For two weeks from September 13, 2013 to September 30, 24 first-year undergraduate students took part in the 13th START Program *. Led by Professor Hajime Nishitani (of the Graduate School of Social Sciences) and 2 other faculty members, the students went to Flinders University in Adelaide, South Australia.

At the Intensive English Language Institute (IELI) of Flinders University, the students were separated into 3 different linguistic proficiency groups and primarily studied English vocabulary, expressions, pronunciation and grammar and how to do interviews or give presentations. The students practiced what they learned on the campus by interviewing local students and teachers and prepared for making a presentation in groups, and they could show their ability to the fullest. Also this time round, aside from taking classes on Australia’s multicultural society designed for HU students, the students were able to take regular classes with other local students of the host university and experience the real atmosphere of studying abroad. Some students experienced some difficulty in understanding lessons in English for local students’, on the other hand the students who were able to catch the contents of the lesson expressed delight and seemed determined to improve their understanding of English for future studies.

There were also many hours reserved for workshops with local students, and the HU students discussed on the topic of the final group presentation and Australian education, history and problems. Also there were some opportunities for exchange through sports.

The START participants also held a mini-lesson at an elementary school and could interact with the children by introducing Japanese culture. It was also a good chance to practice English conversation and to prepare for the presentation. They could also compare the Australian and Japanese fields of education which helped in broadening topics for discussion with local students or their host families. The weekend that the HU students spent on Kangaroo Island allowed them to experience the unique natural beauty of the island and also diversified and expanded their knowledge on Australia.

Similar to the previous (8th) START program, all of the participants lived with different families during their stay in Australia. The homestay has provided students with a wealth of experience; The students commuted by bus from their host families’ houses to the university. At their host families house, they had to converse in English every day (using body language, etc.) and in their free time, they either went shopping or were lucky enough to be taken for a sightseeing trip. In the beginning, the students felt some hesitation and embarrassment, but as soon as their English improved, they felt more confident and became more active.

The students had a fulfilling time and they completed the whole program without illness or injury. After the program, they said: “I realized the importance of an English learning and my goal became clearer.” Or: “As I would like to go for a long-term overseas study program and fulfill my dream, I will make more effort to study my major” Or: “It helped me to get a new perspective and I hope this enriches my life in Japan”.

* The START Program provides first year students who have little overseas experience the opportunity to attend lectures and see everyday-life at a foreign partner university in order to raise interest in international/cross-cultural activities and studying abroad. It was established in 2010 and has already been held 12 times. This time they had the 13th program. The Hiroshima University Fund financially supports part of the research expenses to lessen students’ economic burden and to give a broader population of students the opportunity to study abroad. The participants went to study abroad following a two-month training period before departure during which they attended pre-lessons, group presentations and study meetings mainly composed of students. Back in Japan, they had a follow-up session.

The students at a regular lecture	Holding a mini-lecture at an elementary school
Weekend trip to the Kangaroo Island	Host parents were also invited to the farewell party

【Inquiries】

International Exchange Group,

Education and International Office,

Hiroshima University

TEL：082-424-4346

E-mail：kokusai-ryugaku(AT)office.hiroshima-u.ac.jp

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