AJS ACT has been collaborating with the Ishikawa Foundation for International Exchange to run two week long Japanese language and culture courses in Kanazawa, twice each year since 1999.  For the past couple of years we have also involved the Australian National University in three week long courses in November/December at the same Institute.

The course will run for 3 weeks from Sunday 20 November to Saturday 17 December 2016 and includes intensive language lessons, cultural activities and home stay accommodation with a Japanese family - this latter is one of the outstanding features of the program and will certainly give a boost to your language skills.

This is a great chance to refresh, improve or develop your Japanese language skills and, if your profession is appropriate, the cost may be tax deductible as a self-education expense.

During the course, mornings are spent in formal language classes and, most afternoons, opportunities are provided to explore the local culture, either in organised classes and expeditions or by exploring on your own. There are excellent facilities and very helpful teachers at the language school.  

There is a Youtube video about the various Ishikawa Foundation’s courses at http://youtu.be/wiv2YBPQ4p4   

The classes are tailored to the individual participant’s language skills – participants are assessed on the first day and placed in groups according to their language abilities. 

Applicants for this two week course must have some reasonable Japanese language skills (e.g. first year university level) and must be prepared to stay in Japan for the duration of the course. 

The course and accommodation cost per participant, including all course fees, textbooks, cultural activities and accommodation for the duration of the course (but NOT including fares to and from Kanazawa, Japan, lunches or your spending money in Japan) will be $1,500.  

The deadline for applications has been extended to Friday 7 October.  Applications should be sent to Mr Shun Ikeda at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

To download the application form (PDF), please click here.