Haruka

Hi, I'm Haruka, a Year 10 student at NIC. I took part in the 2023 Summer Camp.

What made you decide to join the NIC Summer Camp?

I was curious about dorm life, so I chose to step into an advanced environment. So it was to challenge myself. Although I wasn’t confident in my English, NIC felt like the ideal place for me.

How did you feel on your first day, and how did that change by the end?

I was really nervous to talk to the foreign participants on the first day, and I was a bit afraid to speak up in English. I just tried my best to keep up with what the supervisors were saying. But by the end, I truly felt that my English skills, like my vocabulary and listening, had improved.

What is your best memory of NIC Summer Camp?

The best memory from NIC Summer Camp was the kimono-wearing event. It was my first time experiencing a Japanese festival “matsuri” with foreign students, and it felt new to me. Sharing my experiences of Japanese culture was both interesting and meaningful.

How did it feel to stay in a boarding environment?

At first, since it was my first time being in an environment without my family, I sometimes felt a bit alone. But through the activities and classes, I made friends and started having so much fun. It felt like the programme ended so quickly.

What do you think about the Case Method learning approach?

That was one of my favourite parts of NIC. It was a special experience, especially for Japanese students, since we rarely have opportunities to connect what we’ve learned to real-world society. Thinking about questions with no clear answers gave me many opportunities to grow.

What’s one thing you learned there that you’ll take with you into the school year?

One thing I’ll take with me into the school year is the happiness that comes from new experiences. Through this program, I learned the importance of challenging myself. After overcoming my fears, I gained a new perspective.

How did joining the NIC Summer Camp help you when you applied to NIC?

Speaking with the seniors during the NIC Summer Camp gave me a lot of confidence when I applied to NIC. Their advice and encouragement were incredibly helpful.

What advice would you give to a student thinking about joining NIC Summer Camp?

Even if you feel anxious about trying something new and want to run away, please don’t give up. If you keep moving forward, I’m sure you’ll discover a new version of yourself and experience real growth. The key is to enjoy the journey!