Winter Term 2027
Japan English Teaching Practicum
Winter 2027 · Munakata City, Fukuoka
During the Winter of 2027, GHJ International will invite 20 college students (or college graduates) to Japan to participate in an English Teaching Practicum program, sponsored by the Munakata City (Fukuoka Prefecture) government and local board of education.
Selected participants will receive TEFL (Teaching of English as a Foreign Language) training and low-stress team-teaching experience in the public school system. They will also have an opportunity to learn and/or improve Japanese language skills with local university tutors. Interns will also have the option of earning a 120-Hour TEFL Certificate.
Program dates
Winter Term 2027 (Tentative)
Eligibility
Who can apply
To apply, applicants must:
- At least 18 years old. (As of Sept 1, 2026)
- Current college students, or college graduates. (Some exceptions may apply – contact us for details)
- English language fluency. (Applicants from all countries accepted.)
While those are the only requirements to apply, the following are both selection advantages and factors to ensure that the program will be a rewarding experience for participants:
- Experience and/or a strong desire to work with children.
- A strong interest and desire to experience Japanese culture.
- An interest to become a teacher. Especially true for those interested in teaching English in Japan. More than 300 past participants in GHJ programs have become teachers in Japan, and this program offers a window into the life of teaching in Japan to make sure it is a good fit.
Japanese nationals (日本人インターン)
The program will also have several special position Japanese nationals to join the internship team. Applicants must have conversational level English ability and enjoy working with children. Japanese interns will also receive free lodging and meals and will also receive a paid stipend for participation in the program. For details, contact: info@ghjinternational.com
このプログラムに、数名の日本人インターンを募集します。応募者は日常の英会話力があり、子供たちと楽しく働くことができる方です。日本人インターン生には無料の宿泊費と食事が提供され、プログラムへの参加に対して手当があります。詳細についての連絡先： info@ghjinternational.com
Program outline
How the practicum works
The program combines English teaching experience for visiting interns with small-group and one-to-one conversation activities for students within the Munakata public school system. Interns work in groups of five to ten for each session, teaching both elementary and junior high school students.
This experience is designed to be rewarding and stress-free, supported by a four-day orientation and training program to practice all lesson plan activities. Classes take place on weekdays during normal school hours, leaving weekends free for participants.
During three of these weekends, the program provides hotel stays in major cities, typically Fukuoka, Kitakyushu, and Nagasaki. The program covers hotel fees and transportation to and from these cities, though participants are responsible for their own meals during these stays.
GHJ International
GHJ International is a registered corporation of Japan. GHJ has been providing exchange programs in education, culture, music, and sports since 1984. For this program GHJ is working with the local government and board of education in Munakata City to develop and introduce innovative team-teaching methods to improve English conversation education in the Japanese public school system.
Fukuoka City
Fukuoka is one of the largest and most modern cities in Japan. It is the business and cultural hub of Kyushu Island. During weekend hotel stays, participants will be in the heart of the city.
Munakata City
Munakata is a suburb of Fukuoka City with a population of about 100,000. The city is the home of both Global Arena and University of Teacher Education Fukuoka, both key partners in the program. Note: Japan is well-known to be one of the safest countries in the world.
Lodging & meals
Where you will stay
Interns stay at Global Arena (Munakata City) for the entire six-and-a-half-week program, with the exception of three nights at hotels in Nagasaki, Fukuoka, and Kitakyushu. On other weekends, participants are free to make their own optional travel plans.
Home base: Global Arena
Dormitory/camp facility style rooms at Global Arena in Munakata City for the whole program. Meals are provided free at all lodging.
Program hotel nights
Three program-arranged nights (1-night/2-day stays) at hotels in Nagasaki, Fukuoka, and Kitakyushu. Meals are not provided during hotel stays. On other weekend nights, participants may arrange their own optional travel.
Want to know more about our home base? Visit the Living in Munakata page.
Program fees & expenses
What is covered
Application & selection
How selection works
Application
- Questions about the program are always welcome at info@ghjinternational.com.
Selection
- Online Interviews: All finalists will have the opportunity to have an online interview with our team and a chance to directly ask questions to make sure the program is a good fit for your expectations.
- Interviews: We will begin scheduling online interviews from NOVEMBER 1. All applicants will be notified if they are selected as a Finalist and eligible for the interview by NOVEMBER 25.
- Partner Schools: Applicants from our partner schools are given special consideration. These currently include: University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, University of Wisconsin-Madison (apply directly to your school International Internships office), University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (apply directly to your school Office of International Education office), Northwood Technical College.
- Application Deadline – Direct Applicants: NOVEMBER 25, 2026
- Selection Date: Final selections are NOVEMBER 30 (final), many early selections.