This program was held at British Hills, a facility in Fukushima Prefecture, with the aim of fostering excellent human resources with an international perspective by providing training in an environment as close to an overseas country as possible, as a starting point for future short- and mid-term dispatches.

Here are some comments from the students who participated in the program, including their classes and their future goals.

＜Students' reports＞

Mr. TABATA Tsurugi (a first-year student)

I have 3 things that I realized from the days I spent in British Hills. The first thing that I realized is a shortage of my English skill. I had a bit confidence of speaking English, because I was joining EEE-Chat almost every week. Also I used to often call people in all over the world by using Hello Talk in English. So I could have basic conversations in English. Though, there were a lot of kinds of lessons I'd been through in British Hills. In some of those classes, we tried debating in English or tried sharing our ideas in English. then I couldn't really tell things complicated or things in my mind with grammatically correct English. Also speaking speed was a bit slow. So I couldn't tell my opinion smoothly. Sometimes I couldn't even make sentences in English even though I tried to make them. That's why I thought I have shortage of my English skill. To improve those skills I said above, I think I need to practice making sentences in English a lot to get used to.

The second thing that I realized is the importance of the encourage to talk to someone in English. That's because at first a lot of students of us were a little bit quiet in English. But after we tried speaking English a lot. we no longer had hesitation of speaking English. Everyone was joining having conversations in English almost without any embarrassment. Finally, we even made a joke in English each other and got much closer each other which was really good for me! Not only that, There are not many international students who has English as a mother tongue. So I didn't have many opportunities to have conversations with Native English speakers in English. So I was nervous to talk to teachers in British Hills about things not related to lessons. But I tried talk to them about music or hobbies, then they were really kind to talk in English. They responded me a lot. So I had joyful conversations with them! Thus, I realized after overwhelming hesitation, a lot of happy things are waiting.

The third thing that I realized is that there are really many differences in English even though it's the same language. On the 1st day in British Hills, the teacher who guided us around manner hall in British Hills was British. On the 2nd day in British Hills, the teacher who taught us critical thinking was probably Canadian or American. On the 3rd day in British Hills, the teacher who taught us Sherlock Holmes were Australian, also the teacher who taught us how to play snooker was South African. They all had different accents. It was interesting for me, because there is no correct answer of English accents. Each accent were correct. I've been imitating American accent with thinking it's correct pronunciation. But I wondered that Japanese accent was also correct if people could understand what we said. I was addicted to imitating American accent, but now I think I'll have the accent I want to have. This was new discovery for me.

The things I learned from the days I spent in British hills were not only those I mentioned above, but also a lot. I want to apply what I learned in British Hills to improving my English or my way to live my life. I'll never forget memories I got in British Hills!

2. Mr. OTAKE Kohei (a first-year student)

I learned two things during my stay in British Hills.

The first is the difference in culture. Japanese culture and British culture are very different, and it was very interesting. One of the things that I realized was very different was table manners. After the teacher taught us that there are many rules of table manners in England, we ate a course dinner, which was very difficult and nerve-wracking, but very delicious. Also, chess and snooker were very interesting and I often played snooker with the members in the evening. Moreover, I used to think that chess was a game similar to shogi, but in fact there are many differences in the movements of the pieces and rules, which made it very interesting.

Secondly, the classes at British Hills were very active, which was very interesting and different from the classes at high school. I was particularly impressed by the geology class, where we studied the characteristics of rocks and tried to guess which one it was, and also studied the characteristics of our favorite rocks. In the RAVEN Method of critical thinking class, we learned to think logically using the RAVEN Method, where R stands for reputation, A for Ability to see, and V for Vested interest. V stands for Vested interest, and E stands for Expertise N Neutrality. Then, using these as criteria, the students conducted a fictitious trial and voiced their opinions.

Overall, I felt that my English skills were overwhelmingly lacking in this British Hills experience. I was able to understand the teacher's English, but it was difficult to translate my opinions into English. I would like to make the most of this experience and continue studying English. And someday I would like to go abroad and learn various things.

3. Mr. HIGUCHI Shoichi (a first-year student)

Two of the classes I took were particularly interesting: the first was the Critical Thinking class.

I didn't know what to expect at first, but I found the content of the class itself to be very interesting.

Critical Thinking is about sorting out whether information given to you is factual or subjective, and making inferences about what is really going on. I enjoyed this class very much because I usually like solving mysteries and mystery novels. It took me a while to get used to Critical Thinking in this class.

