WILL is proud to announce the launch of a new map feature in Dialogbook that visualizes the schools participating in the SMILE project. The map shows the locations of participating schools, with a slider that lets users explore when each school participated in the project.
Explore the map here:
https://dlb.kotoba-kobo.jp/school_map.html
The SMILE Project generally charges a participation fee of approximately 3,000 yen per person. We asked Gemini to assess whether this price is reasonable for the services provided. Below are Gemini’s analysis results. Based on the available materials, we will present an analysis of the SMILE Project’s pricing relative to typical online educational exchange services…
On 21st March 2026, WILL will hold an online briefing session on the SMILE project for Japanese schools interested in participating in Academic Year 2026. If you would like to join the event, do not hesitate to fill in the form. WILL will send an invitation message to the registered user. The briefing session will…
I asked ChatGPT what the academic years are like in the countries participating in the SMILE project. Apparently, it’s something like this. It could be useful for matching. Country / Region Academic Year Term System Major Exams / Test Periods Notes Japan Early Apr – Mid Mar Three terms End of terms: Jul / Dec…
![[Contributed Article] Connecting the Classroom to the World](https://www.kotoba-kobo.jp/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/スクリーンショット-2026-08-22-10.02.11-768x491.png)
English Education Research Born from an Encounter with SMILE Project Kanako Tabuchi, Full-time Foreign Language Instructor, Kansai University When teaching English, I often find myself wishing there were more opportunities for students to actually use the language they have worked so hard to learn. I have previously taught English at public junior high and high…
On the evening of August 25, 2026, the “Thai SMILE Evening 2026” event was held at Thammasat University in Bangkok. The event brought together Thai teachers participating in the SMILE project to share updates on this year’s activities and to foster closer relationships. The event began with a video message from Professor Spakorn of Thammasat…
On 13th December 2025, WILL will provide an online briefing session on the SMILE project for Japanese schools that want to participate in the future. If you would like to join the event, do not hesitate to fill in the form. WILL will send an invitation message to the registered user. The briefing session will…
