SeiJo Travel » New Zealand

Arrived!

Malcolm Swanson — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 05:45:14 +0000

After 3 flights (Fukuoka <-> Kansai <-> Auckland <-> Nelson) we arrived on a beautiful sunny day in Nelson. Gertrud and Leyna from NMIT were there to meet us, as well as all the homestay parents. The students all went to their homes from there to get to know their families and catch up some sleep. First day orientation starts tomorrow at 8:30AM!

On our way to New Zealand!!

Malcolm Swanson — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 00:43:10 +0000

At 6 o’clock this morning, we all met up at Fukuoka Airport on the first step of our long flight to Nelson, New Zealand. Maybe no one had slept much the night before, as they were all soon asleep on the plane to Kanasi. Now we’re sitting in Kansai Airport waiting for our 2nd flight to New Zealand – a long 11-hour stretch before catching our 3rd flight to Nelson, New Zealand.

New Zealand 2011

Malcolm Swanson — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 12:20:20 +0000

Only just over a week until our second group of students depart for New Zealand. Once again, we will be based at Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology in the South Island of New Zealand. Here is a photo of the group at their final orientation today.

From left to right: Hitomi, Mai, Ayaka, Malcolm, Eri, Yukiko, Mayumi, Akiko, Ayami, Asami, Kanako, Sayaka, and Ayano. Missing: Tomoko and Miwa

Sad goodbyes

Malcolm Swanson — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 08:43:09 +0000

Finally it was time to say goodbye to Nelson. At the airport there were lots of tears, hugs, and tissues before we finally left. We had a smooth flight home, and arrived to be met by family and friends…

Thanks Nelson for having us! We all miss it, and want to return again! Especially to everyone at NMIT, you made us so much at home, we felt like family! Hope you’re missing us too…

Day 27 – Farewell

Malcolm Swanson — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:42:59 +0000

Today all the students finished their classes at NMIT and spent the afternoon preparing for the farewell ceremony. This was held in the students’ centre, and featured speeches by John Hitchcock and Claire Keanes, presentations of diplomas, and then a series of presentations and songs by the students. We finished with a potluck dinner, with dishes supplied by staff, host families, and students.

Day 26 – Pottery class

Malcolm Swanson — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:53:13 +0000

Today was our final activity – taking part in a pottery class at a local potters’ group. The students had a chance to create a clay pot, decorate a piece of pottery, and some had a chance to use a pottery wheel. Lots of fun, and a great chance to learn a new craft.

Day 25 – World of Wearable Art & Classic Cars

Malcolm Swanson — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 18:48:23 +0000

A few photos from our visit to the World of Wearable Art Museum & Classic Cars [see website].

Days 21-22 – Wellington

Malcolm Swanson — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 10:52:46 +0000

Wellington was a chance for the students to explore, shop, eat, and meet people on their own. For 2 days, they explored New Zealand’s capital city.

Day 20 – Trip to Wellington

Malcolm Swanson — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 10:41:43 +0000

Last Friday after classes we travelled to Wellington. This involved a 2 hour 30 minute bus ride, then a 3 hour ferry ride across Cook Strait. Unfortunately, that day the wind was REALLY strong, so the crossing was very rough… most of the girls became sick. However, after we arrived and got to the hotel, everyone was fine again.

No blog till Sunday

Malcolm Swanson — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:25:03 +0000

As we are going to New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington 3/12-3/14, there will be no blog until Sunday night or Monday morning.

We will be traveling by bus to Picton, then sailing by Interislander ferry [website] to Wellington, and staying at the Downtown Backpackers [website]. While in Wellington, we will visit New Zealand’s national museum, Te Papa [website].

See you Sunday!

Boat video

Malcolm Swanson — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:47:08 +0000

Day 19 – Abel Tasman National Park

Malcolm Swanson — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:45:41 +0000

Today, we visited one of New Zealand national parks at Abel Tasman[website]… this is one of New Zealand’s most popular parks because of its golden beaches, beautiful weather, and places to enjoy hiking, kayaking and other outdoor sports. We went in by Aqua Taxi, and were treated to some wild water play, and a chance to see penguins and seals in a natural setting. The boat dropped us at a beautiful beach where we swam, played, and ate lunch before hiking round to the next bay where the boat returned to pick us up.

Day 18 – Founders’ Park

Malcolm Swanson — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:26:39 +0000

After classes today, we visited Founders’ Park [website]… a historical site where many of the old buildings from Nelson have been moved and preserved. The students all performed a quiz while Gertrude and I tested the produce from the on-site brewery

Meet Lloyd and Gloria (Mum & Dad)

Malcolm Swanson — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:57:07 +0000

Today the 1st year students had a chance to meet my parents. After our trip to Founders’ Park, everyone came back to my place to enjoy a delicious afternoon tea together. My parents said our students are delightful, and they really enjoyed meeting them! Tomorrow they will come with us to Abel Tasman National Park.

Tea time!

CEO – Tony Gray

Malcolm Swanson — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 05:21:10 +0000

Tony Gray is the CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of NMIT, and today we met to discuss the future of Seinan’s relationship with NMIT. It is our hope to formalise a relationship between the two institutions that will lead to greater opportunities for both students and faculty.

Tony Gray - CEO