However, there are three sessions in this class, and the first session is for practicing separating facts from opinions and for judging the credibility of opinions and characters, and the second lesson was to look at newspapers and news reports about the phantom creature, and to use the first lesson to judge what the characters said and what actually happened, and the third class read police documents summarizing the opinions of victims, witnesses, and suspects in the case and deduced whether the suspect was really the murderer, and finally debated between the murderer and non murderer sides.

In fact, given the uncertainties and inadequacies of these police documents, it was difficult to determine the truth with certainty, so there was never an answer for either side, because actually debating means that you have to show how strongly you state the facts and how correct your opinion is, In that sense, I used my head and had a lot of fun.

Also, overall, I think I was able to learn skills that are necessary today in terms of judging when incorrect information goes up on modern SNS and judging it, just as I guessed the facts by looking at newspapers and news, or when something is reported on the news that I am not sure if it is true or false.

The second class was Business Experience. This class also had three sessions, the third of which was a presentation, but I found this class a little difficult for me.

At first I thought it would be easy because I had taken a class on business strategy the semester before, but it was very difficult because I did not expect to actually come up with a product and present it to my investors.

In this class, the first thing that is difficult is to think of the product itself, but I found it very difficult to figure out how to differentiate the product from competing companies that have similar products.

However, I thought this class was important for the University of Aizu, where students from universities and other institutions are starting their own businesses. In this class, we learned how to make our products different from those of other companies, and we also had a demonstration in which we actually gave a presentation to our investors.

I believe that many students at the University of Aizu have ideas but do not know how to sell them or how to start a business. I think this class will be of great use to those students.

We have been hooked on Snooker since the class and have been doing it almost every day.

Also, throughout these five days, it was very stimulating to feel that English is used for everything, including meals and daily life. English is used in menus and names of dishes, and I think it was very significant that I was able to imagine what life would be like in an English-speaking country, where English is used more than expected.

This experience was very important for me in terms of aspiring to become English-speaking again in the future and being aware of foreign countries.

4. Ms. MINAGAWA Ayari (a first-year student)

British Hills program could be an awesome experience for me because I noticed many important things.

First, there are differences between American English and UK English. Most classes and movie shadowing sessions use American English, so it took some time for me to get used to listening to the UK accent and the different spellings. For example, in UK English, "color" is written as "colour" which means you need to add a "u" between "o" and "u". I didn't realize there were so many differences. Only such a small differences could be a challenging for me.

The second thing I learned is how to think critically. In the critical thinking class, we learned the REVAN methods, which has five perspective to judge whether the information is trustworthy or not .It was not so very difficult but it required me to fully engage my brain, making it a bit challenging to speak fluently. These methods can be very useful, and I plan to use them in my dairy life to evaluate information.

And third was learning table manners. I have watched dinner scenes in movies, so I knew how difficult however I finally being able to use and experience the Furthermore, I got to experience tea polite way of using, also we went to the Ascott tea room with my friends then I ordered traditional tea set it was a cool experience. In my opinion, the interior design of the tea room played a significant role in creating the perfect atmosphere to enjoy tea.

One of the most crucial aspect of my journey was meeting exceptional friends who shared my ambitious. We continuously motivated each other, and activities like snooker and chess were so much fun. And also Manor House tour, there were many historical rooms. Honestly, all the rooms and facilities were amazing. Especially the King Room and Queen Room were great. After viewing these rooms, we headed to the library. It was filled with many classical books and ladder. I love the place the best in British Hills.

It ignited my passion to go to the UK, additionally presentation with OTH Regensburg students through Zoom, it was the most hard time for me presenting is no so hard because we practiced before we present however listening to the OTH student QandA session was s not easy , because they speak too fast to understand. Maybe most of the people will speak as fast as OTH student when I travel or visit to other countries, so I have to train my listening ability.

I'm fully aware that it's impossible to make dramatic improvements in English in just four nights, but the British Hills program certainly illuminates the path to achieving one's objectives. Personally, I aspire to study abroad participate in International Internships, and eventually work in abroad!!

Finally, I'd like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the University of Aizu for providing me with this remarkable opportunities to enhance my English skills. And to my dear friends, thank you for the wonderful moments we shared. This experience will undoubtedly remain etched in my memory! Through this trip, I took a lot of photos and also had some taken by my friends.

5. Mr. OTSUKA Kairu (a first-year student)

There are three things that impressed me about this program.

