LANGUAGE

Japanese Study Support Program

１． About the program

  • The KICC provides support to foreign residents to make it easier for them to live in Kobe. It also serves as a place where both Japanese and foreign nationals can interact and learn about each other’s cultures. The main purpose of this program is to provide foreign residents the chance to learn and understand basic level Japanese language and culture with the help of Japanese volunteers (KICC Supporters).

２． Fees

  • Free

３． Registration requirements

  • You must be a foreign citizen 15 years of age or over living in Kobe City (excluding junior high school students). Alternatively, you must be a returnee or naturalized individual aged 15 years old or over who needs to take Japanese language classes.
    * If you are under 18 years of age, you must have permission from your parent or guardian (family, host family etc.) before applying. Please make sure to write your parent or guardian’s name and telephone number in the emergency contact details section of the application form.
  • You must be able to participate in the program once a week for 6 months.
  • You must be able to follow the KICC’s rules, be motivated to learn, and take the initiative to pursue your studies.

４． Application Process

  • Please bring your foreign resident card. (If your foreign resident card application is currently being processed, please bring it to the KICC for registration once it has been issued.)
  • Please come to the KICC’s Shin-Nagata Office (4F) on a weekday between 10 am - 12 pm or 1 pm - 5 pm.
  • After you have completed the application form, a KICC staff member will conduct a brief interview with you.

５． Lessons

  • Lessons are conducted as one-on-one sessions between supporters and learners.
  • Lessons should be held weekly at the KICC and last for 2 hours, for a period of 6 months.
  • Each period of lessons begins four times a year:
    April (ending in September) / July (ending in December) / October (ending in March) / January (ending in June)
  • Please choose a location, day, and time from the options below. Lessons should be conducted at the same location, day, and time every week.
    [Shin-Nagata]
    Mondays 10：00/12:00/14:00/16:00/18:00
    Tuesdays 10：00/12:00/14:00/-----/18:00
    Wednesdays -----/-----/ -----/ -----/18:00
    Fridays 10：00/12:00/14:00/16:00/18:00
    [Sannomiya]
    Tuesdays 10：00/12:00/14:00/16:00/18:00
    Thursdays 10：00/12:00/14:00/16:00/18:00
    Saturdays 10：00/12:00/14:00/16:00
  • You and your supporter decide the focus and content of your lessons.
  • Once the 6-month course ends, you can apply for another course. However, lessons with the same supporter cannot be arranged.
  • This program only provides lessons for Japanese language used in daily life.

６． KICC Supporters

  • The KICC supporters are helping you with your studies on a volunteer basis.
  • You will not be able to choose your supporter.

７． Personal Information

  • Your registered information will only be used for the purpose of this program.
  • The KICC may send notifications to the e-mail address you provide on the registration form.
  • The KICC provides application information on our supporter website to look for a suitable study partner. The KICC does not release personal data such as your name, address, phone number or e-mail address.

Inquiry

Shin-Nagata Office

Asta Kunizuka 1-Bankan, South Building 4F
5-3-1, Udezuka-cho, Nagata-ku, Kobe 653-0036
TEL: 078-742-8705
Hours： Monday-Friday 10:00-12:00 and 13:00-17:00 (Closed on weekends and Japanese national holidays)