Hello, this is Kasumi Ozawa from the Study Abroad Section. I would like to share with you about the 3rd year students return from Otago Polytechnic Study Abroad Program.

On Monday, March 17, 2025, at 5:00 PM, 16 students safely returned home on Air New Zealand Flight 099. They were warmly welcomed at Narita Airport by their parents, Vice President Mamoru Mukai and me. The reunion with their families was filled with smiles and tears, creating a heartwarming scene. At the airport, a touching moment was witnessed when a younger sister of one of the students made a fan, typically used for "oshi-katsu" (supporting idols), to celebrate her brother's return. The students were deeply moved by their families' warm welcome, sharing the joy of their reunion.

The students had grown significantly, with some showing a noticeable change in their appearance and demeanor, reflecting their personal growth through various experiences. Comments like "Japan is the best," "I want to eat katsudon right away," and "Even ochazuke would be fine" were heard from the students. Some were also amazed by the new banknotes they encountered after their stay abroad. Many students came to appreciate Japan even more through their experiences in a foreign country, deepening their love for Japanese food and culture upon their return.

During their study abroad, the students received warm support from their host families, staff at Otago Polytechnic, and local residents, making their experience unforgettable. Some of them enjoyed daily walks in the nature-rich city of Dunedin, and some even went fishing near the sea. Others bonded with local students through sports at a gym near the campus, fostering international exchange and interest in Japan. They shared Japanese customs and traditions, creating meaningful cultural exchanges that enriched both sides. They faced not only good times but also challenges, which they overcame, contributing to their developing identities. This year-long experience has become a valuable asset for their future. They had the opportunity to reflect on themselves and grow through various experiences.

The students also hold deep gratitude towards their parents, who always watched over them warmly from Japan. Thanks to their parents' unwavering support, this study abroad experience was possible, enabling them to gain invaluable experiences. Despite feeling anxious about living far away, the encouragement and love from their parents became a source of strength, helping them overcome difficulties. Dunedin, New Zealand, has become a second home for some, who may visit again in the future. We hope they treasure the memories and lessons from this year, carrying them forward as a source of inspiration and strength. May the knowledge, skills, and personal growth they have gained guide them to a bright and promising future.

[Students Safely Returned Home]

Kasumi Ozawa

  Hello, this is Kasumi Ozawa from the Study Abroad Section. I would like to share with you about the recent orientations for students studying at Otago Polytechnic in the 2025 academic year.

  We held several orientations for students who will be participating in the Otago Polytechnic program next year. In February, we conducted three separate face-to-face sessions for students, and an online meeting including parents was held on Friday, February 14, 2025. The Otago Polytechnic study abroad program is for 3rd year students, with 20 students studying on-site for one year in the 2025 academic year. Our school is committed to ensuring that students are well-prepared for a safe and fulfilling experience abroad.

  During the student orientation sessions, detailed explanations were provided about the curriculum at Otago Polytechnic, living rules, and key aspects of living with host families. Additionally, the importance of cultural adjustment and communication in the New Zealand lifestyle was emphasized. Living in a different culture will present unique challenges for students, but overcoming these challenges leads to significant growth and new perspectives. Teachers provided specific advice on understanding different cultures and the support system available locally. Students were reassured with the message, "While there may be more hardships than moments of happiness, the growth and joy that await after overcoming these challenges will be invaluable experiences in your life." This gave students the opportunity to reflect on how they can make the most of their new learning environment and lifestyle, fostering a sense of anticipation for their upcoming study abroad experience.

2nd year students listened attentively熱心に耳を傾ける２年生

  As part of these orientations, students practiced songs, and Kentaro Takano, representing the group, practiced his speech for welcome ceremony. With each practice session, their singing and speeches gradually improved, reflecting their unity. The welcome ceremony will include traditional Maori greetings, and we look forward to the heartfelt speech and beautiful singing from our students.

  The orientation session for parents covered detailed information about preparations for departure, life in New Zealand, and travel precautions. Despite the nearly two-hour-long session, parents listened attentively and asked a variety of questions. Vice President Mamoru Mukai emphasized the importance of "understanding," "accepting," and "implementing" differences when encountering different cultures. These words captured the essence of cultural exchange and deeply resonated with all participants.

