ikkas International is an organization with over 15 years of experience in the field of international educational exchange. ikkas International partners with schools and educational institutions in Japan and over 20 countries around the world, and approximately 3,000 students participate in international exchange programs annually. With the philosophy of "creating dialogue that transcends language," ikkas International offers programs that go beyond mere language learning to promote cross-cultural understanding.
Short-term Study Abroad Program Details
Programs range in length from two weeks to three months and are open to elementary, junior high, and high school students. In the "West Coast Cultural Experience Course" held in California, U.S.A., students stay with a family in Los Angeles, attend a local junior high school, and work with a local NPO to conduct volunteer activities such as "beach cleanup" and "exchange at an elderly care facility. In this way, students deepen their cross-cultural understanding not only through the language but also through the process of confronting and solving common problems in the local community. Many of the students who have participated in the past have commented that they were able to gain an objective viewpoint of their own country, and that they realized that even if they cannot communicate in their own language, they can communicate through their actions.
Homestay Quality Assurance System
Strict criteria are used in the selection of homestay families, and we confirm the family's lifestyle, presence of children, religious background, etc. in advance. We listen to the wishes of the student and family on the Japanese side in detail to ensure the best match. In addition, local staff members check in regularly during the stay and are ready to respond immediately to any problems that may arise. As a result, the homestay satisfaction rate reached 98%, and many families have expressed their willingness to accept homestays again.
Curriculum Features of Language Training
The "communication-oriented" curriculum emphasizes the development of conversational skills in real-life situations rather than memorization of grammar and vocabulary. For example, in the French program, the assignment is to "create a poster to promote local tourism resources," and students work together to complete the work while exchanging opinions in French. Through this process, students can acquire practical communication skills such as "expression to assert an opinion" and "response to respect the other person's opinion.