Welcome 2018 Winter Program Participants: J-CIP:A!

AIU Vice President Prof. McCagg welcomes participants to J-CIP:A.

AIU is happy to welcome 10 students from The Australian National University to campus for the 2018 Japanese Language and Cultural Immersion Program: Advanced (J-CIP:A)!

Special Winter Program

Faculty greeting at the program opening ceremony.

This year marks the third iteration of J-CIP:A, one of AIU’s Partner’s Programs developed in partnership with faculty from The Australian National University. The unique Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) curriculum gives students the opportunity to dive deep into Akita Studies, research into the culture, traditions, climate, and food of Akita Prefecture, while also exploring the challenges facing the area and other rural regions around Japan.

Content in Japanese Plus Language Courses

While all regular courses at AIU are taught in English, this program is taught entirely in Japanese and is targeted at advanced language learners. Students will have the opportunity to improve their language ability in all four skills by using their ability in the classroom and in interaction with the local community.

Students will also have language courses focusing on key skills like speech and pronunciation and keigo (formal Japanese), abilities they will test in meetings with members of the Akita Prefectural Government and the local community later in the program.

Not Confined to the Classroom

While students will have a busy course schedule, learning doesn’t stop there. On weekends, they will participate in site visits to key Akita cultural resources connected with their coursework. Finally, in the highlight of the program, they will spend three days living in the rural community of Shiraiwa with local host families while helping to set up and execute their annual winter illumination festival.

Running Start

Though students are still adjusting to the difference between Canberra summer and Akita winter, as well as the time difference, the program is off to a running start, with orientation and the first site visit happening this weekend.

Good Luck to all of this year’s J-CIP:A participants! We hope you have an enriching, enjoyable experience and make the most of your time here in Akita.

For more information about J-CIP:A and to see the introductory video, please see this page and this student voice article by one of last year’s participants.