  With the comprehensive information provided during the orientations, students seem ready to confidently dive into their new environment. Parents also renewed their resolve to support their children's growth and were eager to assist with their study abroad experience. We can easily imagine parents and children working together to prepare for this new challenge in a foreign land during spring break.

  The Otago Polytechnic study abroad orientations were highly meaningful for both students and parents. After spending two years at the beautiful Hakusanroku Campus, students will relocate to New Zealand in April to begin their new journey. We sincerely hope that they will grow significantly through various experiences and make discoveries that will shape their future. Furthermore, we believe that the challenges they face in this new environment will develop into a bright and promising path ahead.

Kasumi Ozawa

Rehearsing a song for the welcome celemony歓迎会で披露する歌の練習風景

  Hello everyone, I am Aki Yamamoto, a 3rd year student at ICT. By the way, how much do you know about New Zealand? If you are reading this article, you are probably thinking of entering ICT in the future. In this article, I would like to introduce some interesting points about New Zealand based on my experience of traveling and staying there.

  First of all, when we think of New Zealand, we think of beautiful nature and wilderness. It is full of outdoor activity sites. If you like to get in touch with nature, you will find plenty to enjoy. I recently went on a family vacation in New Zealand for the summer. Our first destination was Lake Tekapo, a 3-hour drive from Christchurch. Photo 1 shows a mountain road I took along the way. It looks like a beautiful photo from a mineral water label, doesn't it? Next, Photo 2 shows Lake Tekapo, which was the main destination for that day. The water is a nice light blue! It was so beautiful that I forgot that the weather was cloudy.

  The next day, we went trekking on the Hooker Valley Track, the most iconic hiking trail in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Photo 3 shows Hooker Lake, located at the end of the hiking trail. I was surprised that you can see the glacier even in summer. It is incredibly beautiful, and the water's surface reflects so perfectly that you might not be able to tell which way is up or down.

  We also enjoyed a thrilling boat tour, speeding down the river on a high-speed jet boat. Additionally, we visited Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, where we marveled at the unique landscapes formed by volcanic activity. Photo 4 shows “Devil's Bath”, a lake created by volcanic activity that looks like a pool of slime. We experienced many other natural wonders as well.

  Now that you have probably gotten a better idea of what makes New Zealand so appealing. I would like to talk about my life in New Zealand from here. School hours are basically from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, which is not that busy. I am almost done with classes, having completed most of my course credits, and I am only taking engineering design classes now. As for the difficulty level of obtaining credit, I would say that it is almost the same as ICT. Furthermore, I think it is easier to pass the math course than the ICT course. At Otago Polytechnic, where 3rd year ICT students study abroad, 95% of the math content is a review of what we learned in ICT, and there is no new content in particular. This means that there is a lot of free time after school and on weekends. In my case, I play badminton with friends at the sports center, which students can use for free, and visit nearby sightseeing spots.

  Studying abroad is often thought of as challenging, but ICT's New Zealand study abroad program is an easygoing experience, so why not give it a go?

Aki Yamamoto

Hello, I am Haruki Ohta, a 3rd year student of ICT. I am currently studying abroad in New Zealand and enjoying the most wonderful life. Eight months have passed since April, and it is already December. Time really flies. I am so grateful to my parents for allowing me to enter ICT and study abroad in New Zealand. Thank you.

By the way, I ride a road bike in New Zealand. I didn't bring the bike from Japan, but bought a used bike in New Zealand for about 60,000 yen. It is for commuting and training. However, I had a certain assumption. "Dunedin is a city, so there are fewer mountains than Japan, it is flat, and a road bike is good." This was a big mistake. After buying a road bike, I was excited to explore the area around the school, but there were only steep slopes. My homestay is in an area with a series of steep slopes to the school, and there are many steep slopes with an average gradient of 14%, which is even difficult to walk on. You may be able to climb the slopes if you go on a mountain bike or electric bicycle, but road bikes require power because the gear ratio is small. Local people even push their bikes. In other words, it's "tough (I can't climb)". I completely regret it. When I commute, I ride while carrying a bag with my laptop and other items, which adds extra weight on top of the steep hills. To be honest, it's hell. But it is good for me and I think it is necessary to get stronger in competitions, so I haven't given up and ride almost every day without getting off my bike. After 8 months, I am now able to easily climb steep slopes (I think). I am happy that I have gotten a little stronger, but another problem has occurred. My thighs got too big and I can’t wear 90% of the pants I brought from Japan.

