英語集中合宿 Summer Seminar 2013
2013/10/18
今年度の英語集中合宿は、9月9日から12日まで、9名の学生が参加して、群馬県の草津温泉で行われました。指導に当たった杉長ジャッキー先生とアン・ヤング先生の報告を英語でお読みください。
On September 9th, nine students from the Department of International Culture headed for Gunma to attend the annual three-day intensive English Summer Seminar directed by Anne Wishart Young and Jackie Suginaga.
At the seminar, the students took part in many activities. For example, they made video diaries, described three of their favorite photos, and played some English games. This year, the highlight of the three-day programme was the “Teach me” session. Here the students had to teach each other something in English. They taught each other various things, including how to write a 3-frame manga story, do magic tricks, fold origami objects, challenge 20 questions, and play old Japanese games like Menko and Karuta. During each session many interesting questions and comments were exchanged, and of course there were some ‘Aha!’ moments. In addition, we held a Drama Workshop and Yoga in English for students’ health and happiness.
Students engaged in the “Teach me” sessions
Two excursions were also included at no extra cost as part of the seminar. On the first trip, we went to the quaint and historic town of Yubatake, a local symbol of Kusatsu. The night lights shining on the water looked magical, mysterious, and a great spot for taking photos.
The Yubatake Tour
The second trip was a nature-walk in the forest beside the hotel. The nature-walk guide told us about the many wonderful smells, edible plants and mushrooms, and animals that live in the surrounding area. The students were often surprised by his stories and laughed at his jokes.
In addition to the interesting activities, the hotel facilities were also great. One thing we know the students definitely enjoyed was the onsen. In the evening the students could reflect on their English activities while relaxing in a hot spring. Furthermore, the staff at the hotel were very friendly, accommodating, and they spoke excellent English.
Nature walk
Language learning is mostly a social phenomenon. So, the English Summer Seminar provided an interactive and social setting where students could experience speaking in English without having to leave home. The students also became great friends and made memories to last a lifetime.
Department of International Culture
Anne Wishart Young & Jackie Suginaga
