In summer 2021, during the pandemic when in-person meetings and programs were challenging, Globalize DC created a new exploratory online Japanese language, culture, and career exposure program for DC public school students. Thanks to funding from the Japan Foundation, Los Angeles, for the first time we offered a program for middle school age students – for current 7th, 8th, and 9th graders – enrolled in either DCPS or DC charter schools. The program as offered at no cost to participants. We were particularly interested in reaching students who lived or went to school in Ward 5, 7, or 8 – the eastern sections of the city.

We offered two (2) different programs (described below) – each scheduled twice (Session 1 and Session 2). Each program lasted one week, consisting of five 2-hour meetings (Monday-Friday, 4-6 pm) for a total of 10 hours. Students were permitted to apply for one or both programs. Programs didn’t need to be taken sequentially (in other words, B could be taken before A and they didn’t need to be taken within the same Session).

Program A. “Itadakimasu: Cool Japanese Food”

Session 1: June 28-July 2
Session 2: July 12-16

Ramen, sushi, tempura, mochi . . . . Did you know these foods are from Japan? Let’s explore Japanese food culture and learn how to say your favorite foods and what you ate for lunch in Japanese. Students will also learn how to introduce themselves and offer greetings, how to count and use money, and how to say colors in Japanese. We’ll also discuss why the Japanese diet is considered so healthy, and of course, we’ll take time to practice eating with chopsticks!

Program B. “A Day in the Life of Japanese Teens”

Session 1: July 5-9
Session 2: July 19-23

What is it like going to school in Japan? What subjects do students learn? What school events and afterschool activities do students enjoy? We’ll learn about Japanese school life and culture – and the interesting ways they differ from schools in the US. And we’ll also discuss what teens might do and experience outside of school time and compare this to life for youth in DC, including transportation, home life, and music. And we’ll learn how to talk about all this through simple conversations in Japanese.

After 2021, pandemic restrictions eased so we have not to date repeated our Summer Japanese Tamago program. But because of its popularity, we may consider reintroducing the program as either a summer or school-year program for middle school students in the future. Stay tuned!