The Reality

At this time a lot of the students are thinking about returning to Japan. For a lot of them this can be quite a difficult and challenging time. This is because when the students first come here they have expectations of being able to speak English fluently when they leave. For many, this is quite unrealistic and I think that students are now starting to realise this. The students also base their English ability on the TOEIC test. Again, students have expectations of getting very high marks at the end of the year. Although, last Friday's test had the best average for the class so far (561) it also emphasised that what students expected their scores to be by the end of the programme is beginning to fade into an unrealistic goal. Consequently, some of the students will be feeling down. However, this is part of the process that the students go through into trying to (unconsciously) readjust or reacculturate themselves back into their Japanese culture.
I intend to have individual interviews with all of the students over the next week as well as discuss some of these issues in class on a more general basis. If your student is feeling a bit disparate at this time, then the reason above may be why. It would really good if you have any concerns about your student to inform Anna, Keiko, Yoko, or Yvonne. I will also try my best to address these issues.
Talk to you soon, Michael

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Hi everybody. I hope that you had a good break and spent some quality time with your family. It's always a busy time over the Xmas break, but I hope that you are rested and ready for the new year.

The students are coming to class from 9-11 Monday to Friday. All of the students have said how they have enjoyed their experiences of a New Zealand Xmas and New Year, so thank you for looking after them and giving them some "kiwi" culture.

Hopefully, if the weather is fine we will do some outdoor activities. First on the agenda is a trip to Moeraki Boulders next Monday (18th January). Low tide is about 12:35pm, so it means that a good time to leave would be about 11:00. I have booked a mini-van to take all of the students out and Keiko and Yoko will also come out for support. The students will also be provided with lunch. We hope to be back at about 4ish (depending on the weather). I will tell the students to bring some waterproof clothing and other necessities in class, but it would also be good if you discuss this with them as well - another chance for a good conversation!

The students are also starting to plan their homestay graduation presentation, which will take place on the 10th of March (Wednesday) from 7-9. This time and date are only tentative at the moment because I have to wait until everybody comes back to work to confirm the place, etc. However, I will let you know as soon as I know.

Lastly, the students are going to be doing a TOEIC test this Friday from 9-11. Some of the students get a bit nervous about this practise test, so reassurance would be a help.

That's all for now. Please feel free to post any comments, ideas about what you think might be a good activity for the students to do.

Talk to you soon,

Michael