Added Monday 28th April 2025 by Jacob Dace (Return to Blog)

いよいよダラムキャンパス春期生達の新学期がスタートしました。オックスフォードでのインダクションでは天候に恵まれ、美しい街、そしてワダムカレッジでのレクチャーやディナーを満喫しました。ダラムキャンパスでは多くのスポーツ・文化活動に忙しく過ごしています。先日、チャールズ国王とカミラ王妃がダラムを訪れる機会に恵まれ、ダラム大聖堂前の広場で大観衆と共に歓迎しました。本当に貴重な経験でした！

The start of our spring course begins! At the start of April, we welcomed 17 new students to the UK. Helen, Jacob and Michael greeted the students at Heathrow airport after they had landed from their long flight. The travelling was not over yet, however, as we all departed from London by coach en route to Oxford. Upon arriving at Wadham College, one of Oxford University’s finest, we were lucky enough to experience some lovely sunny weather. After the students moved into their rooms, we all ate a well-deserved dinner in Wadham College’s dining hall. The food was delicious. 

The students were greeted with delightful sunny weather on their first full day in Oxford. We had a busy itinerary and lots to do. First on the list was an orientation trip of Oxford where the students were able to get their first glimpse of what this amazing city has to offer. Upon returning, the students were given a lecture by Ann Muston from Cambridge University. This would be the students first lecture of many that they will experience during their time in the UK. In the afternoon, we took a bus tour of Oxford, where we were able to see the city’s most important landmarks from an open-top bus. To finish the afternoon, students had free time to do some souvenir shopping before they had to get ready for the evening’s formal dinner. We ate in Wadham College’s historic dining hall, a fitting setting for our three-course meal, complemented by good wine, good service and great company. 

Pleasant, warm weather awaited for day two of our Oxford induction. After a good night of respite, the students had the treat of a captivating lecture about butoh dancing with Alice Baldock from Wadham College, who is a Okinaga Junior Research Fellow in Japanese Studies. Following this and a tasty lunch, we all headed to the magnificent Magdalen College - one of the oldest and most beautiful colleges in Oxford - where we walked around the picturesque grounds, taking lots of great photos. We finished off the afternoon with some football in the park and free time for their last opportunity to buy gifts and souvenirs before they depart to Durham the following day.

During the student’s first full day in Durham, Michael and Jacob took the group down by Durham’s beautiful riverside walk - a perfect opportunity to take some photos with Durham’s iconic cathedral in the background. They were shown Durham’s most important landmarks and, equally importantly, shops, restaurants and other places of interest. Some students took this opportunity to try fish and chips for the first time from Durham’s celebrated Bell’s Fish and Chips restaurant in the Market Square, while others took a moment of reflection in one of Durham’s many vibrant cafes. 

The second week of the induction programme had arrived and the students made their way to LHCC. They were warmly greeted by the EFL teachers Jill, Debra, Teresa, Michael and Jacob; as well as EFL Coordinator, Helen; the librarian, Miki; and Principal and Bursar. Throughout the week they were given briefings and important information regarding their academic duties and expectations for the term, health and safety, protocols and campus facilities, in addition to some of their first English classes. Jacob and some students had football practice at Collingwood College’s 3G astroturf pitch, as well as badminton practice with Michael at Durham University’s sport complex, Maiden Castle. This was a great chance for the students to bond together over the fun of sports. 

  

To end the induction programme, Michael, Jacob and a Durham University student volunteer took the students to the city of Newcastle, a short train journey away from Durham. Newcastle is one of the biggest cities in the North of England and it is well-known for its historic architecture and friendly locals. The students had time to shop, discover local landmarks and get a feel for what life is like in the North of England. A great day to top off a very successful induction programme. 

With the induction programme finished, the academic programme begins. There was a special guest arriving in Durham that week, however. On Thursday morning, the King and Queen of England visited Durham Cathedral for what is called Maundy Thursday. This is a religious service that takes place each year on the Thursday before Easter Sunday, and this year he was visiting Durham. All the staff from Teikyo University of Japan in Durham and the students made the short trip to Durham Cathedral to await the arrival of his majesty the King and her majesty the Queen. This was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity for everyone involved. 

  

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Return to Blog Added Monday 28th April 2025