On this page:
Opportunity overview
The Saitama Global Student Program builds upon the sister state relationship between Queensland and Saitama, established in 1994. It provides a Queensland state high school with the unique opportunity to participate in a cultural exchange with students and teachers from Saitama, Japan.
As part of the program, the Queensland host school will welcome a group of Saitama students and teachers, arranging their itinerary with the support of Global Engagement. The host school will then select students and teachers to visit Saitama, where they will experience Japanese school life at a local high school and practise their language skills through participation in a variety of classes and activities.
Through this program, students improve their language skills and deepen their appreciation for Japan's rich heritage while cultivating the knowledge, skills and cultural awareness needed to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
Program inclusions
- Return domestic flights to and from Brisbane
- Return international flights
- GoSafe travel insurance
- Homestay accommodation
- Most meals
- Visa if required
Eligibility
Eligibility requirement for schools
- Be a Queensland state high school and offer Japanese language as a subject for students.
- Host the inbound student and teacher group from Saitama, Japan for the duration of the program in July/August 2027.
- Nominate a staff member who will act as a liaison with whom all program arrangements will be made.
- Coordinate the Saitama students' and teachers' school-based itinerary, including English language lessons and the arrangement of a suitable venue for welcome and farewell functions.
- Be able to nominate 6 Year 9–10 students who study Japanese language as part of their schooling and 2 teachers to accompany the students as chaperones for the duration of the trip (1 teacher needs to possess Japanese language proficiency).
- Be available to travel to Japan in September 2027.
Application
Schools
Expressions of interest (EOIs) will open in 2027.
Key dates
-
EOIs open: January 2027
-
EOIs close: February 2027
-
Interviews and selection: March 2027
-
Inbound travel dates (Saitama to Queensland): July to August 2027—exact dates to be advised
-
Outbound travel dates (Queensland to Saitama): September 2027—exact dates to be advised
Global Engagement
Department of Education International
Phone: (07) 3513 5720
Email:
global.engagement@qed.qld.gov.au