Algoma University to host Students from Japan

Posted: 2010-02-04

Kyoto Sangyo University students study English and take on Community Work

(SAULT STE. MARIE, ON - February 4, 2010): For the second consecutive year, Algoma University will be hosting a group of 25 students from Kyoto Sangyo University in Japan for an intensive three-week English language course.  These students, currently studying International Relations in their home university in Kyoto, will be on the Algoma U campus from February 21st to March 12th, during which time they will prepare presentations on Japanese culture, interact with community members, take on volunteer work, and prepare written reports.  This will be an excellent opportunity for these students to explore aspects of civil society at a local level, as well as practice English in a total immersion environment. 
 
The KSU students will have a busy schedule while they are here, as they contribute time at the Soup Kitchen and share aspects of Japanese culture, such as calligraphy and origami, with community members and local school children.  They will also have the opportunity to experience some special winter activities ranging from sleigh rides to snowshoeing and, of course, taking in at least one Greyhounds game.  Accompanying the 25 students from Japan to the Sault will be Professor Shusuke Takahara, a faculty member from the International Relations department at KSU.  This will be Takahara's third visit to the Algoma U campus, where he will be overseeing the students' academic progress along with Joanne Elvy, Program Director of 'Sault Program for English Language Learning', Algoma U's in-house ESL program.
 
While in Sault Ste. Marie, the Kyoto Sangyo University students will be placed in homes in Sault Ste. Marie, as arranged by Algoma U's Homestay Program, a service offered by the University to house international students with local families with compensation for meals and activities.  Elvy explains how Algoma U's Homestay Program is a wonderful opportunity for people in Sault Ste. Marie to experience internationalism on a short-term basis.  "I have personally met with these students on a recent trip to Japan, and they are all well-mannered individuals who are genuinely excited about their upcoming trip to our city."  The KSU students will be the first of several groups of students scheduled to attend Algoma U this year, adds Elvy. Mexican students will be coming in for a month-long program at the end of March, a second Japanese group in August, and eight students from Seoul, Korea, sometime near the end of the summer.  "They will be a positive influence on our community and on the families they stay with."   
 
Anyone interested in more information on the visiting students, Algoma U's 'Sault Program for English Language Learning', or how they might participate in the University's Homestay Program can contact Joanne Elvy at 705-949-2301, ext. 4813, or by email at joanne.elvy@algomau.ca.


About Algoma University
Algoma University offers a wide variety of liberal arts and sciences degree options including programs in Psychology, Computer Science, Business Administration, Fine Arts, Community Economic & Social Development, and Biology; Algoma U is committed to offering a personal education experience unlike any university in Ontario. As the Canadian home of the internationally recognized MSc CGT from the University of Abertay Dundee, Algoma University is at the forefront of computer games technology education. Algoma University also offers accelerated second degree programs in Business Administration and Computer Science on its Brampton campus. To learn more about Algoma University, visit www.algomau.ca.

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Media Contact
Kevin Hemsworth
Divisional Director of External Relations
Algoma University
705.949.2301 ext. 4120
kevin.hemsworth@algomau.ca