K.I.A and the International Village Center：Kitakyushu International Association

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K.I.A and the International Village Center

Kitakyushu International Association Introduction
Kitakyushu International Association: Mission Statement
Kitakyushu International Village Center
International Exchange Lounge
Kitakyushu International Association - Services
Kokura Information

Kitakyushu International Association Introduction

Kitakyushu International Association was established in August 1990 to deepen mutual understanding and friendship in and around Kitakyushu, between foreign and Japanese residents, through the promotion of citizen-based activities. The K.I.A. signifies Kitakyushu's positive grass-roots approach to internationalization and contribution to world peace.

The K.I.A. provides a number of information services. These range from lifestyle information for foreign local residents, international students and trainees, to information on events occurring in Kitakyushu. The K.I.A. also sponsors home-stay and home-visit programs for foreign exchange students, holds seminars, lectures and study groups on international understanding, supports foreign student exchange. In an effort to make Kitakyushu a more accessible city to foreign residents, the K.I.A. also facilitates discussion groups aimed at integrating the non-Japanese populace, these discussions being focused upon culture, history and the future direction of Kitakyushu.

The International Association runs a number of events, Japanese culture related events, cross-cultural understanding events, and foreign culture introduction events. Each year the K.I.A. also runs International Camps (introducing Japanese youth to other cultures) and support the planning and running of other internationally minded events around Kitakyushu.

Some other services provided by the International Association are cross cultural schools for the youth of Kitakyushu, the K.I.A.'s own library and audio visual center, publishing of information bulletins, legal and psychological counseling, providing of foreign resident support services, and support of a number of local non-governmental, non-profit and volunteer groups (including those from the KIINET group). The International Association also organizes it's own volunteer bank and provides real opportunities for volunteers active in Kitakyushu.

The Kitakyushu International Association is a conscientious supporter of the Kitakyushu Sister Cities' projects and regularly provides support for interaction between the citizens of Kitakyushu City and it's various sister cities.

Kitakyushu International Association: Mission Statement

The K.I.A.'s mission as we forge into the 21st century is to strive towards "Understanding and respecting differences, whilst working towards a society where people can live in harmony". In order to successfully reach this goal, the K.I.A has developed 5 focus areas which are to be the basis for the work, support and services provided by the K.I.A.

Promotion of Cultural Understanding
The K.I.A. aims to increase the base number of citizens in Kitakyushu that have an interest in International Exchange. This will be accomplished by the organization of events that are easily accessible and promote cross-cultural understanding. K.I.A. also strives to deliver support by the provision of staff to local area events.

The Development of "International Members of Society"
K.I.A. seeks to develop those members of society who will support a multi-cultural society and are able to be an active member of our global community. This development will occur on many levels in response to the varied needs of the community.

Promotion of Exchange Between Residents of Kitakyushu
The local populace is the nucleus of any International Exchange Activitiy. As such, whilst creating and supporting varied activities, K.I.A. will urge new residents to participate, thus helping to build a climate of internationalization and multiculturalism.

Support of Foreign Local Residents in Kitakyushu
In co-operation with other related associations, K.I.A seeks to facilitate an environment where foreign local residents are able to live their lives with ease and in safety. Various forms of help to ensure that foreign local residents can live happily within the local society will also be provided.

Expansion of Information Services
K.I.A. seeks to correlate and provide international information, punctually, as per the needs of the community. The K.I.A. will also compile lifestyle information for current foreign residents and those who visit Kitakyushu. In addition, by practical use of these information services, K.I.A. also hopes to link the related local associations and individuals who are either recipients or providers of this information.

Kitakyushu International Village Center

Located in Hirano, Yahata Higashi ward, the Kitakyushu International Village Center houses the K.I.A., Yahata Lifelong Learning Center, Hibiki Concert Hall, K.I.T.A. and is adjacent to Kitakyushu International University and the Kyushu headquarters of JICA.

Apart from these organizations the International Village Center also has the following facilities. An international conference hall equipped with a simultaneous translation facility, conference room, food preparation rooms, a number of meeting rooms and a Japanese style "Tatami room".

International Exchange Lounge

In the international lounge we have a number of facilities, all of which can used free of charge. Please come to visit us.
Opening Times: 09:00 - 17:30 (closed on Mondays, and from December 29^th to January 3^rd)

Library - You will find a vast array of international information, foreign language learning materials, picture books, foreign newspapers, magazines and much more in our library. Library members can borrow up to two books at a time for a period of two weeks (applies to people living, working or studying in Kitakyushu), while supporting members can borrow up to five books at a time for one month. If you wish to become a member, please bring personal identification with your address on it to the Kitakyushu International Association.

Resource Corner - The resource corner is for the benefit of foreign people studying Japanese, and for those teaching Japanese to others, and offers a wide array of Japanese learning materials and information. These materials are available to borrow, and you can also make consultations about learning Japanese here. Those involved in the support of foreign residents, or in Japanese learning support, can also register as Resource Corner Members. Please ask for more details.

