We expect participants to enter into our program with an open mind that is ready to learn a language and culture that is quite different from their own. In addition, it is expected that students bring both enthusiasm and focus to each session so that they can have a more efficient and fulfilling learning experience with us.

The Kids Explore Japan Program is sponsored by the Detroit Innovation Academy Afterschool Enrichment Program and is at no direct cost to you. If your child expresses a deeper interest in Japanese and the instructors recognize above average skill and enthusiasm, your child may be encouraged to attend Saturday classes at the International Institute of Metropolitan Detroit. These dates, times, and prices will be released at a later date. Sponsorship may be available.

There are a multitude of short and long term benefits that our participants will gain from the Kids Explore Japan Program. These lists are not all inclusive of every single benefit, but below are examples of typical benefits in favorable circumstances:

Short Term Benefits

• Linguistically, your child will gain an intellectual advantage as their malleable minds have been broadened by the introduction of a second language. This will enable them to learn other subjects more fully and efficiently.

• They can have documented experience necessary to increase their chances of admission into Japanese Immersion schools or other foreign language schools such as Hinoki International (Livonia) for Foreign Language Immersion and Cultural Studies, F.L.I.C.S. (Detroit), where a bilingual education is taught to the children.

Long Term Benefits

• Acquire an affinity to learn other languages in addition to Japanese, which is always desirable in a mostly bilingual and multilingual world.

• Gain a head start on enhancing educational/job portfolios and future job resumes as students prepare to apply for college.

• Spark an interest in careers fields such as International Business, International Relations and Governmental and Political Diplomacy, Peace Corps, Interpretation and Translation, Teaching, etc.

Yes, we provide our participants with an assessment of their learning progress during the 4th and 5th week of instruction and then again at the end of the program. They will be assessed based on skill and enthusiasm, and if they have an excellent assessment and demonstrate a special interest in the language, they may be encouraged to move to an advanced level. This will lead to them being re-grouped in order to further challenge their minds and encourage further language growth.

A = High-Med Enthusiasm and Skill

B = Med-Low Enthusiasm and Skill

C = Low – Very Low Enthusiasm and Skill