On Tuesday, April 21, we held the first off-campus study program of the year for Grade 11 at TOKYO GLOBAL GATEWAY.

On the day, each group worked with an English-speaking instructor on a wide variety of activities conducted in English. During the Active Immersion sessions, students took on the challenge of “thinking in English and expressing themselves in English,” using topics such as introducing Japanese hospitality culture and their own study-abroad experiences. It was an opportunity not only to improve their English skills but also to deepen their learning in terms of content. Watching the students engage sincerely with each task and cooperate with their classmates, we could also see real growth in their ability to work together.

During the Attraction sessions, students tackled practical programs set in situations they might actually encounter overseas, such as restaurants and airports. Although some looked nervous in the highly realistic settings, it was striking to see them helping one another and communicating earnestly with smiles on their faces.

At the close of the experience, even students who had felt anxious about English were heard saying things like “I was able to speak a little,” and each of them came away with a sense of accomplishment.

Grade 11 students will go on their overseas school trip in the second term. We hope they will draw on today’s experience and actively take on the challenge of communicating in English while abroad as well.