In cooperation with The Japan Foundation (JF) in Bangkok, the Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs DVIFA) is delighted to announce the success of the 12-hour, online MARUGOTO (A1) introductory level Japanese course.  The course ran from 2 July - 20 August 2022 with participants from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (8 diplomats and 2 support staff) and government officials from the Ministry of Education (6 participants).  

                   The weekly, two-hour sessions aimed to enhance the particpants’ knowledge and appreciation of Japanese culture and develop basic Japanese communication skills for use in everyday life. It involved both online and onsite learning. For the first 5-weeks, the training was conducted online, and the participants had opportunities to learn and practice Japanese with Thai and Japanese teachers as well as through exchanges with their fellow participants. The final day of the training was held onsite and included native Japanese speakers.  The participants were able to practice the language they had learned, wear the traditional Yukata and sample authentic Japanese tea.

                   Both the DVIFA and JF were pleased with the results of the program and look forward to running further courses for MFA government officials. Cooperation on language training between the DVIFA and JF began in 2017.