On April 3rd, 2025, 3rd year students departed from Narita Airport for Dunedin, New Zealand. After spending one year abroad, they returned to Japan on March 16th, 2026. Now promoted to 4th year students, they attended the Opening Ceremony and on April 2nd, began a new chapter of school life at the Kanazawa Campus with renewed determination.

To share the outcomes of this study abroad experience, a presentation session was held on May 20th, 2026, at the Learning Commons on the Kanazawa Campus. At the event, 4th year students and faculty members gathered to listen to the presentations. The session was also recorded so that students and parents who were unable to attend could watch it later, allowing the outcomes to be shared more widely.

The program began with smooth and confident moderation by 4th year student, Rintaro Kamoshita, followed by an opening speech in English by President Masaaki Shikada. The president praised the students for having developed not only academic skills but also a broader, global perspective during their time abroad. He concluded by encouraging them to build on this experience as a strong.

In the presentations that followed, all 4th year students took the stage and shared their experiences in English. Their thorough preparation and rehearsal were evident throughout, and their confident delivery left a strong impression on the audience. The presentations covered a wide range of topics, including classes and campus life at Otago Polytechnic, interactions with faculty, daily life with host families, as well as New Zealand’s rich natural environment and food culture. Together, they provided a well-rounded view of their study abroad experience.

In the academic segment, students highlighted their experiences studying specialized subjects alongside local students and emphasized the learner-centered teaching style that encourages independence and active participation. These insights demonstrated the depth and practical value of their studies abroad.

When speaking about homestays, students shared heartfelt accounts of their daily lives and warm relationships with their host families. Their stories illustrated how living in a supportive environment allowed them to naturally develop their English skills. One particularly notable point was how many students became accustomed to local cuisine and adapted smoothly to everyday life. Photos of meals shared during the presentations conveyed the warmth and individuality of each host family.

Students also introduced trips with their host families and scenic locations around Dunedin. Photographs of stunning coastlines, star-filled night skies, and even the magical aurora vividly conveyed the sense of wonder they experienced during their stay.

When reflecting on what they missed about New Zealand after returning to Japan, many students mentioned their host families, housemates, and even their pets. Their words clearly revealed the deep personal connections they formed while living in a different cultural environment.

Each presentation offered a unique perspective on life in New Zealand, demonstrating how much the students had grown during their year abroad. Their experiences in both academic settings and daily life have strengthened their confidence and are expected to have a lasting impact on their future studies and career paths.

Towards the end of the event, the emcee, Rintaro Kamoshita delivered a closing speech in English, expressing sincere gratitude to the parents and the school for their support throughout the study abroad program.

Finally, Vice President Mamoru Mukai provided closing remarks, highly commending the students’ remarkable development in English proficiency, presentation skills, and overall personal growth over the past year. He expressed his expectations that this experience will serve as a strong foundation for their future as global innovators. The reporting session concluded on a warm and positive note.