#Japan #Niseko #English Training #U-GAKU

U-GAKU's Transformative English Training Experience in Niseko

In December 2025, U-GAKU, a study abroad program managed by Crepity based in Tokyo, successfully conducted a ten-day English training program in Niseko, Hokkaido, which saw participation from 25 students and one accompanying teacher from Shizuoka Institute of Technology. This immersive training experience aimed to cultivate practical English communication skills and intercultural understanding in a setting where English is a part of daily life without the need to travel abroad.

The program began on December 9 and concluded on December 19, 2025. Throughout this duration, students participated in various activities designed to enhance their language skills in an engaging and supportive environment.

Program Overview

• - Duration: December 9 - December 19, 2025 (10 nights, 11 days)
• - Location: Niseko, Hokkaido
• - Participants: 25 students from Shizuoka Institute of Technology and one supervising teacher

Daily Highlights

• - Day 1: Orientation, ice-breaking activities, and a welcome party.
• - Days 2-7: Group lessons and fieldwork led by native instructors.
• - Day 8: Skiing and snowboarding activities.
• - Day 9: Final presentations conducted in English.
• - Day 10: Fieldwork in Sapporo City for sightseeing.
• - Day 11: Departure.

Survey Results Reflecting Program Outcomes

Post-training surveys revealed significant shifts in participants' attitudes and behaviors towards English: 82.6% of students expressed concerns about their English competence and the unfamiliarity of the Niseko environment prior to the program. Afterward, 95.7% reported improved English skills, 95.7% also noted a positive mindset change regarding English, and 91.3% felt an increase in confidence.

Feedback from the participants highlighted not just improvements in language skills but also a notable change in their approach to communication and cultural exchange:

• - Many students remarked that using gestures and making eye contact helped them convey their thoughts, reducing their resistance to speaking English.
• - Some students stated that spending over a week in an English-speaking environment provided a valuable experience, making them realize that learning English could be enjoyable.
• - Others expressed their feelings of growth in a familiar but distinctly different setting, experiencing conversations with international tourists and learning to navigate the world with English.
• - Feedback indicated that encountering unfamiliar words encouraged active attempts to communicate, thus bolstering their confidence in dialogue.
• - Participants appreciated acquiring knowledge about English slang, casual expressions, and the significance of gestures—insights not typically covered in classroom settings.
• - A few students shared memorable moments where they felt the warmth of human connection during challenging times.

Voices from the Students

Participants noted an inspiring shift in their perspective on English, categorizing it not merely as an academic subject but as a tool for connection.

• - One student shared, “I learned that even if my grammar isn't perfect, communication can happen through gestures and eye contact.”
• - Another stated, “Experiencing English all around me for more than a week was invaluable—it was the first time I'd found English fun.”
• - A further reflection captured the essence of Niseko as a local destination that felt global, noting that simple conversations with tourists made the world seem much bigger.

Teacher's Insights

Umehara, the supervising teacher, described discovering U-GAKU two years prior while searching for local practical language training amid COVID restrictions. He felt compelled to choose this program when he saw that it offered immersive experiences akin to studying abroad right in Japan.

Through the course, Umehara recognized the importance of interpersonal connections cultivated during the program. He commented on how participants not only learned English but also developed vital skills in communication and self-expression, which are often overlooked in traditional educational settings. He highlighted the significance of authentic English interactions that occur in daily life beyond the classroom, fostering a rich learning environment that extends far beyond just language proficiency.

Conclusion

Overall, U-GAKU's program in Niseko exemplifies a profound educational experience, focusing on practical engagement to instill confidence in using English. The range of activities encouraged not just language skills but also empathy and collaboration among participants, imprinting lasting memories.

U-GAKU remains committed to fostering a learning space where English is not just a subject but a practical tool for connecting with others and exploring new horizons. As they look ahead, the program offers flexible options tailored to individual needs, aiming to broaden students' cultural understanding and strengthen their communicative skills.

For more information, visit U-GAKU's official program page.