Author: HEC Webmaster

The last of the winter is upon us and HEC is ready! We are wishing snow goodbye with two massive events. Also, HEC Tests have been sent to ALTs and we are looking for Test Judges.

If you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact HEC! You can find our contact information here. 

1. Skiathon

The HEC Skiathon is a fundraiser where you can ask friends, families or anyone to sponsor you to embrace some of the best powder in the world and fly down those slopes! 

Details: 

Dates: March 18th – 26th, 2023

Where: Anywhere with snow.

Price: 500 yen registration fee. 

Head here to find more information or sign up. 

2. Furano and Niseko Ski Lessons 

On March 18th we are offering ski lessons in Furano and Niseko. Whether you are a complete beginner, or just wanting to learn more, come and ski with us! 

Furano Details: 

Date: Saturday, March 18th, 2023

Time: 11:00 (2 hours)

Place: Prince Snow Resort, Furano

Price: 2500 yen. 

For more information or to sign up, click here. 

Niseko Details: 

Date: Saturday, March 18th, 2023

Time: 11:30 (2 hours)

Place: Grand Hirafu Ski Resort, Niseko

Price: 2500 yen. 

For more information or to sign up, click here. 

3. Test Judges 

We are recruiting volunteers to judge the incoming HEC Tests. Judges will watch the completed tests and help us decide who will be awarded HEC prizes this year. 

Details: 

Fill out this form if you are interested in being a judge! 

Please note that access must be requested. 

HAPPY NEW YEAR! We are working hard to fundraise for the upcoming HEC summer camp. Come and support us by getting involved in one of these events!

1. HEC TEST REGISTRATION IS OPEN
2. PALENTINES LETTERS
3. ASAHIKAWA ENKAI
4. SAPPORO ENKAI
5. FUTURE EVENTS TO LOOK OUT FOR

1. HEC TEST REGISTRATION IS OPEN
   
   
   
   Registration will close on February 10! Give your student’s an amazing opportunity by offering them the chance to partake in the Hokkaido English Challenge.
   
   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).  Our Test Package is now available for 2022/23.
   
   Details:
   Registration opens on December 12, 2022.
   Closes February 10, 2023.
   3000 yen entrance fee
   Can win up to 30,000 yen in English prizes.
   The top winners are invited to Summer Camp.
   
   
2. PALENTINE LETTERS
   
   
   
   Spread the love throughout Japan by sending a Palentine. Let your friend (or more-than-a-friend) know that you are thinking of them with a cozy little note and gift packages!
   
   Details:
   Order here.
   Last orders are on Wednesday February 8.
   Palentine includes a letter and chocolate.
   550 yen per Palentine, with options to add on.
   
   
3. ASAHIKAWA ENKAI
   
   
   
   We are getting together by eating and drinking all you can for 90minutes at Jenjiskan!
   
   Details:
   Order here.
   When: Saturday 7pm, February 11th.
   Where: 松尾ジンギスカン 旭川支店
   Cost: 4500 yen per person.
   
   
4. SAPPORO ENKAI
   
   
   
   We still have some last minute seats for our Sapporo Yakiniku Enkai this Saturday, February 4th. If you’d like to come and find out more, see here.
   
   
5. SKI LESSON
   
   The next event we are planning is a ski lesson in March! Keep your eyes on our Facebook and instagram for updates! 

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!

Hello everyone! My name is Queena and I am very excited to be the new HEC Director for 2020-2021.

With the unfortunate cancellation of last year’s Hokkaido English Challenge due to COVID-19 restrictions, we are still hopeful in having a successful HEC year for 2021. We have a brand new team working hard to host events, fundraise for the camp, and challenge students to give HEC a try. We thank you for your continuous support and patience as we tackle various barriers. Please look forward to all the amazing new things we are excited to share with you this upcoming year!

Thank you very much! よろしくお願いします！