Bildungsurlaub / Bildungszeit Course  

WHAT IS BILDUNGSURLAUB / BILDUNGSZEIT?

“Bildungszeit” (formerly known as Bildungsurlaub) is an educational paid leave that is unique to Germany. It refers to a legal right for all German employees to take time off from work to engage in educational or further training activities in Japan for up to 2 weeks. These activities are typically compensated by your employer and intended to promote personal and professional career development for an international workforce. The specifics of Bildungsurlaub, such as the duration and eligibility criteria, can vary between German states.

BILDUNGSURLAUB / BILDUNGSZEIT IN JAPAN

Pursuing Bildungszeit in Japan is a unique opportunity for you to experience intercultural immersion, Japanese language studies, and a variety of Japanese traditional activities. Meiji Academy is the only Japanese Language School in Japan holding full accreditation from the German Government to offer Bildungsurlaub / Bildungszeit programs in Japan for all German states. Depending on your German state, you can take an educational leave of up to 10 days per year at one of our schools in either Fukuoka or Hokkaido.

PACKAGE DETAILS

30 lessons / week
Max. length 2 weeks
Weekdays and Saturdays
Not available for weeks with public holidays
Accredited by the German Government
¥54,000 / week
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* Application, Study, and Material Fee are not included.
A FULL LIST OF ALL PARTICIPATING GERMAN STATES FOR BILDUNGSZEIT IS LISTED BELOW
BERLIN
BRANDENBURG
HAMBURG
HESSEN
BREMEN
NIEDERSACHSEN
RHEINLAND-PFALZ
BADEN-WÜRTTEMBERG
SAARLAND
SACHSEN-ANHALT
SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN

Main Course Outline

Curso estándar

20 lessons / week

The primary focus of your studies will be placed on our award-winning Japanese Core Course which consists of the following items:

  • Two Grammar Lessons per day
  • Two Language Skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking) Lessons per day

The 50% Japanese grammar and 50% applied language skills approach focuses on a communicative Japanese learning experience, which will equip you with the relevant linguistic toolkit to master day-to-day interactions with Japanese speakers.

Japonés conversacional

4 lessons / week

Challenge your Japanese communication skills on different topics in a group chat setting with Japanese Native speakers.

  • Different chat topics for each group lesson
  • Strong emphasis on free speech and formulating an opinion
  • Phrases and dialogues will be provided as guidance
  • Topic-related vocabulary will apply

Cultura tradicional

6-7 lessons / week

Learning another language is also immersing yourself in another culture. Take advantage of the various cultural activities and field excursions we offer to gain a deeper understanding of Japan’s beautiful culture.

Stundenplan (Example)

9:00-9:45
9:50-10:35
10:45-11:30
11:35-12:20
12:20-13:10
13:10-13:55
14:00-14:45
14:55-15:40
15:45-16:30
Tarde (18:00~)
LUNES
Curso básico
Curso básico
Curso básico
Curso básico
Descanso para comer
Conversation
Conversation
Hakata Food Stalls
MARTES
Curso básico
Curso básico
Curso básico
Curso básico
Descanso para comer
Culture Class
Culture Class
Culture Class
Tenjin City Tour
MIÉRCOLES
Curso básico
Curso básico
Curso básico
Curso básico
Descanso para comer
Language Exchange
JUEVES
Curso básico
Curso básico
Curso básico
Curso básico
Descanso para comer
Conversation
Conversation
Videojuegos y aperitivos
VIERNES
Curso básico
Curso básico
Curso básico
Curso básico
Descanso para comer
Culture Class
Culture Class
Culture Class
Cena de graduación
Karaoke
SÁBADO
Dazaifu Shrine Excursion

Depending on the availability and Japanese Level

  • Culture Classes might take place on Saturdays
  • Main Course will take place in the morning or afternoon

Bildungszeit Course Goals

This course aims to give German students a profound understanding and knowledge about the basics of the Japanese language required in daily conversation settings paired with a cultural immersion through experiencing Japanese traditional crafts and culture. At the end of this course you will be able to demonstrate an enhanced comprehension of the following areas:

BASICS OF JAPANESE CONVERSATIONAL DIALOGUE
Cross-Cultural Communication between East vs West
FUNDAMENTAL COMPREHENSION OF JAPANESE CULTURE
REFLECTING ON JAPANESE TRADITIONAL CUSTOMS

Meiji Academy’s special Bildungsurlaub Package will provide you with the required 30 hours per week of classes.

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Bildungsurlaub / Bildungszeit FAQ

Who is eligible for Bildungsurlaub?

All employees (except civil servants) have the right to Bildungsurlaub, regardless of nationality.

Why don’t you offer Bildungszeit during weeks with public holidays?

This is not possible due to school schedule restrictions and limited teachers' availability.

Is Bildungsurlaub / Bildungszeit recognized in all German states?

Unfortunately not. Currently, 14 of 16 German states recognize Bildungszeit, except for Sachsen (Saxony) and Bayern (Bavaria).

Why is there no Bildungsurlaub for Nordrhein-Westfalen (North Rhine-Westphalia) in Japan?

This state has a “special” approval condition. Only courses offered within a range of 500km from North Rhine-Westphalia’s border are eligible for Bildungsurlaub. Unfortunately, Japan is a bit more far away...

How many days of Bildungsurlaub can I apply for?

Depending on the state, employees are entitled to anywhere from five to ten days of Bildungsurlaub per year, in addition to regular paid holidays.

Can I carry over my unused Bildungsurlaub days from last year?

For some states this exception applies allowing you up to 10 days of consecutive educational leave. Due to frequently changing regulations, we advise you to directly inquire to the state where you work.

Can my employer refuse my Bildungsurlaub application?

Your employer must allow Bildungsurlaub unless it conflicts with the business operations, or if over 50% of all employees already took their Bildungsurlaub.

What happens if I have to cancel my program due to personal circumstances?

We understand that unforeseen things can occur, hence our refund policy is trying to address all students' concerns fair and equally. Due to the special nature of customized academic packages and seasonal programs, we have specified the points in detail in our Terms & Conditions.

What about educational leave outside of Germany?

If you are from Austria, then check out our new page about Bildungskarenz to learn how we can assist you. :)