Thank you for applying for SIJ2025. Next year’s event application will start in December 2025.

Free trip to Japan.

SIJ is a fully funded, two-week program in Oita, Japan that provides Harvard University undergraduates, and recent alumni and their close friends with amazing opportunities including: 1 week of practical leadership experience delivering workshops in English (Computer Science, Public Speaking, and Language Arts) for schoolchildren aged 7 to 18 from all over the world, 3 days of sightseeing and cultural immersion opportunities where you can experience authentic Japanese cuisine and the beauty of nature from the mountains to the beaches. We also provide hands-on lessons in Japanese language and calligraphy, and a concert performance in a fully-equipped music hall.

Please see below for details.

Application deadline is February 28, 2025 EDT!

Watch the Promo Videos from past SIJ 2018, 2017, 2016,  2015 YouTube, Instagram, SIJ 2021 Concert

Application Deadline: February 28, 2025 EDT

[SIJ2025 Overview]

Date:

July 28 – August 11, 2025

Place:

Oita City, Oita, Japan

How to Apply:

Please see below

Details

Compensation:

  • Economy-class international round-trip airfare from the airport nearest to your current residence to Japan
  • Accommodation
  • Daily breakfast and lunch
  • Participation in various events and activities
  • Additional free-of-charge activities: Speech presentation events, occasional group dinner (authentic Japanese cuisine such as sushi and ramen), Japanese calligraphy, flower arrangement, and hands-on Japanese language classes

Participants:

  • Japanese and international students aged 7-18

Responsibilities:

  • Arrive in Japan by July 28th, then you will have three nights of paid accommodation for you to freely explore wherever you like in Japan.
  • You must be in Oita City by July 31st for hotel check-in.
  • (August 1st – August 2nd) You will spend two days of preparation and meetings where you will make teaching plans and prepare for the seminar.  Every instructor will lead one Language Arts (English 4-skills) class in the morning, and your choice of Computer Science, Performing Arts, and Public Speaking workshops in the afternoons.
  • (August 3rd – August 9th) You will spend seven days delivering your lessons in workshops English for schoolchildren aged 7-18 from all over the world, mainly from Japan.
  • Throughout the seminar, you must arrive at the office every day by 9:30am, teach from 10:00am to 5:00pm, then you may leave after 5:30pm. (lunch will be provided)
  • You will conduct yourselves in a professional manner. Punctuality, cleanliness, and politeness are core Japanese virtues.
  • (August 10th) attend a 2-hour English outreach program for local students in Oita
  • (August 11th)  Departure!

How to apply:

Every year, we typically receive about 100 applications for only five to ten instructor positions. After the primary screening based on written documents and the second screening involving an interview with the President and Founder of SIJ, Mari Hirotsuru, this year, we plan to accept five instructors to receive this amazing opportunity to discover the true Japan, for free. It is surely worth a try!

  • Step 1: fill in the registration form below to obtain the SIJ 2025 Official Application Form.
  • Step 2: (first screening) Submityour SIJ 2025 Official Application Form together with your resume no later than February 28th, 2025.
  • Step 3: (second screening) interview on Zoom with Mari Hirotsuru in March.
  • Step 4: Applicants will be informed of the final decision by the end of April.
  • Step 5: Free trip to Japan!

Registration Form

We no longer accept any applicants for SIJ 2025. Thank you for applying and to all those who missed the opportunity, see you next year!