The English Language Centre (ELC) recently farewelled 21 students from Chubu University Nagoya Japan,  after the 11th annual study program ended on March 15.  UNE’s 11 year relationship with Chubu University was formally acknowledged in November 2014 with the signing of the Kasugai Declaration by UNE Vice-Chancellor Annabelle Duncan at a three-day forum at Chubu attended by Professor Duncan and Mr Mark Cooper, Director of Studies of the ELC for UNE,  plus delegates from eight other universities in China, Korea, Taiwan, and America. From that Declaration of Cooperation and Friendship, UNE has recently supported a Chubu lecturer, adventurer and humanitarian Pat Maher, in his journey to walk the path of the March 11, 2011 Japanese tsunami to take a message of hope to those living in many still-affected areas.

Since 2004 the ELC has offered various programs for different cohorts of students from Chubu.  The current four week program includes English language classes with a variety of cultural and social activities. All students are individually accommodated in local homes provided via the ELC’s Homestay program. During this year’s month-long stay in Armidale, the students spent time with UNE students studying Japanese. For the first time, they also spent time with Aboriginal students talking about their lives and very different cultures.   Apart from these highly enjoyed events and spending time using UNE facilities, including the much loved SportsUNE rock-climbing wall, they  visited the Museum of Education, Green Valley farm, Armidale Sport & Recreation centre, a local High School, Tamworth and Coffs Harbour where, at Sawtell Beach and under the watchful eye of local lifesavers, they swam in the ocean, many for the first time.

The ELC is fortunate to be able to accommodate the students in their preferred family environment through the generosity of  local families who open their homes to these and many other UNE students. The Chubu students are also blessed to come to Armidale when the weather is usually at its best and there is a lot happening not only on campus with Orientation Week and the beginning of trimester one, but also in town. As part of their program, they are a significant presence in the annual Lord Mayor’s Welcome to all international students living in Armidale.. The Armidale show is also a great event for the students to attend and experience another unique part of Australian culture. They also provide a colourful group walking in the Autumn Festival parade. In 2016, the ELC will once again introduce a new group of Chubu students to an Australian academic and a cultural experience that hopefully provides life-long memories and association with Armidale and UNE.

More pictures of the students at UNE and Armidale can be found at:  https://www.facebook.com/ChubuELCArmidale