Since its founding in 1985, Human Academy's educational expertise, cultivated over many years, is now spreading across borders. This summer, Human Academy Japanese Language School is hosting short-term summer programs, welcoming students from Qatar at its Tokyo campus and from Mongolia at its Osaka campus! What did they learn and experience in Japan?
The young people who traveled all the way from Mongolia to Japan are the future leaders of the "New Mongolia Harumafuji Academy." This prestigious school, where former sumo grand champion Harumafuji serves as a director, boasts a high academic standard through its integrated education from kindergarten through high school, and has approximately 1,800 students enrolled. Seeing them learn Japanese and experience a different culture in Japan reminded us once again of the limitless possibilities that education holds.
■Experiences of students at Shin Mongolia Hakuho AcademyEJUWhat are the (Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students) preparation courses and class lessons?
This summer program was attended by half second-year high school students and half third-year high school students. They took courses including an "EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students) preparation course" for international students aiming to enter Japanese universities, and "class lessons" focusing on everyday conversation.
(Your serious approach was very impressive!)
The "EJU Preparation Course" deals with challenging content, covering advanced Japanese at a university level. When students first saw the EJU questions, many were surprised and bewildered by their difficulty. However, the red ink scribbled all over their textbooks and notebooks during class demonstrated their remarkable enthusiasm for learning Japanese! Take a look! Look at all the red ink scribbled in these textbooks and notebooks!
One student said:
"The teachers were Japanese and knew a lot about the EJU exam. They thoroughly taught us what to do and what to look for first. If you study hard and do as the teachers taught you, you will do well." Another student said, "I learned a new method. Now I can solve EJU problems in 90 seconds," showing that they are experiencing concrete results.
Human Academy's instructors don't just impart knowledge; they understand each student's situation and provide supportive guidance. One student commented, "The teachers were really kind and taught me well. Now it's not so hard to find the right answer," showing that they are enjoying their studies.
■Learn while having fun in our "class lessons"! Gain confidence and become more proactive.
On the other hand, the "classroom lessons" for learning everyday conversation fostered student growth in a different way than the EJU preparation courses. Many students commented that it was "fun" and "interesting," and it also served as a place for interaction with international students from other countries.
One student said, "The speaking practice was really good," and happily recalled, "In Mongolia, we had a lot of grammar, reading, and writing classes, but in Japan, it was difficult to talk to people. But because I had so many conversations, I've gotten much better now."
It's wonderful that students who were initially hesitant about speaking Japanese gained confidence through class lessons and began to communicate more actively!
Another student commented on the enjoyment of intercultural exchange, saying, "There were many people from various countries, so I learned not only Japanese but also many other things." Using the Japanese they had learned in class to encounter the cultures and ways of thinking of other countries seems to have been a valuable experience that broadened their worldview.
△The summer program also includes plenty of activities to experience and enjoy Japanese culture, such as BBQ.?
■Their dream is to become "engineers who build airplanes"! Mongolian students are also known for their politeness.
?Boldsaikhan, who participated in this program, answered the interview in Japanese with great force, "I want to become someone who builds airplanes!" His eyes were full of hope as he spoke of wanting to show his friends back in Mongolia the beautiful scenery of Japan, Osaka Castle, and the sea he has yet to see.
△Boldsaikhan answering interview questions
The students of Harumafuji Academy are also known for their politeness. After class, it was wonderful to see them carefully wiping down the desks they had used with disinfectant wipes and arranging them neatly. Their sincere attitude towards learning and polite behavior are a testament to the education at Harumafuji Academy, and at the same time, we believe that in the educational environment of Human Academy, we must also convey to our students Japanese manners and the values that Japanese people cherish.
■ Over 80%of students say, "I want to go to university or work in Japan in the future!" Their experience at Human Academy is a valuable asset.
Through this summer program, the students significantly improved their Japanese language skills. One student expressed their gratitude, saying, "I learned a lot of vocabulary, grammar, and how to answer quickly from various teachers using different teaching methods." They also felt that their Japanese language skills had improved, stating, "My speaking ability has improved, and I've gotten better at reading the EJU (English for the Examination)."
Furthermore, in a survey conducted among students who completed the program, a remarkable 81% responded that they "are considering studying or working in Japan in the future." We hope that their experience at Human Academy broadened their future options and inspired them to envision concrete dreams!
