Abstract:

In an example of innovative project based learning, students from a university in Japan and a polytechnic institute in Portugal worked together to hold a series of events that promoted study of EFL and intercultural communication. In this case, participants developed practical linguistic and social skills through organizing and documenting multilingual events in Leiria City, Portugal in March 2013. Exhibition of photographs, texts, video and art works, demonstrations of culinary techniques and musical performance served to introduce aspects of life in Japan to people in Portugal. Project development is explained with particular emphasis on how organizers built on an existing sister city partnership and linked city governments, higher education institutes and public schools. Reference is made to important contributions made by members of the general public and a non-government organization and there is note of the valuable support and recognition of local government and consular officials. Plans are outlined for future projects designed to help student organizers and others enhance foreign language ability while increasing awareness of themselves, their own culture and foreign cultures.

Keywords:

Project Based Learning, EFL, Intercultural Communication.