Exploring Japanese Traditions Through Summer Program at Chikushi Jogakuen University

Two Applied Foreign Language students, Sekar Fatinah Hasibuan and Fatimah Aninda Sophiarenee, have completed the Summer Short Program of Early Childhood Education and Culture organized by Chikushi Jogakuen University (CJU) located in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. This activity, which focused on early childhood education in Japan and the introduction of Japanese culture, lasted for 2 weeks from 1 through 15 July 2023.

Sekar and Fatimah had the opportunity to study early childhood education with a total of 27 hours of classes and 15 hours of cultural classes. They  made visits and observations and interacted directly with kindergarten students from Mizuki Kindergarten and Dazaifu Higashi Elementary School. Apart from that, they got direct experience of Japanese traditional practices such as wearing Yukata, tea ceremonies, witnessing the Tanabata and Yamakasa festivals which are famous festivals in Japan.

This summer short program was not only about classroom learning as participants were given free time on weekends to explore Dazaifu dan Fukuoka. Summer short program participants also visited the Kyushu National museum and several residents’ homes (home visits). For Sekar and Fatimah, the home visit and visit to Dazaifu Higashi Elementary School were the most memorable experiences. Even though they were strangers, the hosts welcomed them with open arm and hospitality.

The Summer Short Program of Early Childhood Education and Culture activities held by CJU in 2023 were attended by students from various countries, such as Canada, South Korea, Taiwan and China. This diversity of participants added to the multiculturalism of this program.

A series of this summer short program selection was carried out by the Dejavato Foundation, consisting of file selection and interviews. Sekar passed with a partial scholarship (accommodation and meals covered by CJU) and Fatimah passed with self-funding. Annual summer activities are held between June and August. Applied Foreign Language students who are interested in joining this activity need to prepare for selection at least from March.