Two Japanese teachers will receive scholarships from Deakin University and Swinburne College to improve their English teaching skills in Victoria, the Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business Louise Asher announced today.

Offered to teachers from Aichi Prefecture, Victoria’s sister state in Japan, the scholarships are each worth about $3,750 for five weeks of tuition and home stay accommodation.

The Victorian Coalition Government reaffirmed the 32 year sister state relationship with Aichi today during a visit to Victoria by the Governor of Aichi Prefecture, Hideaki Ohmura.

“Our two states have long collaborated in business and cultural activities, and importantly in education activities through student exchanges, teacher training and joint study and research initiatives,” Ms Asher said.

“These scholarships will improve the ability of the Aichi education system to provide high-quality English language teaching.

“They also showcase the great capabilities of Swinburne College and Deakin University in delivering English language teaching for international students. This further highlights Victoria as a leading global destination for international education.

“More than 160,000 international students from more than 160 nations were enrolled in Victoria in 2011, including at least 800 Japanese students taking English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students.

“Through the $2 million Victoria - Leader in Learning initiative we are promoting Victoria as a premium education destination. We are also supporting scholarship programs like the Victorian International Research Scholarships to attract more high-quality international students to Victoria.