Explore
the World through Opportunities
|
Internationalization is an important
aspect of modern Japanese Foreign Language education and the "Period for
Integrated Study". Internationalization is the process by which we open ourselves
to the world around us and learn from others to make our lives more well
rounded. One cannot truly teach international
understanding; it isn't like math or social studies. It can't be taught from
a book. You can use subjects such as math or social studies to introduce
concepts of international understanding. But in the end the best way to
understand this idea is to give students an unique memorable experience or
exchange interacting with other cultures. There are several types of international
exchange experiences. Each one has different goals or and involve different
amounts of preparation.
Using the city's sister program to set up
possible exchange opportunities for schools in
your city, town or village.
Using the internet to find students abroad
to exchange with your students. Using the ALTs or local CIRs to set up
email or letter writing programs through their personal relationships in their home
country (ie cousins, neighbors, friends)
Programs organized by local foreigners or
groups interested in international relations and exchange. Workshops organized by students
or local board of education offices.
Having local foreign residents speak about
their home country Have ALT's friends or relatives come to
class to give interactive presentations on culture.
Programs to give students a chance to
study in another country When setting up a program, you should
think about what will be best for your situation. Factors to think about are:
age, economic means, language skill and goals of international understanding.
Then you are ready to develop a program for your students. Sister City Program
If you are lucky enough to live in a city
with a sister city program, then you can easily set up email or letter
exchanges and teacher or student exchanges to help in the promotion and
education or international understanding. Steps for setting up a sister city program
1)
Does your city have a sister city? ・Yes, go to step 2 ・No? To establish one go to http://www.sistercities.com 2)
Find out who is responsible for the sister program in your city. 3)
Ask them to help you find a school to exchange with 4)
After establishing a basic relationship you can start any type of
program you
desire. Email and letter pals
Email and letter exchange are the easiest
types to create and maintain because students can do it on their own time and
is very inexpensive. All it requires is access to a computer or pen and
paper. It doesn't always necessarily need to be
with another country. You can do exchange within a country. To get students
used to writing letters, you can set up a letter exchange between two schools
in the same area. Then after the students are comfortable with using English
and exchanging with someone of the same level, you can move to creating
international exchanges. Written communication exchange helps
students ask questions and learn about each other and exchange without
feeling the pressure of speaking. The internet is a very wonderful way to
help students explore the world without a passport or spending tons of money.
Steps for starting a letter/e-mail
exchange program 1)
Ask your ALT if they know any teens in their home country. ・Have ALT find students in their home country who would be willing to exchange with students at your school. 2)
Use e-pals online pen-pal network http://www.epals.com 3)
Match students with a pal.
The next type of program for international
understanding is community activities and workshops. These can be tricky if
you are in a rural location, but not impossible. The challenge is preparation
and finding time. Every year each region of You can hold similar types of events at
your school. Unlike the regional workshops, which are limited to students interested
in English, school events are for all students. These types of events may require money.
Steps for holding Community activities
events 1)
Have students create an event plan 2)
Create an invitation 3)
Invite local foreigners 4)
Have fun exchanging with people from around the world. Guest Speakers
Having a guest speaker come to your school
is a more academic way for students to experience other cultures and gain a
sense of the world outside of Guests can be anyone from local people who
have been abroad, local resident aliens, ALTs, CIRs and other people who can
add to a class activity or goal of a lesson. Bringing in someone with first hand knowledge
of a topic can help students better understand the general lesson plan
associated with international understanding. Steps for setting up a Guest speaker 1)
Choose a lesson to be expanded on. 2)
Find speakers to give a presentation. ·
Local International offices ·
Word of mouth 3)
Meet with the presenter to finalize topic and presentation. 4)
Prepare students for the presentation. 5)
Have the presentation. Learn! Learn! Learn!
Study abroad programs are the most amazing
way for students to grow and have an experience with another culture. Though study abroad can be pricey, they
are invaluable to the students in the end. The memories and personal growth
experiences can change a student's view of the world, languages, culture, and
their future. The largest changes though can be found in themselves. There are several types of study abroad
programs.
Students can choose which one fits their
personal goals and educational purpose. General search http://dir.yahoo.co.jp/Education/Programs/Study_Abroad/
Other places to look are international offices,
and travel agencies. Some prefectures host programs through sister
city/prefecture relations that are open to local residents. Good luck preparing your plan for
international understanding. All the work you put into a program will come
back 10 fold in the adventures, experiences and growth that your students
will have. By Justin Dart Kashimo-mura / Higashishirakawa-mura Board
of Education ALT. 2000-2003 Kashimo
International Exchange and Development Office Co-founder
of the InterEX Study Abroad Program. |
