Blog: Alliance, ECCP and TSAP Courses 2024

Added Friday 22nd March 2024 by Conrad Newman ()

2024年2月から3月の帝京大学ダラムキャンパスは、例年以上に忙しい日々でした。アライアンス、ECCP、TSAPという３つのプログラムの短期留学生たちがダラムを訪れ、英語を学びながらイギリス文化や生活に触れるたくさんの活動を行いました。ダラム大生との交流イベント、ヨークやエジンバラ旅行、ロンドン訪問など、短い時間でしたが本当に充実した内容でした。是非、皆さんも参加してみてください！

February and March were very busy months for us here at Teikyo University of Japan in Durham, as we welcomed three separate courses of students. These groups were the Alliance Programme, the Economic Career Challenge Programme, and the TSAP course. As we only had a short period with each group, we tried to fit in as many exciting activities as possible, to give the visiting students a sense of what we do here, as well as an introduction to British culture.

The first course, running from 20th February to 4th March, was the Alliance Programme, a new course with students from three Japanese universities: Teikyo, Tokai and Kindai. During this time, we had a range of English classes, from challenging business and academic English to guest lectures delivered by academics from British universities. On the evenings we had an exciting social programme of events, from quizzes, to bowling, to games of tennis.

The weekend following their arrival, Michael escorted the students on trips to Edinburgh and York, with opportunities for sightseeing, shopping, and exploration of two of the UKs most historic cities.

After some more classes and activities the following week, students and staff met for a final meal together at Antico restaurant in Durham. Whilst there we chatted and reflected on a whirlwind 10 days in Durham and enjoyed some excellent food and wine.

The following morning Conrad and Yusuke took the students on the train down to London for a few days exploring the nation’s capital. Whilst they we visited the Houses of Parliament to learn more about the UK’s democratic government, as well as the British Museum to see some of the world’s most famous historic artefacts. The students also took full advantage of the free time they had in London, with some attending football games and others shopping in Harrods.

On 4th March we sadly travelled to Heathrow airport to bid farewell to the students. Although it was the first iteration of the course, the Alliance Programme was a big success and we thoroughly enjoyed welcoming students from Teikyo’s partner universities. 

Shortly after the conclusion of the Alliance Programme, we welcomed students from the ECCP course from 5th March until the 15th March. The schedule was very similar to that of the previous programme, with classes, evening activities, and trips to Edinburgh and York once again. We also included a cinema visit to watch Dune: Part Two together at the ODEON in Durham, which was a fantastic experience. We were also thrilled to welcome some returning students on this course two, with four having visited us last year.

Following another lovely meal together at Antico restaurant on their final evening in Durham, we escorted the students to Durham train station on 15th March. There they travelled onto London to meet with Teikyo staff who had travelled all the way from Japan too, and we heard from students that they had a great time there exploring the city and visiting financial institutions as part of their course.

The following week we welcomed our final short course, with students and staff from the TSAP programme arriving on 19th March.

With only a few days in Durham, we tried to fit in as many things as possible, with classes, a tour of Durham (including a trip up the tower of Durham Cathedral), an evening of either football or board games, and a trip to Edinburgh with Conrad and Junko.

Before we knew it, it was time to say farewell again on 22nd March. We wish we had more time with our TSAP students, but we hope to welcome them back to our campus in the future.

With three courses in little over a month, Teikyo in Durham has been very busy, but its been lovely to meet so many enthusiastic students. We hope they enjoyed their time here, and we would love to welcome them back in the future!

 

Added Friday 22nd March 2024