Event Report: ELTE Program Spring 2026
Exchange Students Gain Real-World Teaching Experience through the ELTE Program!
From June 1st to June 18th, our university successfully hosted the ELTE (English Language Teaching Experience) program. This unique high-school-university collaborative initiative serves as a powerful practical platform for exchange students aspiring to teach in Japan, while offering our affiliated high school students a valuable opportunity to immerse themselves in authentic English and diverse cultures. This program is not just a volunteering opportunity; it is also a valuable practical experience, especially for students considering a career as English language teachers in Japan.
This semester, 14 enthusiastic exchange students from 7 different countries stepped into the classroom for this rewarding 3-day experiential journey.
The program was carefully structured to ensure a meaningful hands-on experience:
• Day 1 (High School Visit): Students observed actual classes and assisted high school teachers.
• Preparation Period (Over 2 weeks): Under the professional guidance of high school faculty, students engaged in planning meetings and meticulously designed their own lesson plans.
• Day 2 (The Main Event): Students took center stage, standing at the podium to independently conduct their own English lessons!
Reflections from Our Exchange Students
The program left a lasting impact on our exchange students. One participant shared:
“Teaching in a real classroom gave me hands-on experience and boosted my confidence for my future career.”
Another reflected warmly on the students' response:
“The high school students were so polite and listened so intently. It made me incredibly happy.”
Through this experience, participants not only advanced their professional career development but also deepened their cultural understanding of Japan.
At the same time, it was an equally enriching experience for the high school students. Interacting with international instructors from diverse cultural backgrounds broadened their global perspectives and sparked a newfound passion for learning English.