The first is the cityscape of British Hills. It was a very good experience for me because of the building construction and food that I could not find in Japan. I was especially impressed by the delicious and beautiful dinner meals. It made me want to actually go to England.

Second, chess and snooker. I had played chess once before without knowing the detailed rules, so it was very fun to learn the rules and play with friends. It was a different kind of fun from chess, and I wanted to play again. I thought snooker was similar to billiards, but when I actually tried it, I realized that it has its own rules, tactics and ways to enjoy it that are different from billiards. I enjoyed playing snooker so much that I played snooker every day while I was in British Hills.

I was very impressed by the presentation I gave in English at the end. It was an online presentation with German students, but it was great because I was able to share about Japanese culture and learn about German culture and food. I was very nervous, but I am glad I was able to complete the presentation. However, due to my lack of listening skills, there were times when I could not understand what kind of questions the German students were asking. That was very frustrating. It motivated me to study English from now on. I feel that I was able to develop myself very much through this program. I will continue to study English actively.

6. Ms. MIHARA Kiko (a first-year student)

The reason why I participated in this program is mainly to improve my English skills. Before I went to British Hills (BH), I was really nervous because I didn't have the confidence to follow the five-day lessons in BH. Almost all members hadn't known each other, but through five days, I could make new friends. In free time, we played snooker, took walks, went to Ascot tea room, played with a dog named Love-chan, and so on. Five days in BH are unforgettable memories for me.

Among classes in BH, the Critical Thinking class based on the RAVEN method was so helpful. I first knew this method in the class, so it was difficult to think critically. In the mock trial held at the end of the class, we separated into two groups, guilty or not guilty. We sorted out the situation at the incident while reading through lots of documents. After that, we discussed, who is guilty, using the method. In the discussion, I was frustrated because I could explain what I want to talk in Japanese, but I couldn't explain in English. In addition, the speaking time was limited, so it's tough to summarize my opinion in order to speak in time.

Also, I was interested in the Business Experience class. I had had no experience to think about business plans before, but thanks to our team members, we could propose our product. I learned that you should not make products only you want to get. It's important to follow your heart, but business is large amounts of money and people move, so we have to predict effects in the future when you start the business. As you propose your business plan, attitude when make a presentation is also critical. If you cannot answer questions about your products, investors will have doubts about investing in you.

After we came back to Aizu, our team gave presentations to introduce Japanese culture, Setsubun, to students in Germany. To my shame, I don't know Japanese culture so much, while living in Japan. There are a lot of things which learn for the first time such as each demon's colors have specific meanings. Additionally, when questions came, I was not able to answer correctly at that time. Then, I should know more about Japan, so I decided to study Japanese cultures more in order to introduce foreigners.

I'm glad to join this program because not only my resistance to speaking English disappears, but I could find what I have to do now. Also, I met grate friends who have own goals. For me, it took time to put into words in English, so sometimes the conversation would stop. When I speak in English, I still think in Japanese in my brain, so I would like to think in English in my brain by exposing English. In order to work with people all over the world, I'll study both of computer science and English. This program is good experience for me from all the aspects. Thank you for everything!

7. Ms. MUTO Momo (a first-year student)

I really enjoyed this program and had a good experience. There are two lessons which I found particularly interesting.

First, the lesson that has remained in my heart is "Business Experience: Let's start a business". Because I felt I was able to improve my English speaking skill through this lesson. I tried to talk with my friends in English in this class, but I couldn't express my idea at first. However, I can speak my feelings in English little by little as time passes. Finally, my team came up with a product, a bath rumba named Rumby which can wash the floor including bathroom. I had really fun to think and discuss a new product with my friends.

Second, the lesson that has remained in my heart is "Introduction to the RAVEN Method". I learned that critical thinking is the ability to think clearly and rationally, identify errors in reasons and arguments, identify our own beliefs, values and biases, identify fact and opinion. Also I learned that fact is a statement that can be tasted and proven and opinion is an expression of feelings or belief that cannot be tested. There are five topics called the RAVEN Method which are used when we judge whether the accident is true. They are reputation, ability to see, vested interest, expertise and neutrality. We thought about some accidents based on this RAVEN Method. I think they are very important viewpoints in our everyday life.

The new thing about English culture that I learned for the first time is table manner. When I finished eating, I put the knife with the blade facing inward and the fork with its back facing down. I knew that I have to put the fork and knife at the 6 o'clock position for the first time.

