We are seeking higher education institutions interested in hosting an approximately four day visit by 48 high school students from Osaka in mid to late August 2013.

In 2012, Osaka Prefectural Government launched the Osaka Global School programme, under which they sent 48 high school students to the UK for two weeks to visit and experience student life at UK universities. This was announced as the first cycle of a three-year programme. We were selected to run the UK-bound programme in 2012 and intend to apply again in 2013. Osaka Prefectural Government have not yet formally announced the terms of the bid for the 2013 cycle of this programme, but we expect that there will be a relatively short period in which to prepare our proposal, so are now calling for expressions of interest from prospective UK hosts.

The 2012 UK visit received very positive feedback from all involved. The UK host universities were impressed with the enthusiasm and motivation of the students, as well as with their English level. The students (aged 16-18) were selected out of around 200 applicants, and were required to have an interest in study abroad and a certain level of English. They also took a series of preparatory classes before going to the UK.

The indicative dates for the 2013 UK programme are 11 to 24 August (however, please note that these may need to be changed). We are seeking host higher education institutions in the UK for the following sets of dates:

  • 11 – 15 August 2013

  • 16 – 19 August 2013

  • 20 – 23 August 2013

Please indicate which dates you would be able to accommodate.

Your programme should allow the participants to get a taste of UK university life and, if possible, to meet with UK and other students. It could include e.g. academic English classes or workshops, seminars or introductory classes in a range of academic subjects, study visits related to these classes, participation in existing open days or summer schools.

The host institution should be able to accommodate the participants in student accommodation (or homestays, if these are possible) and provide meals and any local transport. Transport between the host institutions will be arranged by a travel agency.

If you are interested in hosting the group, please send the following information to educationuk.tokyo@britishcouncil.or.jp by Thursday 20 December:

  • Activities you propose to offer to the group
  • Accommodation
  • Any opportunities to meet with UK/other students?
  • Your preferred dates
  • An estimate of the cost for 48 students and 5 staff

Based on these, we will put together an overall proposal. If our bid is successful, we will then confirm the three institutions selected to host the visit. We hope to be able notify all institutions submitting proposals of the results in early 2013, depending on the bidding schedule.

Proposals/enquiries about this opportunity:
educationuk.tokyo@britishcouncil.or.jp