School of Languages and Cultures

2025 Winter Research Program

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Engage in a formal research project over the winter break with the UQ Summer Research Program.

The UQ Winter Research Scholarship Program offers scholarships to students wishing to gain experience working alongside a researcher in a formal research environment in their area of interest at UQ.

Each project will be offered for a period of four (4) weeks between 30 June to 25 July 2025

Successful applicants will receive a $2,000 grant.

Participation is open to undergraduate (including honours) and master by coursework students who are currently enrolled and will remain at UQ for the entirety of the research program.

Applications will open on 24 March.

Check out some testimonials from previous scholars.

  1. Conflict Narratives Symposium and Workshop support
  2. ‘Talking families into being’: Exploring family discourse
  3. Data Analysis in Korean language learners/speakers’ experiences
  1. Exploring the language journeys of high school graduates: A study on Japanese learning backgrounds
  2. Compiling and repurposing descriptions of Gunya for Community Language Revitalisation
  3. Professional conference interpreters’ use of interpreting strategies in real-life Chinese/English simultaneous interpreting at the United Nations

4. Exploring the language journeys of high school graduates: A study on Japanese learning backgrounds

Project title: 

Exploring the language journeys of high school graduates: A study on Japanese learning backgrounds

Hours of engagement & delivery mode

This project runs from 30 June to 25 July 2025, with an anticipated commitment of 25 hours per week. While occasional in-person meetings may be required, most of the work can be done remotely.

Description:

Japanese is widely studied in Australian secondary schools. As a result, students enter university Japanese programs with varying levels of proficiency. Their prior learning experiences range from brief exposure in secondary school Japanese courses to sustained study through Year 12, with some furthering their studies independently. This variation leads to diverse skill levels, posing challenges in language placement at universities. This project explores the learning backgrounds of these students and examines the key factors that serve as reliable indicators of their proficiency and success in university-level Japanese studies. This project is the first stage of a larger research project aimed at examining indicators of effective placement strategies and best practices. 

Expected learning outcomes and deliverables:

Students participating in this project will gain hands-on research experience in second language acquisition, including literature review, data collection and analyses. They will have the opportunity to explore key theories and concepts in foreign language education and language testing, enabling them to develop their own research questions. Students will have the opportunity to collaborate with postgraduate students and academic staff engaged in related research areas, fostering a supportive academic network.

Suitable for:

We are looking for UQ-enrolled students who are either

  • Proficient in Japanese language (i.e., having completed courses in Japanese Advanced Major, specifically JAPN32xx level), OR
  • Have postgraduate-level training in Applied Linguistics or equivalent.

Additional criteria:

  • Possess a positive attitude toward research and a willingness to put in the work.
  • Highly organized with strong attention to detail.

Primary Supervisor:

Dr. Sanako Mitsugi

Further info:

For further information, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Mitsugi, s.mitsugi@uq.edu.au