Japanese Language Program for Teachers of the Japanese Language

Deadline: 01-Dec-2026

The Japanese Language Program for Teachers of the Japanese Language offers overseas Japanese-language teachers an opportunity to participate in a seven-week intensive training programme in Japan focused on improving Japanese-language proficiency and deepening understanding of Japanese culture and society. Organized by the Japan Foundation Japanese-Language Institute, Urawa, the programme combines practical Japanese-language activities with lectures, workshops, field trips, school visits, and opportunities for interaction among participants. The programme is designed for Japanese-language teachers who want to strengthen their language skills and develop a deeper understanding of the cultural and social context in which Japanese is used.

About the Japanese Language Program for Teachers

The seven-week programme is intended to support overseas Japanese-language educators in developing their Japanese proficiency and expanding their knowledge of Japanese culture and society. The training emphasizes practical language use rather than purely theoretical study.

Participants take part in activities designed to help them

- Improve their Japanese-language proficiency. - Develop practical communication skills. - Deepen their understanding of Japanese culture. - Learn more about Japanese society. - Strengthen their Japanese-language teaching abilities. - Exchange experiences with other Japanese-language teachers. - Gain first-hand exposure to Japanese educational and social environments. Where Is the Program Held? The programme is organized by the Japan Foundation Japanese-Language Institute, Urawa, in Japan. Participants undertake intensive training while also having opportunities to experience Japanese society through field activities, school visits, and interaction with local communities. How Long Is the Training Program? The programme lasts seven weeks. During this period, participants undertake intensive Japanese-language training along with cultural and social learning activities. The seven-week structure allows teachers to focus on improving their language abilities while also gaining practical exposure to Japan. Who Is Eligible to Apply? The programme is intended for overseas Japanese-language teachers who meet the specified experience, language-proficiency, and previous-training requirements.

Applicants should:

- Be overseas Japanese-language teachers. - Have at least six months of Japanese-language teaching experience. - Have Japanese proficiency at JFS Level A2 or lower, or JLPT N4/N5 or equivalent. - Meet the programme’s requirements concerning previous onsite training in Japan. Teaching Experience Requirement Applicants must have at least six months of experience teaching Japanese. This requirement ensures that participants already have practical experience as Japanese-language educators and can apply the knowledge and skills gained through the training to their teaching activities. Japanese-Language Proficiency Requirement Applicants should have Japanese proficiency at JFS Level A2 or lower. Applicants with JLPT N4 or N5, or an equivalent level of Japanese proficiency, may also qualify. The programme is therefore intended particularly for teachers who already have some Japanese-language knowledge but require further development of their practical proficiency. Previous Training in Japan Applicants must also meet a restriction concerning previous onsite Japanese-language training in Japan. Applicants who have participated in similar onsite training in Japan for more than one month since April 2021 are not eligible. This requirement is intended to provide the opportunity to teachers who have not recently received an extended period of similar onsite training in Japan. What Does the Training Include? Participants take part in a variety of educational and cultural activities throughout the seven-week programme.

The curriculum includes:

- Japanese-language activities. - Lectures. - Workshops. - Field trips. - Interaction among programme participants. - Visits to local schools. These activities combine classroom learning with practical exposure to Japanese society. Japanese-Language Activities A major component of the programme is improving participants’ Japanese-language proficiency. Participants engage in practical language activities designed to strengthen their ability to use Japanese in real communication situations. The emphasis on practical language use can help teachers become more confident in their own Japanese-language abilities. Lectures and Workshops The programme also includes lectures and workshops focusing on Japanese culture and society. These sessions provide participants with opportunities to develop knowledge that can complement their language-learning experience and support their work as Japanese-language educators. Field Trips Field trips form another component of the training programme. Through these activities, participants can gain first-hand exposure to aspects of Japanese culture and society outside the classroom. Visits to Local Schools

Participants may also visit local schools

School visits provide an opportunity for overseas Japanese-language teachers to observe educational environments in Japan and gain perspectives that may be useful in their own teaching contexts. Interaction Among Participants The programme provides opportunities for participants to interact with one another. This can allow teachers from different regions and educational environments to exchange experiences, perspectives, and ideas related to Japanese-language education. Understanding Japanese Culture and Society The programme goes beyond language proficiency. Through lectures, workshops, field trips, and school visits, participants deepen their understanding of Japanese culture and society. This cross-cultural component is particularly relevant for teachers who introduce Japanese language and culture to students in other countries. Travel, Accommodation and Meals Select