Rockhampton is on the radar for Japanese university students keen to study English while enjoying a starkly different lifestyle and environment.

In coming weeks, about 50 language-tourism students are heading to Rockhampton from Japanese universities including Kanazawa Seiryo University (Aug 18-Sept 23); Meikai University  Department of Language and Culture  (Aug 21-Aug 28), Meikai University  (Aug 21-Sept 9) and Kwassui Woman's University (Aug 28-Sept 17).

Apart from the region's status as being 'where the Outback meets the Reef', a common magnet for all groups is the reputation of the English Language Centre at CQUniversity's Rockhampton Campus.

A previous group from Kwassui Woman's University on Rockhampton Campus

The English Language Centre has a fine tradition of arranging local homestay families to host the visiting students, so they get to experience normal life as an honorary Aussie for a few weeks. The centre also has plenty of experience at running adventure tourism activities and other specialised events. Many of the education students get the chance to sit in on local school classes to experience Australia's lesson format.

From Rockhampton they are able to go on overnight excursions to Great Keppel Island and Myella Farmstay working cattle station, visit a golf driving range and other sports facilities, Capricorn Coast beaches, Koorana Crocodile Farm, Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary, the Dreamtime Cultural Centre and the Heritage Village.