School Visits

"Our school has greatly valued Global Language & Culture's expertise and they are wonderful resource people for studies relating to Japanese culture and history. Stephen Grant's engaging manner with the students and his understanding of curriculum requirements was obvious, and no doubt this is due to his training and experience as a teacher. Stephen has lived in Japan, and he and his Japanese wife, Mika, have a diverse repertoire of activies that they can bring into the classroom, some of which are art, calligraphy, origami, a tea ceremony, martial arts, Shogun History lessons and language learning. GLAC can customise visits to suit your needs. I highly recommend GLAC and am sure that their knowledge, expertise, and bright nature will enrich any classroom."

"Each year, the Hunter Christian School organises a Japanese Celebration Day for the Year 7 students. This year, I invited Mr Stephen Grant, students from his Dojo and his wife, Mika, to come to the school as a part of Global Language and Culture.
 

Mr Grant, with the assistance of his students, instructed the Year 7 students on how to enter a Dojo or Dojo-like space, involving removing shoes, paying respect and bowing. The students learned about physicality, movement and height, with some warm-up techniques before a Martial Arts demonstration. Mr Grant instructed the students on how he conducts his training and what is expected of students at Shikishimakan. I was highly impressed by the students of Shikishimakan, with their obvious dedication, hard work and training, inspiring Year 7 but also providing them with education in Japanese culture. Mr Grant also gave Year 7 some invaluable lessons regarding fights or fighting in the real world and self-defence. Year 7 were excited, inspired and grateful for the morning and the demonstration.
 

The students then left the hall and entered the Food Tech area where Mika Grant taught the students how to make sushi rolls. This was a dream come true, as the students all year had been requesting to make Japanese food. Students learned about the vinegared rice, nori, Teriyaki chicken and vegetables and how best to assemble these. I can speak for everyone, as we had an excellent and enjoyable morning, ending with a big arigatō gozaimasu and a bow from the students. I am looking forward to another visit from Global Language and Culture next year."

"Our YMCA NSW Services in the Newcastle and Hunter region regularly look forward to having the Global Language and & Culture  program provided by Stephen, Mika and his students visit us for our Vacation Care program for the vast array of positives we see our children take away from the experience.

Stephen leads the children through a class disciplined from the beginning in ways of the Japanese Culture that sets the scene and captures the children in anticipation. Stephan has a presence over the class and can calm even those of higher energy. Clarity of mind, learning new skills, gaining confidence in one’s body movements and watching some impressive displays of sequenced movements to inspire and focus on the body’s impressive capabilities in an uplifting environment. The physical benefits of body and mind and how the overall program encompasses health and wellbeing with Mika’s cooking activity wraps up beautifully the program afterwards.  The Children getting to learn how to make their own Sushi adds some important fine motor and hand eye coordination skills. The children love preparing this healthy treat and are so proud of their efforts."

"The students and staff at Alesco Northlakes had such a great time making sushi and learning about martial arts. Our students found the experience extremely engaging and had so many positive things to say about the team. Some students even wanted to continue their martial arts with GLAC! Thank you so much for which a worthwhile and educational activity."

"The Year 9 Japanese Language students at Hunter School of the Performing Arts really enjoyed the enriching experience provided by Stephen and Mika from Global Language and Culture. Stephen and his students were very professional and provided an interesting insight into Japanese Martial Arts. Students were also very excited to explore a range of sushi-making techniques with Mika and very much enjoyed the entire experience. I highly recommend this incursion to complement and enrich any Japanese program."

"The Team at Global Language and Culture were outstanding! Professional, understanding and encouraging while working with our students as we took part in some amazing martial arts and sushi making workshops. Their knowledge and expertise are unparalleled. The feedback from the students was extremely positive and we look forward to hosting GLAC again soon. Thank you again!"