I've been riding road bikes in New Zealand since April, and there have been many good and difficult things. What I learned here is "There is no limit! Break through with determination!" I've always had a strong spirit of challenge and have done many things, and of course I did stupid and dangerous things. But until now, I was just challenging myself, or I would give up if I thought it was even a little difficult. Through my road bike experience, I have been able to push myself and go beyond my limits. I think this is something that is common everywhere. At first, I thought I was bad at data analysis and programming for AI research, which I have never done before, but I persevered and am now gradually becoming good at it.

At first glance, road bikes may seem like just expensive bikes, but I think there is a lot to be gained from riding a road bike. It may be better to try something and put in a little effort. This is not just about road bikes, but rather it is about not being interested in anything or not trying anything because of prejudice.

I have been able to have a variety of experiences through this study abroad. It is rare to study abroad for a long period of time, such as a year, rather than a short period of time, and not everyone can experience it. I am truly grateful to my parents for allowing me to enter ICT and for giving me this valuable opportunity. I would like to live my life in New Zealand from now on, realizing that this is not something to be taken for granted and feeling grateful.

Haruki Ohta

Hello, I am Ryona Natsuki, a 3rd year student of ICT. I am currently studying at Otago Polytechnic in Dunedin, New Zealand. This study abroad program is for 3rd year students of our school, and students live in NZ for a year in a homestay. This time, I would like to talk about my homestay life, the daily events, and my tragedy in NZ.

First, I want to talk about “my homestay life in NZ”. My homestay is located about 40 minutes by car from the school. When I leave school, I take the bus, and I have to change buses. There are not many buses available, so I rarely go anywhere with my friends in the evening. However, because of this, I am able to take evening walks to the sea and spend time with my host family. My host family is like my real parents, and they are strict with me when I don't meet their standards, which allows me to continue living a fulfilling life. I am very grateful to my host family for providing me with healthy and delicious food in a lovely house.

Next, I will talk about “how I spend my time after school”. I have always loved volleyball and used to play with my friends at the Hakusanroku Campus. In NZ, there is a gymnasium located a five-minute walk from the campus where we play volleyball almost every day after school. Japanese anime, “Haikyu‼”, is the reason why many overseas students started playing volleyball. Because I love the anime myself, we get along well, and I have made quite a few friends through volleyball now. I also have friends who are studying Japanese because they want to live in Japan, and I sometimes teach them Japanese, which leads to mutual cultural exchange and an enjoyable time. Furthermore, my friends sometimes invite me to volleyball tournaments and club activities, so I have been able to interact with many people through volleyball, which is very fulfilling.

I enjoy playing volleyball at this gym called "Unipole".バレーボールを楽しむ体育館　Unipol

Finally, I want to talk about “the biggest tragedy of studying abroad”. I have made this mistake myself and there is nothing I can do about it. However, please read on as it is something that is often overlooked when studying abroad, and you will really regret it. There is limited insurance coverage for studying in NZ. In this situation, I am suffering from tooth decay. Cavities are not covered by insurance while studying here, and the cost of treatment is really high without insurance. Before I came to NZ, I did not have a dental check-up and enjoyed my last Japanese meal. Even though I brush my teeth daily, all my previous cavities were released at once when I arrived in NZ, and the tragedy began in May. My teeth hurt, and I had to go to the dentist where my host family advised me to have an examination. By doing so, I had to pay $275 (about ￥25,000) for a single tooth. I brushed my teeth within 5 minutes of every meal to avoid cavities so that I would never have to spend this extra money again. However, this was only the beginning. Before coming to NZ, I didn't take good care of my teeth, which led to more cavities and cost me around $3,000 (about ￥270,000) in dental treatment. I felt stupid and depressed about what I was doing. I want to make sure that this does not happen to anyone who reads this. Also, I will ensure that this does not happen to me again.

I hope to create more great memories by sharing experiences with my host family and friends during the rest of my stay until March of next year.

Ryona Natsuki