A Step Towards a Dream: Qatari High School Students' Experiences of Learning and Culture in Japan
As part of the J-MENA Project, which aims to increase the number of international students from the MENA region (Middle East Asia and North Africa) and raise awareness of Japan, Human Academy Japanese Language School (Tokyo Campus) was commissioned by the Ministry of Education of Qatar to host a group of 14 high school students. We would like to share their enriching 28 days in Japan, where they earnestly engaged with the Japanese language and a different culture.
■ A specially structured intensive program designed to encourage challenges and growth.
This summer program was held over 28 days, from Wednesday?,? ?July? ?2nd to Tuesday,? ?July? ?29th?.? ?Fourteen Qatari high school students, aged 16 to 18, participated. The program aimed to provide them with an opportunity to consider studying in Japan in the future by learning Japanese and experiencing life in Japan. They completed an intensive curriculum totaling 60 hours, including morning classes and special afternoon classes.
In our morning Japanese classes, we focused not only on grammar and character learning, but also on practical application. We thoroughly practiced short conversations useful in real-life situations, such as greetings, shopping, and conversations with friends, through role-playing.
The students were initially nervous, but the instructors at Human Academy Japanese Language School patiently answered each student's questions and provided as many opportunities as possible to speak during class, which enabled them to develop basic Japanese conversational skills.
The Japanese they learned in class was immediately put into practice during their study abroad life in Japan, and we saw them using it in real-life situations, such as using Japanese to shop.
■ Experience Japanese culture and activities for the "first time"
During the program, the students had a variety of experiences that allowed them to immerse themselves in Japanese life and culture.
In the "Calligraphy Experience," where many students were holding a brush for the first time, they wrote their names in katakana characters they had learned in class and decorated them with origami, resulting in a work that showcased their individuality within the traditional art form. At the "Omiya Railway Museum," they were amazed by the vast number of railway vehicles, a rarity in Qatar, exclaiming, "It's breathtaking!" and experiencing firsthand the high level of Japanese infrastructure and technology.
Furthermore, during the "Souvenir Discovery Tour," after some preliminary learning, students enjoyed making okonomiyaki in Harajuku, bought lots of souvenirs, and apparently loved the atmosphere of Harajuku so much that they even planned to revisit it on their own at a later date.
■ Deepening intercultural understanding through interaction with peers
The program also included an exchange program between Fukagawa High School and Tokyo University of Foreign Studies.
Interacting with Japanese students of the same age boosted my motivation to study. We all wrote our names in kanji and tried traditional Japanese games, making it a fun time filled with laughter from beginning to end. We also discovered unexpected talents, such as one student who was exceptionally good at kendama (cup-and-ball game), and deepened our friendships in a friendly atmosphere.
■ Adorned in Qatari formal attire, the "thobe," the final day of the program –a moment to truly feel one's growth
On the final day of the program, a "presentation of results" and a "closing ceremony" were held. On this day, all participants and Qatari chaperones attended in formal attire (thobe), creating a solemn and splendid atmosphere in the venue.
In the presentation of their achievements, the students first paired up and memorized and presented the situational conversations they had learned in class. They presented various scenarios they had practiced, such as shopping and conversations with friends, in fluent Japanese, proudly demonstrating the results of their learning in this summer program.
During the subsequent "Memories of Japan" presentations, each student projected photos they had taken in Japan onto a screen and explained their travel memories and what they had learned, all in Japanese. The instructors and staff wholeheartedly praised the students' efforts and achievements, which had allowed them to grow so much in such a short time, and offered their encouragement and best wishes for their continued success in the future.
■ Closing Ceremony in Qatar: Expectations for the Future
After the program concluded in Japan, a grand closing ceremony was held in Qatar, hosted by the Ministry of Education. One of the participating students expressed their heartfelt gratitude for this valuable experience in the following speech.
"While I was in Japan, I was able to meet people from many different countries and learn about their cultures. I also studied Japanese every day and was able to use Japanese to talk to people every day. I was very happy about that."
"I met Japanese people at school and university. I was able to learn a lot about Japanese life and culture. I'm grateful for this wonderful opportunity. Thank you so much."
Through this program, they not only learned Japanese, but also deepened their understanding of different cultures and gained confidence in their communication skills.
Human Academy is a company that nurtures people's dreams and creates the future through education. The success of this international program demonstrates the limitless potential of our education business. High-quality educational programs and a global perspective will continue to be at the core of our business.
We are looking for people who want to change the world through the power of education. And we will provide full support to help you discover and realize the person you want to become.
▼Human Academy Japanese Language School