Also I enjoyed a lot of British culture like afternoon tea, pub, chess, snooker and so on. I went to Ascot Tea Room with my friends in my free time. I learned that afternoon tea is for blowing away bad feelings at 4 o'clock. I enjoyed peach tea with cookies and ice cream there. I went to Falstaff Pub after dinner with my friends. I experienced the form called "cash on delivery" which I order and pay at the bar counter for the first time. I enjoyed the atmosphere in pub with talking to my friends. I played chess in a class. I had never played chess but I understood how to play it and really enjoyed it! Also I played snooker with my friends every night. At first, it was difficult for me to understand its rule and play it but I could hit the ball finally.

Therefore, I could improve my English skill like speaking and listening through a 5-day 4-night program and online session. Before I join this program, I was not good at talking to someone from myself. However, I could take action voluntarily finally. I was really happy to join this program. I study English from now on forever.

8. Ms. MURAMATSU Kana (a first-year student)

My fondest memories of British Hills were snooker, a game played on billiards. There are more beads than billiards, and the rules are a little different, so it was a lot of fun. Also, I learned from the stories of my seniors that there are only a few of them in Japan, and it was great to learn something that I rarely get to experience. We played snooker every night.

Also, chess was interesting. I had a hard time playing chess because I thought it was difficult, but after receiving explanations in English, I started playing and had a lot of fun. There were a lot of people competing for the first time, but I'm glad it turned out to be a pretty good competition.

We also took an English lecture. Advertising about SDGs, etiquette for course meals, etc. After the course meal etiquette, I was able to eat the course meal and immediately put into practice what I had learned, which was a great opportunity. At first, everyone was a little nervous, but in the second half they relaxed and had fun. Also, the breakfast buffet was very delicious with British-style food such as hash browns, fries, croissants, salads, and soups.

9. Mr. TSUKAMOTO Yuma (a first-year student)

I applied for this study abroad preparation program because I felt it was the best opportunity for me to study abroad in the future.

I actually found that my English skills were not good enough to participate in this program. However, it was also a very good opportunity for me. I was particularly impressed by the English-only debates in the Critical Thinking class. While others around me were speaking English and getting into the debates. I was having a hard time getting into the debates. I was quite depressed because I realized that I was not at the same level at all. I was surprised that there were people in the University of Aizu who could speak English so fluently and express their own opinions in English, and it was a great stimulus for me.

In addition to English, there was another good thing about participating in this program. I was the only one who participated in the first-year c4 class, and the other participants were from different grades and classes. It gave me quite a sense of fulfillment that spending five days and four nights with people I would not normally interact with.

I was also happy to be able to feel the British atmosphere and feel a little bit like I was in the world of Harry Potter. I have been reading the Harry Potter books since I was a child, and I have always admired the British atmosphere. I was especially fascinated by the King's and Queen's rooms in the British Hills, which are very luxurious. I would like to make the most of this experience and continue to work hard to learn English.

１0. Mr. GOTO Yoshitomi (a first-year student)

I went to British Hills and I could have many experiences. I learned a lot from these experiences.

First, Active Participation. When I discussed something even in Japanese, I felt difficult. Because, I didn't have confidence of my opinions. I have learned in many lessons in English. Among other things, we have to discuss in the lessons of the trial. If I don't discuss in this class, this class doesn't make sense. For this reason, I had to discuss in the lesson. However, I couldn't discuss a lot. I had two causes. First, I didn't have confidence of speaking English. I was afraid to make a mistake.

Second, I didn't have critical thinking skill. When I thought discussing thing in Japanese, I had no idea. If I had critical thinking skill, I might think a lot about discussing thing.

For these causes, I thought two things which I have to.　First, I have to communicate foreigners. If I communicate many foreigners, I will improve my confidence of speaking English.

Second, I have to think anything's. For example, When I walk a city, to think why convenient store is here, why many people use train. If I will do, I will improve my critical thinking skill.

Second, Active Speaking English. Before I joined this program, When I met foreigner, I could not talk to foreigner. Because I was concerned if my English or pronunciation is correct. First day in this program, I was worried about can't speak English. But, one person who joined this program was different from me. He used easy English and sometimes mistake English. But He was confident in speaking English. When I saw his attitude, I understood I have wrong idea which I have to rule Englis rule. After I saw his attitude, I thought I can use easy English and mistake. I thought having confidence is the most important.

I have learned in many lessons in English. I was interested in two of them in particular.

