Up-and-coming Japanese language teachers are back in Rockhampton after they have spent up to a year gaining classroom and cultural experience in Japan.

Seven students from Central Queensland University’s Bachelor of Learning Management (Japanese) program have spent one year in Japan as part of an exchange program.

These students have been exchanged with students from Japanese universities as part of exchange agreements CQU has with a number of Japanese universities.

CQU Bachelor of Learning Management (Japanese) program leader Takahiro Yokoyama said students are expected to have native-like language proficiency when they return.

Just back from Japan, Suzi Close said her year in Japan was one of the best experiences of her life.

“Not only did I get to study Japanese at a university over there, I met people from all over the world who had come to do the same thing,” Miss Close said.

“The best thing about receiving the scholarship was not having to worry about working to earn money to live, but just being able to concentrate on my studies and enjoying the Japanese lifestyle.”.

CQU students received financial support from various organisations so they could live and study in Japan as part of the program.

But it wasn’t all study and no play for the exchange students. Some got to visit Disneyland and Universal Studios and often went out with their new Japanese friends.

“For me, the most culturally challenging experience was going to a public bath, called an onsen, and washing myself in front of complete strangers,” Miss Close explained.

CQU has also welcomed home 13 BLM (Japanese) students who have spent 3 months on fieldwork places in Japan.

The students continued their studies at Komatsu College University while gaining fieldwork experience in Japanese primary schools. The courses and fieldwork completed in Japan will be credited towards their CQU degree.

Mr Yokoyama said the students used Japanese language and learning management skills acquired from their studies to teach in various discipline areas.

Student Kyra Laidlaw said she learned valuable language lessons while teaching in Japan.

“All the students, including myself, increased their understanding of the language and their Japanese culture incredibly,” Miss Laidlaw said.

“I think it is much easier to teach the language if you’ve lived in the country and you understand the culture.”.

Miss Laidlaw said she has taken away a lot of good teaching ideas from the Japanese teachers and will meld them with what she has already learnt.

Adding to the cultural experience, students had the opportunity to stay with Japanese host families.

The cost for this program has been mostly funded by the Department of Education, Science and Training.

Above: Suzi Close pictured with fake geisha in Japan.

Left: Kyra Laidlaw has just returned to Rockhampton after a 3-month stay in Japan.