Paper short abstract:

Brief history of Japan Studies in Denmark as well as the status quo of Japanese language education in other Scandinavian countries will be introduced. Furthermore, the newly implemented program called Aarhus Model will be introduced and the analysis on its effectiveness will be discussed.

Paper long abstract:

2017 is a commemorative year between Japan and Denmark. It is the year to celebrate 150 years of diplomatic relations with the conclusion of the "Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation between Japan and Denmark" in 1867. It is time, therefore, to re-think the Japanese language education in Denmark.

In this workshop, brief history of Japan Studies in Denmark as well as the status quo of Japanese language education in other Scandinavian countries will be introduced.

Currently, Copenhagen University and Aarhus University are the only institutions in Danish higher education where the Japanese language is offered. Course differentiation, enhanced efficiency, and a more engaged real-life learning experience must be provided to attract students as well as to develop human resources that can become bridges between Japan and Denmark. With this objective in mind, some unique programs that have been offered at Aarhus University will be explained in this panel discussion. For real-life learning experience, collaboration between Japanese community in town and the local university is inevitable as is often the case.

In our new program, Danish students in Japan Studies at Aarhus University have an opportunity to work as volunteer staff at Japanese Supplementary School in town every Sunday. Japanese language can be learned in real-life situation, application of in-class learning can be made, and most importantly, appropriate behaviors, customs, and manners can be acquired by engaging in all the activities.

This program, which is named "Aarhus Model", has been implemented for two years now. How it has been organized and managed will briefly be explained. Furthermore, the results of the survey on its effectiveness will be introduced. Its sustainability, expansion, and further development will hopefully be discussed with the other panels and the participants.