Our Last Group Photo

Farewell.

The boys have now left Ireland. They will be missed. It has been a wonderful three weeks. It would not have been possible without the commitment of the parents, the dedication of the teachers in both Japan and Ireland but most importantly the positive attitude of the boys themselves. Hopefully they will continue their Learning Journeys and grow up to be truly international people who understand that through communication, cooperation, friendship and understanding across borders the world can become a better place. Many thanks to everybody who has been part of this year's Tokai Ireland 2011 team. Good Job!

In the Air!

ICE Teachers

Yesterday was the last day of English lessons. The boys said good bye to their teachers and were given their reports. They have done their best and enjoyed the experience of studying with students from around the world. Thanks, Ossan, Declan, Kevin, Simon, Owen and Alison for making it fun for us. Today is their last day in Ireland. Time has flown by.

Golf

Ireland is famous for golf. This week three Tokai boys took a golf course and really enjoyed themselves. They were able to get tuition and play on a course and at a driving range and training center. Their teacher was very impressed with them. Well done, guys!

Sailing

Today was the last day of the sailing course and after their training they were able to sail around the estuary. There were a group of French students with them this week. Tomorrow they go back to their last two days of excursions. The course ended with a barbecue. Hopefully the boys enjoyed it overall and learned something new. Unfortunately sailing will always be controlled by the weather but that's life here in Ireland.

Boys in Boats

Here is a message from Yoshihito kun. He is one of the group doing sailing as their activity. Yesterday was a very cold wet day but today the weather is better and fun was had by all.

In Ireland it is cool. Host family and ICE teachers are very kind to us. All the Japanese students communicate with the other foreigners in English although we sometimes speak to each other in Japanese too. We are enjoying life in Ireland.

Thanks, Yoshihito

Belfast and Kilkenny

Two excursions happened today. One was to Belfast in the North of Ireland and the other was to Kilkenny a historic city with a castle and cathedral. Here are some boys in Kilkenny.

Colin Sensei and Tsukiyama Sensei

Today we welcomed Tsukiyama Sensei back to Ireland. Welcome!

Cheers!

Of course they can't drink beer but yesterday the group went to the Guinness Brewery and Visitor Centre which is one of Dublin's most important places. Colin Sensei took this great picture of nearly all of them together. There was a lot of activity in the souvenir shop too! Big question. Who didn't make it into the picture? I can only count 17 boys. Don't worry, though. We haven't lost one...

Tokai Boys in Scotland

While the Tokai Ireland boys are having fun in Dublin, the Tokai Scotland boys are on the other side of the Irish Sea. Actually, they are heading back to Japan soon. They have been enjoying the residential 2 week program at Fettes College. Here is a link to their blog.

Thanks Tatsuhiko

This is a message from Tatsuhiko. He is one of the strongest English speakers in the group. Actually he's in the advanced class with Simon which is quite an achievement. He has one problem in that his name is difficult for people to remember so he has to repeat it for them! He writes:

It's very cold here. My host family is very kind to me so I am enjoying my stay and my friends are very kind and funny but I am very sad because they will leave here soon. I learned some Spanish words from them. 'Hello' in Spanish is 'Hola!'I'm very happy. I'm spending a really good time in Ireland.

It's amazing how sad the boys feel when someone they've only known for a few days leaves. It shows you how intense the experience of studying abroad is for them.