From Wednesday, October 29 to Friday, October 31, the first-year students of the International Course participated in the annual English Camp held at Asahi Kogen Nature House. This camp is one of the most important events in the department’s curriculum. It lays the foundation for English debate skills, which students will continue to develop over the next three years through their English classes.
In addition to four instructors from various countries including the Philippines and Singapore, four international students from Nagoya University’s graduate school joined as assistants. With a total of eight instructors, students were divided into four groups of ten and engaged in intensive English training from morning to night.
The debate topics were familiar and relevant, such as “Studying abroad is necessary for gaining English communication skills” and “All classes should be taught online.” Students tackled these issues seriously, conducting thorough research and supporting their arguments with data. Many students are highly competitive, so the debate matches were particularly spirited.
Of course, the camp also included enjoyable activities like cross-cultural understanding sessions and English games. The freshly prepared meals served three times a day were also a highlight.
Through this enriching and challenging three-day experience, we witnessed remarkable growth in our students’ communication skills and confidence.