Month: November 2022

Happy November! With the weather getting colder and Christmas looming, we have some events to celebrate what Hokkaido does best.

1. Celebrating Sapporo’s stunning white Christmas with our first IN-PERSON event, The Sapporo Christmas Market Tour!
2. HEC Test Registration is opening! Join in the tradition of engaging with students and having lots of fun with our HEC Test. 

1. SAPPORO CHRISTMAS MARKET TOUR 

This is our first in-person event in an age! Sapporo is stunning at Christmas, and our team want to show you where to go and how to see the best! 

2. HEC TEST REGISTRATION  IS OPENING 

This is the big one at HEC HQ! We are excited to open registrations for the Hokkaido English Challenge Test on December 12. The HEC Test leads to the Summer Camp. Both events aim to connect students with the English speakers around them in fun ways. 

We have so much information to support getting your students signed up. For information on the HEC Test, please go to The Test – HEC (hajet.org). You can also find our updated Test Package for 2022/23. 

We have just released an article on what to expect and how to get involved with the Summer Camp. So check it out here! 

THE HEC SUMMER CAMP IS BACK IN 2023! 
It has been a while since we have seen a HEC camp. Here is a little brief of what we do and why we do it! 

1. What is it?
2. How do students attend?
3. Why get involved? 

1. WHAT IS IT? 

Our Summer Camp is a five-day American-inspired camp hosted during the summer holidays. It gives Hokkaido students a unique chance to experience foreign cultures and flex their English abilities! Students will eat unfamiliar foods, play games, learn new dances, write a play and talk with many English speakers. 

The camp is run predominantly by ALTs and is funded by HAJET and fundraising events throughout the year. 

2. HOW DO STUDENTS ATTEND? 

First-year Junior High School and High School students participate in the Hokkaido English Challenge. This is a test conducted by an ALT. The top winners of the challenge are invited to attend camp free of charge. Learn more about the test here! 

3. WHY GET INVOLVED?

The HEC Summer Camp is an amazing experience for our volunteers! They are at the heart of connecting with students who are passionate about learning English. If you are interested in becoming a better ALT, connecting closer to the English-speaking community, or just want to enjoy the Hokkaido summer, please sign up! 

There are two main ways to get involved. 

1. ALTs helping raise awareness and conducting tests
   ALTs usually introduce the test to interested students. One of the core goals of HEC is to strengthen the relationship between ALTs and students. ALTs work with their students to prepare them for the challenge. Top winning students will be invited to experience the Summer Camp and put their English skills to practical use.
   
   HEC has a Starter Kit that provides all the information you need for you and your school. You can find everything at https://hec.hajet.org/. 

2.  Come and join us at camp
   ALTs and people with functional English abilities can volunteer for the camp. We have an abundance of volunteer positions available. From Head Chef to Crazy Olympic Leaders, we can find a role for you to enjoy. 

Here is a list of some roles available. 

Head Chef, Camp Group Leader, Nurse, Sports Leader, Icebreaker Leader, Playwriting Leader, Post Master, Bade Leader, Amazing Race Leader, Crazy Olympic Leader, Campfire Leader, Dance DJ and Camp Photographer. 

Find out more and sign up here. 

COME AND JOIN THE HEC TEAM! We are getting ready for an amazing and memorable summer for all! It is only possible through the help of all our amazing volunteers. See you soon!