Every year, a select number of fifth grade students have the chance to go on a trip to New Zealand to study English at our sister school, Omokoroa No. 1 School. For many of the students that go, it is the first time for them to travel out of country as well as being away from their parents and family for an extended amount of time. The selection process starts by having an information session for interested fourth grade students (the selection process starts when they are in the fourth grade) and their parents so that they are able to get a clearer idea of what to expect from the program.
This past Monday we had said information session. It was a good opportunity to learn about what activities the students will be able to participate in, places they will be able to visit, food they may eat as well as other aspects of the trip. For many that attended, the information that was conveyed helped them to make the decision to let their children participate in the program.
Not all of the students will be able to participate in the program, but even for those that don’t end up going, we hope that this can be a starting point in piquing their interest in other countries and cultures and a reason to continue striving to achieve a higher level of not only English, but also of the world outside of Japan.