SECOND-LEVEL students interested in winning a scholarship to Japan are invited to write an essay (not exceeding 1,000 words) on "Why I would like to travel to Japan". Educational and Cultural Travel, a Cork-based organisation, are sponsoring the award in association with the MEC school in Japan.

The award will include return flights from Ireland to Japan, full board and accommodation with a Japanese family for four weeks, classes in Japanese, insurance cover and some spending money. More details from EIL, Educational and Cultural Travel, Courthouse Chambers, 27/29 Washington Street, Cork (tel: (021) 275101 or (01) 282 9284).