Tsukuba University, Japanese Language Teacher Training Programme at UTM Language Academy
Tsukuba University located in the Ibaraki prefecture was established in 1973 when the Tokyo University of Education established in 1962 was relocated to the city of Tsukuba. At present, Tsukuba University has become the nucleus in the Science city of Tsukuba.
Language Academy UTM has established an MOU with the College of Japanese Language and Culture, School of Humanities and Culture of Tsukuba University. This college aims to train students to become exponents of culture with specialized knowledge and the ability to communicate the Japanese language and culture both to people of other languages and cultures.
Beginning 2009, Language Academy has become the host for Japanese language teacher trainees from Tsukuba University. The trainees undergo their Japanese language teacher training for a duration of 2-3 weeks under the supervision of our Japanese language lecturer. Upon completion of the training, students obtain 2 credits. While they are here, the trainees observe and teach the Japanese language classes and conduct cultural exchange sessions with our students. For 2015, we have two trainees, Ms. Risa and Ms. Miya who are here from the 20thFeb till the 14rth of March. They will be placed at English College for a week before doing their practical at Language Academy.
Tsukuba University only sends their teacher trainees to Paris, Moscow, Slovenia and Malaysia. We are proud UTM has been given the trust and responsibility to be part of this programme. In exchange, every year The Japan Foundation sponsors one of our Japanese language students for a 6-week Japanese Language and Culture training at Kansai Japanese Language Institute, Osaka. Three of our students have benefitted from this exchange programme.
Mr.Kumaraguru presenting a lecture at Tsukuba University
Tsukuba’s Trainees and LA Dean