“Meeting with native speakers who reflect the contemporary language and culture was the highlight of my trip. … The benefits of participation in this programme were enormous.”
Anna
“Being exposed to the target language in a whole range of contexts has provided me with greater confidence and has extended my language proficiency. The language training programme at the Goethe Insititut in Freiburg was marvellous. ……A programme rich in diversity provided the fertile ground for so much learning to take place.”
Michael
“At every attraction we visited we were provided with a German Guide, who conducted our tour and used only German to describe the history and significance of the respective sites. I found this an extremely practical way to improve my comprehension and maintain language skills gained during the language course. ..…I found this to be an immensely satisfying experience and it enabled me to gather resources and experiences relevant to classroom practice.”
Rosemary
“It has been nice to be able to keep in contact with other participants. We have been swapping resources and sharing photos which we can use in our classes.”
Belinda
The Goethe Institut in Freiburg developed a full and comprehensive two- week programme aimed at improving participants’ knowledge, skills and understandings of German language and culture. Participants were accommodated in twin share three star equivalent accommodation provided by the Goethe Institut for the duration of the language training.
The one-week field trip, occurring after the language training, provided a range of opportunities to not only explore places of cultural and historical interest but also put language skills into practice. The group travelled to Rothenburg, Dresden and on to Berlin, via the Spreewald with its many towns and little villages. A city highlights tour was organised for the group whilst in Berlin, along with a very successful visit to the Australian Embassy.
“New experiences with different people in different cities provide a wonderful insight into lifestyle. Stereotypes and learned language patterns – the trip broadens horizons and breaks down stereotypical concepts as well as increasing our range of language patterns.”
Susan
“I have gained confidence in my language ability and have had an opportunity to compare this with other non-native Australian Japanese teachers. I feel motivated to design new interesting programmes and also to further improve my own language ability.”
James
“The study programme was wonderfully varied and provided opportunities for learning about the culture, society and life of the Japanese people as well as providing solid language study that provided the challenge of improving language proficiency.”
Janelle
“The experience of being immersed in the Japanese culture helped to develop my understanding of the Japanese culture and ways of life. The varying styles of accommodation and field trips gave us the chance to view Japan from the point of view of a tourist, a student and a house-guest in Japan. The home-stay and school visit were particularly good for helping me to develop a better sense of mutual understanding…”
Jennifer
The Japan Programme started with a field trip commencing in Tokyo with an orientation to the city and tour of the Imperial Palace, Shinjuku Bookstore, Tokyu Hands and Takashimaya Department Store and Metropolitan Government Buildings. From Tokyo, the group travelled by train to Takayama and then on to Kyoto where they visited Uji, home of the Byoudoin, Phoenix Pavilion and Ujigami Shrine. Participants also spent a day in Hiroshima visiting the Peace Memorial Park and Himeji Castle before travelling by bullet train to Osaka for language training.
The two week language training component of the programme was conducted at the Osaka YMCA Gakuin Japanese Language School. In addition to immersing themselves in the Japanese language in the languages classes, participants were also able to visit local schools and stay with a Japanese family for one night during this part of the programme.