Fancy spending time in Japan this summer? Check out the Matsue summer course in the Japanese language and culture.

Matsue, which enjoys Irish links through writer Lefcadio Hearn, who lived there, lies in western Japan, north of Hiroshima. The two-week course in August is open to anyone over 17 years of age. A heavily subsidised programme fee of 30,000 yen (about £150) covers tuition, hotel accommodation and some meals. But note: the fee does not include travel costs. Closing date for applications is March 25th. Contact the Embassy of Japan (tel: (01) 269 4244, ext. 142).

Application forms for the Monbusho scholarship for Japanese studies (undergraduate studies) will be available shortly from the Department of Education and Science, international section (contact Rita Frawley, tel: (01) 809 5015). This one-year scholarship, open to students studying the Japanese language or culture, covers the cost of the return flight to Dublin, fees, accommodation and living and book allowances. Selected candidates can expect to be called for interview.

The Monbusho scholarship for research students is open to graduates of any discipline. Return air fairs from Dublin, accommodation costs, living and book allowances and fees are covered by the two-year scholarship. The programme includes an intensive six-month language course. Applicants who have secured places at Japanese universities commence their studies in April. Applicants for whom places are found by Japan's Ministry for Education start in October. Further information will be available shortly from the Department of Education and Science as above. Selected candidates can expect to be called for interview.