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| CIE: Oxford
College of International Education |
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Twenty years of coming to Oxford. How others see us!
On Friday September 20th students of Kyorin University, Tokyo, enjoyed a dinner at Lady Margaret Hall to mark the 20th anniversary of their annual visit to Oxford as students of the College of International Education. Before the meal the students were addressed by Mr Bart Ashton the Domestic Bursar at Lady Margaret Hall.
Prior to the students’ arrival in Oxford they take part in a six hour Distance Learning programme which uses the internet and webcam. Once in Oxford they continue their English Language course which is based on a study of the cultural differences between Japan and the UK. Lessons at Lady Margaret Hall are supplemented by visits to places of local interest such as the Natural History Museum and St Mary’s Church and by excursions to London, Warwick, and Stratford. Social activities include punting, skating and bowling. Punting still remains a mystery to some students and this year one or two finished up in the Cherwell. Cream teas, fish and chips and the English pub continue to be firm favourites but this year the barbecue at Lady Margaret Hall proved to be a great success.
All the students greatly appreciated the premises and beautiful grounds of Lady Margaret Hall. To begin with most of the students are surprised by the great differences between the environment in Oxford and Tokyo, commenting favourably on the open spaces, moderate temperatures ( 35C in Tokyo) and friendly host families and shop assistants. They expressed surprise that the bus driver does not call out each stop and that our trains do not always run on time.
As the three weeks progressed however the differences seemed to become less important and what was particularly appreciated was the vibrant multicultural atmosphere in Oxford together with the medieval architecture. Above all it became apparent that the Kyorin students found Oxford people to be very welcoming and friendly which is a heartening message for us all. This extract from a speech at the farewell dinner by one of the students, although expressed in language which was not typical of most of the students, expresses the feelings of most.
“Although the taste of food is completely different from that in Japan, your serious cooking makes it the nicest food in the world. Although the weather here is completely different from that in Japan, your careful reminding us of wearing warmer clothes makes it the most wonderful weather in the world. Although living here is completely different from that in Japan, your warm hearted telling us a lot about Oxford makes it the most comfortable life in the world. You our host families, have given us a warm home outside our own. The time which has been spent with you will be unforgettable forever.
When I lost me way friends took me home. When I didn’t understand what people were saying, friends helped me to translate it. When I felt cold people lent me their coats. Friends made everyday here filled with happiness. They gave us the courage to face all our troubles even though we are far away from home”.
By John Hudson, Principal |
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