The New Zealand Japanese Language Teachers Programme (NZJLTP) provides an in-country language and cultural immersion experience for New Zealand teachers of Japanese language. It is expected that participants will increase their awareness and knowledge of Japanese language and culture to improve teaching practices and to promote student, school and community interest and support for Japanese programmes.

The NZJLTP is held annually in Osaka, Japan for approximately 12-14 days, typically during New Zealand's April school holiday period. Up to four New Zealand educators will be selected by Asia:NZ. NZJLTP 2008 will be from 19 April to 1 May.

The NZJLTP is co-ordinated by Asia:NZ in partnership with the Kansai New Zealand Centre, Osaka, Japan and funded by the Orion Programme.

Eligibility

Practising teachers of Japanese are eligible to apply. Preference will be given to educators who:

• are registered Year 7-10 teachers of Japanese language
• have achieved at least NCEA Level 3 or University Entrance level Japanese
  
• are able to read all hiragana, some katakana and recognise some kanji
• are teachers of beginners Japanese
• have the support of their Principal
• are committed to increasing and improving Japanese language and studies in schools
• can demonstrate an ability to disseminate their knowledge widely
• have not previously participated in Japan Foundation Japanese language training courses
• have limited experience of Japanese culture
  
• are New Zealand citizens or permanent residents

Costs

Successful applicants will:

• contribute NZ$500 towards their domestic and international airfares
• be responsible for their own travel and medical insurance and spending money
• be responsible for organising release time and cover (if required) from work commitments

Asia:NZ will:

• cover the difference in airfares (economy class), accommodation and most meal and internal transportation expenses of participants

Award conditions

Successful applicants will be required to sign an agreement with Asia:NZ agreeing to all award conditions.

Participants must:

• attend all programme activities as organised
• submit to Asia:NZ an initial report within a month of their return from Japan with an evaluation of the programme and an outline of strategies to support the promotion and development of Japanese studies in class, school and/or wider community programmes
• submit to Asia:NZ a final report a year from their return from Japan outlining and including examples where applicable, initiatives implemented and outcomes achieved

Conditions not met may result in Asia:NZ requesting a refund of costs and will impact on the applicant’s participation and requests for support in other Asia:NZ programmes.

Other information

• Asia:NZ will provide participants with background material on Japan, programme schedule and contact with previous participants prior to departure. Additional materials will be distributed upon arrival in Japan
• Participants will typically be housed on-site in fully furnished single rooms with bathroom facilities
• A school and homestay visit is included as part of the programme 

Read reports from previous NZJLTP participants here. 

Applications

• The NZJLTP is advertised in the Education Gazette and other education publications and networks usually around August each year.
• Each application must include the relevant information as stated on the application form and preliminary questionnaire.
  
• Selection will be based on the eligibility points above.
• Applicants will be informed of Asia:NZ’s decision within a month of application deadline.

Application deadline date for 2008 has yet to be deteremined

For further information, please contact:

Janine Chin
Schools Coordinator
Telephone: + 64 4 470 8707
Fax: + 64 4 471 2330
Email: jchin@asianz.org.nz