First, Critical Thinking. In this class, we had to judge an imaginary accident which British Hills made. I hadn't seen trial in English. I didn't know how to debate. However, Other people who join this program started to debate in English. When I saw this, I was surprised because of to start to debate in English and how to debate. This class was inspiring for me.

Second, Business Experience. In this class, we had to make our Virtual Product. If we finished to make our product, we had to answer other student's questions. This class was difficult for me. Because, they ask many questions which we didn't expect.

This class was a good class for me. Because, it will be useful when I get a job in the future.

I have a lot of experience from British Hills. First, importance of joining class. Second, importance of having confidence. Finally, the wonder of being able to communicate with people from different countries. If I didn't join this program, I don't think I had the idea now. I want to make use of this experience for future international exchange.

11． Mr. TAKATSUKA Rui (a first-year student)

First, I was glad to participate in the program through the whole. I was able to experience a lot with my new friends, new classes and other culture.

There were many classes with using English. Among them, the class I was particularly interested in is Critical Thinking and Let's Start Business.

First, let's discuss Critical Thinking. The reason why I was interested is I could learn about the helpful skill to recognize if it is true or false, called RAVEN Analysis. "R" means reputation. "A" means ability to see. "V" means vested interest. "E" means expertise. Then, "N" means neutrality. Considering these elements, I learned we can see truth. This skill is very helpful in not future but also Internet. There is lots of information you cannot find truth exactly. So, I think it was good to be able to learn this skill.

Second, let's discuss Let's start business. The reason why this was interesting is that I learn how to make our business a success. I learned there are four important things to success.

First thing is a good product. Second thing is demand. Third thing is cost and profit balance. Last thing is promotion. We learned about this deeply in first class. Then, we were divided 4 groups, and each group started about their production. It was so fun to think how we can success our production with my group members. In the end, we couldn't success, but I learned the importance of thinking about various matters at the same time.

At last, let's discuss new things about culture. The thing I was surprised most is the spell of words. In SDG's class, I found the word, Centre. I was very confused to see this word because I didn't know that the spell of word is different from American English. And I was anxious about where it came from. Through the whole of the program, it was so fun and helpful occasion for me. I want to try to go to JJJ-Chat and improve my English skill.

12. Mr. SUZUKI Haruto (a second-year student)

First of all, I want to say some words of thanks for people who is engaged in this program. Because, I think this program is really great program for me. I will explain some lessons and activities which I feel really good for me.

The first lesson which I think it is good is "Table Manners in English". This lesson's content is "learning table manner in dinner". In this program, we have course dinner. So, we should learn table manner before course dinner. Learning table manner is helpful for our future. And, this lesson can improve your listening skill. Because, you should hear teacher's instruction and action. So, you can improve your listening skill. So, I think this lesson is good for us. In fact, each meal in this program is delicious. If you join this program, you can eat many delicious meals.

The second lesson which I think it is good is "Chess". In this lesson, we can learn about chess. I think chess is very interesting game. Because, chess is good for us to improve our critical thinking skill. This is why, in chess game, we should think about your enemy's piece, your action and risk and good point in chess game.

The third lesson which I think it is good is "Business Experience". In this lesson, we can learn how to present new product. And we can improve English speaking skill. I will explain this lesson's content. First, we learn what is good business. Next, we prepare our presentation. In detail, we think new product detail, research and produce cost, how to promote this product and what people want this product. In presentation, we hear other group's presentation, and think about how much invent for this product. So, I think this lesson is very interesting.

The fourth lesson which I think it is good is "Cooking Scones". In this lesson, we cook scone. This lesson can improve our listening skill. Because, we should lesson teacher's instruction and action. In this lesson, we can get our original scone. I eat my original scone. It is very delicious. If you are not good at cooking, don't worry. Because, teacher teach to us very kindly. You can do it!

Those are lessons which I think those are good for us. This block, I will write my experience though this program. First, I can get friends. Because, this program has many free times. We spend this time to talk with people who join this program. Second, I can speak practical English in this program. Because, in this program, we should speak English only in the class. So, we can get experience to use our original English. Third, we can get experience which we can't experience in only University of Aizu. For example, "Chess", "Snooker" and "Cooking". Those experience we can't do in University of Aizu, so those activity are very interesting. Fourth, I can learn British culture. For example, "Chess" and "Snooker". I think those cultures are very interesting.

Finally, I think this program is really good for people who want to learn English seriously. If you hesitate to join this program, I advise for you to join it. And I say words of thanks for University of Aizu. Thanks for joining me to this program. I am happy.