Activities and Excursions

The Inter-Cultural Institute of Japan arranges various cultural events, such as overnight trips to hot springs resorts, a speech contest and participation in the annual New Year's "Kagamibiraki" (mochi decoration). Students have the opportunity to complement their studies with engaging cultural events through the Inter-Cultural Institute of Japan. The Institute organizes opportunities for Gap students to meet Japanese people and to learn about contemporary Japan. These "interaction meetings" are held twice a month and allow students and Japanese volunteers to hold tea-time discussions. Cooking parties are also arranged on a regular basis, where GAP students may participate in the preparation of Japanese dishes. Exchanges among Japanese elementary schools, junior and senior high schools and members of the local community are part of the GAP experience, and several times a month the Japanese host families take students to places of historical or cultural significance within their region.