Our 3 students currently studying at St. Mary’s Catholic High School in Phoenix, USA, have entered the second half of their study-abroad year. After completing their final exams in December, they had two weeks over Christmas and the New Year to spend with their host families and friends. Please check out the international noticeboard at school for regular updates and photos!

「セメスター１　学期末テスト終了！」

現在アメリカ・フェニックスにありますSt. Mary’s Catholic High Schoolに留学中の３名ですが、留学期間も後半にさしかかってきました。１２月に学期末テストを無事に終了した彼らですが、その後はクリスマスとニューイヤーにまたがる二週間の休暇に入り、それぞれのホストファミリーや友人たちとの時間を過ごしました。高校職員室横の掲示板にも定期的に彼らの様子や写真を掲示し、その内容も更新していますので、是非御覧ください！

Our 3 students currently studying at St. Mary’s Catholic High School in Phoenix, USA, have almost come to the end of their adventure. Not only has their English improved immensely, they have made so many new friends, experienced a new culture and most importantly grown as individuals. We look forward to seeing them back at Nigawa in June. Please check out the international noticeboard at school for regular updates and photos!

Yesterday we said goodbye to James, an exchange student from Padua College who had been at Nigawa for the last month. In the short time that he was with us, James left a big impression on Nigawa, he made many friends and learned about school life in Japan.

Good luck back in Australia, James!

This month, the Nigawa community said farewell to Lachlan Woodland, our first ever long-term exchange student from Padua College in Brisbane, Australia.

Lachlan came to us in April with a keen interest in learning about the culture of Japan and to improve his Japanese language ability. While he was successful in both of those goals, he also managed to make many friendships that no doubt will be long lasting. We are going to miss his humor and enthusiasm for life in general, but we look forward to seeing him once again when he returns to Japan.

Arigato, Lachlan!

On October 29 we received a group of students and teachers from Institution Marmoutier. This was the second time that Marmoutier students and teachers have come to Nigawa for a short-term exchange.

Throughout the day, our visitors took part in activities with Nigawa Gakuin junior high and high school students. In addition to numerous activities that included joint classes, kendo and caligraphy, the French students were hosted for 5 nights by Nigawa students, giving them a unique chance to experience Japanese home life. Moreover, the host students had an opportunity to make new friends and communicate with students from abroad in a more relaxed setting outside the school. These friendships have, in the past, been ongoing, with students staying in contact even after the program has completed.

Thank you Marmoutier for yet another exciting day. All of us here at Nigawa Gakuin look forward to your next visit in 2014.

Last week, we were fortunate to have a short exchange program with a group of high school students from Queensland, Australia. Students from Beaudesert State High School and Flagstone State Community College visited Japan for a 2-week study trip, the highlight of which was a homestay and exchange with students at Nigawa Gakuin.

The program was a huge success for students on both sides and we wish to give special thanks to all of the Nigawa families that hosted the Australian students.