Wanna Practice Japanese?

Calling all Japanese Language students. And if you’re reading this, this means YOU! Studying in the classroom gets you all the basic tools and information you need to speak, but to become fluent, you must practice… and practice… and practice. Well, at GW you have the opportunity to practice your Japanese every semester. Yes, that’s right. Every semester. The Mount Vernon Language Café, sponsored by the GW Language Center and the Office of Academic Affairs at Mount Vernon, offers light refreshments along with language practice three more times this semester in Eckles Library on the pastoral campus of Mount Vernon. There you can practice your Japanese with Hanami sensei on September 20, October 18, November 15 and December 6, from 2:30 to 3:30 in the afternoon. The rumor is that there will be pizza. You know Hanami sensei will be there. All levels are welcome—Yes! Even those of you in JAPN 001! Come and introduce yourself to the RiceBall man. 「わたしのしゅっしんはXXX」and all that good stuff.

If you’re studying Japanese, take advantage of these opportunities. It should be fun, rewarding, and best of all, no quizzes.

From GW Today

" The Japanese Language and Culture Institute is an 11-credit program that integrates the study of the Japanese language with culture through film. Students choose between a basic and an intermediate language course, depending on their proficiency, and all students take the same film class, where they watch Japanese movies with English subtitles. "

To read more--and to see a photo of our Aerobics-in-Japanese class (that's Mrs. Onigiriman up front)--click this link to the original article.

Bender Teaching Award

Congratulations to Professor Takae Tsujioka, Teaching Assistant Professor in Japanese Language, recipient of the Bender Teaching Award for 2010. "This caught me by surprise but I'm delighted and deeply honored. Thank you very much for all your guidance and encouragement. I simply owe this to the warm and generous support of my wonderful colleagues and students," said Tsujioka sensei when she learned of receiving the award.

Bender Award recipients are selected by a committee of faculty and students based on the demonstrated use of pedagogically sound teaching practice, innovative teaching techniques, a high level of involvement and intellectual excitement by students in her classes, a strong commitment to student learning, and the setting of high academic standards and expectations for student achievement through challenging and rigorous assignments and examinations.

Intermediate Japanese (JAPN 003) student Xiaolong Jiang said, “She is extremely helpful. One of the best professors I have ever met in GW,” undoubtedly reflecting her involvement with students and the intellectual excitement she instills. We—colleagues and students—are privileged to have such a dedicated teacher in our midst.

JET: Japanese Exchange and Teaching Program

If you’re a senior and you’re considering applying for JET, take note: Their website—http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/JET/—says that the 2011 application will be available on October 25th, 2010, but Japanese major Rebecca Rowe (GW ’10) says it’s available online now. Be sure to go to their website for all relevant information. The Japan Exchange and Teaching Program (JET) is the largest program for English instructors in Japan, sponsored by the Japanese government. Each year 800-1000 American young professionals are selected to teach English in Japanese public schools. A small percentage of our participants also work in local government offices on international relations projects. This past summer, the local Japanese embassy sent approximately 75 new participants from the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area, to join a total of nearly 5,000 participants throughout Japan. Be sure to check out their site if you are interested.

Thinking of studying in Japan?

The Japanese language department is sponsoring its own information session about studying abroad in Japan. Unlike other information sessions offered by GWU’s Office of Study Abroad, this session will feature GWU students who have studied in Japan. This meeting will allow students, who are thinking of studying in Japan or have already decided to go, to hear guest speakers talk about their study abroad experiences in places such as Kyoto, Tokyo, and Nagoya.

This is a great opportunity to get the most updated and accurate information about your study abroad options. Should you focus on language or on the culture? Should you stay in a dorm or do a home stay? Is there a lot of homework? Is there financial aid? Will you make Japanese friends? If you want to learn more about studying in Japan or if you just want to meet students from the Japanese language department, come and join us on Tuesday, October 26, 2010, at Rome 470, from 7:00 to 8:00pm.