities are provided to explore the local culture, either in organised classes and excursions; or course participants are encourged to explore Kanazawa by themselves or with other members of the group.
The classes are tailored to the individual participant’s language skills – participants are assessed on the first day and placed in classes according to their language abilities. Beginner classes are available. There are excellent facilities and very helpful teachers at the Institute.
The course costs and homestay fee are subsidised substantially by the Ishikawa Prefectural Government. The total cost for participants (including all course fees, texts, cultural activities and accommodation for the duration of the course, depending on fluctuations in the $/Yen ratio and the number of participants) is around $1,000 – $1,400. Participants are advised to allow about $40 – $60 per day for day-to-day expenses (bus fares, lunches, souvenirs, etc) so the total cost for the two week experience, by the time you have travelled to and from Kanazawa, is probably going to be around $3,500.
You have to find your own way and pay for travel to and from Kanazawa. You must also have travel insurance cover for the duration of the course.
Applicants must be at least 20 years old, must be a member of an Australia – Japan Society OR an affiliated organisation OR join one – JETAA, JLTAA and MLTAA are considered to be affiliated organisations – and must be prepared to stay in Japan for the duration of the course.
This is a great chance to commence, refresh, improve or develop your Japanese language skills and, if your profession is appropriate, the cost may be tax deductible as a self-education expense.
The deadline for applications is 12 February 2027.
For a more detailed outline of the program and for homestay application forms contact Michael Hodgkin, the coordinator of the program at ajsifiecourses@gmail.com or phone 0438584943