RFPs: Basic Training Program for Teachers of the Japanese Language

Deadline: 01-Dec-2026

The Basic Training Program for Teachers of the Japanese Language is a six-month professional development programme designed for early-career Japanese-language teachers from around the world. The programme helps participants strengthen their Japanese-language proficiency, develop basic teaching methodology, and deepen their understanding of Japanese culture, society, and education. Participants are placed into groups according to the results of a placement examination and receive instruction tailored to their Japanese-language level and learning needs. The programme combines Japanese-language training, teaching methodology, and study of Japanese culture and society with field trips and cultural programmes. Scheduled to take place from August 31, 2027 to February 24, 2028, on a tentative basis, the programme provides participants with an intensive six-month training experience in Japan.

About the Basic Training Program for Teachers of the Japanese Language

The programme is designed specifically for early-career Japanese-language teachers who want to strengthen the knowledge and skills required for effective Japanese-language education.

It focuses on three major areas:

- Japanese-language proficiency. - Basic Japanese-language teaching methodology. - Knowledge of Japan, including its culture and society. By combining these areas, the programme seeks to help teachers improve both their classroom skills and their ability to communicate Japanese culture and society to learners. Purpose of the Training Program The Basic Training Program aims to support the professional development of teachers who are relatively new to Japanese-language education.

The programme seeks to:

- Improve participants’ Japanese-language skills. - Develop fundamental teaching methodology. - Strengthen teachers’ understanding of Japanese culture and society. - Provide practical exposure to Japanese society. - Encourage cross-cultural understanding. - Create opportunities for teachers from different countries to learn from one another. - Strengthen the quality of Japanese-language education overseas. Who Is the Program Designed For? The programme is intended for early-career Japanese-language teachers working outside Japan. Applicants should already have teaching experience but must fall within the programme’s specified experience range. The programme is particularly suitable for teachers who want to strengthen their language ability while developing a stronger foundation in Japanese-language teaching methodology and cultural knowledge. Training Duration and Schedule The programme is scheduled to run for approximately six months.

The tentative programme period is:

August 31, 2027 to February 24, 2028

Participants should be prepared to commit to the full training period in Japan

Japanese-Language Training Japanese-language development is one of the central components of the programme. Participants are grouped according to the results of a placement examination, allowing instruction to be tailored to their existing proficiency levels. This approach enables participants with different levels of Japanese-language ability to receive training appropriate to their needs. The language component is intended to help teachers become more confident and capable users of Japanese in their professional teaching contexts. Teaching Methodology Training The programme also provides training in basic Japanese-language teaching methodology. Early-career teachers can develop a stronger understanding of fundamental approaches to teaching Japanese and gain knowledge that can be applied in their own educational settings. The methodology component complements the Japanese-language training by helping participants develop both language proficiency and teaching-related skills. Learning About Japanese Culture and Society Understanding the cultural and social context in which a language is used is an important part of effective language education. The programme therefore includes learning opportunities focused on Japan’s culture and society. Participants can deepen their knowledge of Japan while gaining perspectives that can enrich their own Japanese-language teaching. Field Trips and Cultural Programs The training extends beyond classroom instruction. Participants take part in field trips and cultural programmes designed to provide firsthand experiences of Japanese society. These experiences allow teachers to observe and engage with aspects of Japanese life and culture directly rather than relying only on classroom learning. Cross-Cultural Understanding Participants come from diverse countries and backgrounds, creating opportunities for international exchange. Interaction with peers enables participants to: - Share teaching experiences. - Learn about Japanese-language education in different countries. - Exchange perspectives on culture and society. - Develop international professional connections. - Improve cross-cultural understanding. The international nature of the programme can therefore contribute to both professional and intercultural development. Who Is Eligible to Apply? Applicants must meet the programme’s requirements relating to teaching experience, Japanese-language proficiency, and professional affiliation. Eligible applicants are Japanese-language teachers who: - Have at least six months of Japanese-language teaching experience. - Have less than five years of Japanese-language teaching experience. - Meet the required Japanese-language proficiency level. - Are affiliated with an overseas educational organization that provides Japanese-language education. The specified teaching experience does not include private lessons or teaching practice. Japanese-Language Teaching Experience Requirement Applicants must have between six months and less than five years of experience teaching Japanese. This requirement is intended to target teachers at the early stage of their professional careers. Importantly, experience from priv