Pamphlet Corner - Here you will find information from various organisations, including those involved in international exchange and cooperation in Kitakyushu city, as well as information about exchange events taking place. You will also find a number of pamphlets with information about other events, lectures, study abroad and working holidays here. Please help yourself.

Media Corner - In our multimedia corner we have three monitors complete with video and DVD players. Here you can enjoy studying Japanese and foreign languages, watch films and cartoons, or learn more about Japanese culture from our library's wide selection of videos and DVDs. Please note however, that these DVDs and videos are not available for borrowing.

Internet Corner - Here we have two computers with high-speed optical internet connections. These can be used for up to thirty minutes free of charge. *These are just for browsing and not for personal data or printing use.

TV Corner - Our 45-inch screen television has three channels for you to enjoy - in English, Chinese and Korean. If you wish to change the channel, please ask one of our members of staff.

Exchange Space - In our exchange space, we have a number of sofas and tables where you can read books and newspapers, chat with friends and other visitors or just relax (please refrain from eating and drinking here).

Counter - Please ask at the counter if you wish to borrow or return books, use the internet or media corner, or want to post something on the message board.

Consultation Counter - Next to the counter at the Kitakyushu International Association we have set up a 'Consultation Service for Foreigners'. Consultations here are free, and are available in English, Chinese, Korean, Tagalog and Japanese. The schedule from April 2010 onwards is as below:
Yahata Consultation times: Tuesday - Friday, 09:30~15:00
Consultation languages:
Tuesday - English, Tagalog and Japanese
Wednesday - English, Tagalog, Korean and Japanese
Thursday - Chinese and Japanese
Friday - Chinese and Japanese
Telephone number: 093-671-2606
E-mail: helpdesk@kitaq-koryu.jp

Kitakyushu International Association - Services

Free Consultation for Foreigners - Psychological counseling, legal counseling, and visa/immigration counseling are all available free every month through the K.I.A. For more information please look at our Foreign Support Servies at the KIA section.

Foreign Language Tables - These take place in the exchange lounge and are open to everyone, free of charge. Reservation is also not required. These tables are a chance for people to get together and learn more about the culture, cuisine, and lifestyles of the teacher's home country, whilst practicing some simple conversation. Please note however, that language tables may be cancelled without notice according to the speakers' convenience, so it is recommended to check with the KIA in advance before attending.

Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Corner - In the Foreign Affairs Corner, you will find a number of pamphlets published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while in the International Cooperation area we have regularly updated information from a variety of international cooperation sources, including ODAs (Official Development Assistance), NGOs (Nongovernment Organizations) and international bodies.

Dispatching International Exchange Volunteers - At the Kitakyushu International Association, we also have many registered International Education Volunteers, who are on hand to make presentations about many foreign countries and to promote better understanding of different cultures.
* These volunteers are available only to public institutions such as citizens' centers, and elementary and junior-high schools.

For example...
- An elementary school wishes to hold a class to learn more about Chinese culture.
- A citizen's center wishes to run a course about Korean cuisine.
We will then introduce you to a foreign instructor who will introduce their native culture, through presentations or lectures, or by playing musical instruments, singing, dancing and so on.
We can also introduce Japanese instructors who wish to talk about their experiences, such as working as a Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteer, participating in NGO activities, or living abroad.
* This program is carried out in cooperation with the Fukuoka International Exchange Center.

Dispatching Administrative Interpreters
Administrative interpreters are available to help foreign residents who have difficulty understanding Japanese, by accompanying them to places such as ward offices and schools and offering interpreting assistance in English, Chinese, Korean and Tagalog.
* Accompanying interpreters are only available to public institutions such as ward offices and schools.

Kokura Information

We have also set up an Information Center in the International Convention Zone, which is located in the area north of Kokura Station. Here you can have access to various consultations, documents and information, borrow books from the library and use the exchange space. We also hold a number of language tables here, so please take a look at the Schedule
We are also able to organize consultations with International Cooperation workers from JICA who have worked abroad as volunteers (reservation required).
The exchange lounge at Kokura Information is available for individuals and groups involved in international exchange activities.

Location: Kokura Information, Asia-pacific Import Mart (AIM) Building 2nd floor, 3-8-1 Asano, Kokurakita, Kitakyushu
TEL: 093-551-0055
FAX: 093-551-1289
Opening hours: 09:00-17:30 (will be 10:00-17:30 from April 2010 onwards)
Closed: Sundays, Mondays, National Holidays and Dec 29th - Jan 3rd.

We also offer a Consultation Service for Foreigners at the Kokura Information Desk, open from Tuesday until Friday, 10:00~17:30. Consultations are free of charge, and are available in English, Chinese, Korean, Tagalog and Japanese. The schedule from April 2010 onwards is as below:
Kokura Consultation times: Tuesday - Friday, 10:00~17:30
Consultation Languages:
Tuesday - Korean and Japanese
Wednesday - Chinese and Japanese
Thursday - English, Tagalog and Japanese
Friday - English, Tagalog, Korean and Japanese
Telephone number: 093-551-0055

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