Japan

We are Miyako, Sayuri and Risa. We came from Japan in January to study English at UHC for one year. 

When I came to UHC I couldn’t understand English. It was hard to talk to Kiwi and international students but a lot of friends and teachers helped me with their kindness. I really enjoyed Athletics Day, World Food Day, the Cultural evening and playing table tennis at lunchtimes. My New Zealand life is not only fun, but I have made precious memories and awesome friends.

Risa

I was surprised about the contrast between Japanese and New Zealand schools. In Japan I had interval between each class but here I have only morning tea and lunchtime. Also, in Japan I needn’t speak during lessons but in NZ I have to speak in class to give my opinions or answer questions. I found this difficult at first but now it’s easier sometimes. In NZ I sometimes use a computer in class. I type texts and send them to my teachers. I like that. In Japan I never used a computer in class.

Sayuri

I played netball this year. I had never played the game before or even heard about it before I came to New Zealand. Consuelo, my host sister from Chile, and I watched our host sister’s netball game every week. Her team was strong and they always enjoyed playing so we decided to join a team at school. We practised every Thursday and played a game every Saturday. My position was goal keep and I think it is the best position because I like defending. I was awarded Most Improved Player at the netball prizegiving!

I think every student should join a club because you can make friends there and it’s always fun! International students should join netball because it’s a different experience.

Miyako

Hiro (Hiroaki) Murakami   

I like Upper Hutt College very much.  I like the International Department at Upper Hutt College because it is for Kiwi students as well as International students so it is a good place to make new friends.  I like the opportunity to improve my English ability.

Another thing I like about Upper Hutt College is that there is more time to relax.  In Japanese schools we don't have as much rest time as at Upper Hutt College.  In Japan we must go to school on Saturday as well so it's harder than here.

Also, I like the people at Upper Hutt College because they always talk to me very kindly and all students are friendly.  For example, when students here at school meet each other they hug or shake hands.  I had never seen anything like this before I came to New Zealand because in Japan we must talk and behave very politely to older students even if they are only a year older than us.  There is no right or wrong way but I prefer New Zealand's style.

Finally, I like the International students from other countries such as Japan, Vietnam, Germany, Brazil, Italy, Holland, Samoa, Thailand, South Africa, Malaysia and Switzerland.  I can communicate with them and get to know their cultures and customs.  It's a great experience and will be useful for me in the future.

I like Upper Hutt College and am proud that I am studying English here.

Hiro Murakami               

Asami Habu 

This year is early for me.  My New Zealand life is my treasure forever.  First Term 1 I couldn't make friends, understand English very well but now I got many friends.  I can understand English very well.  I love Upper Hutt College very much.

My host family are very kind to me.  Sometimes we got troubles but we solved.  My host family take care of me!  I love my host family too.

I can't forget my New Zealand life.  I really want to come back next year.

Asami

Yumiko Kakizawa 

I got great memories in Upper Hutt College.  My English is not enough yet but I have many New Zealand friends now.  I love them.  They helped me all the time.  Also teachers too.  I learned many things and laugh a lot with them.

Thank you for everything.  I love New Zealand.

Love Yumiko

Marie Miki

I had really good time in Upper Hutt College.  I made some Kiwi friends.  They are very kind and funny so school is lots of fun every day.  At first when I came to Upper Hutt College, I could not make friends and I couldn't talk to anyone so I didn't want to come to school.  Now, I have some friends and they are nice to me.  I'm nice to them too and I'm very glad so I don't want to leave them.  However, I must go back to Japan soon.  I'm very glad to meet my Japanese friends and watch TV or something but I want to stay here a bit more!!  So I want to enjoy my life in New Zealand right up to the day I leave here.

I'm glad I came to Upper Hutt College because I've had a really great experience.

Marie