Students from three Japanese universities taught Japanese crafts to students, staff and local residents at the annual Japan Festival in August, hosted by the Centre for English and World Languages (CEWL).

Japan Festival was a wonderful opportunity for the students from Kobe Women’s University, Kogakkan University in Ise and Musashino University in Tokyo, who had come to Kent to improve their  English language and learn about British Culture,  to practise their English and give local people a chance to experience Japanese culture.

The evening began with some of the students introducing their home universities, which gave them the opportunity to practise public speaking in English. The Kobe students performed a traditional dance, encouraging the audience to join in the fun.

Everyone then had a chance to learn origami, calligraphy and to practise using chopsticks in the Japanese style.

Natsuki Okuno , who accompanied the students from Kobe Women’s University, said: “I think Japan Festival was a great opportunity for my students to use English and meet a variety of people. They really enjoyed talking with them. Also, it was an opportunity for them to know more about their culture and [I was] proud of them. They were happy to know that so many people were interested in Japan.”

While they were at Kent, the students worked hard to improve their English and their teachers were very impressed with their efforts and enthusiasm. As well as working on their English, the students went on excursions, including Canterbury Cathedral, Leeds Castle, Dover Castle, Broadstairs, Whitstable and London to give them a taste of British culture and history.

We have created a warm and lasting relationship with the Japanese universities who visit Kent for short courses at CEWL each summer and we very much look forward to working with them back in future.