17 February 2009

"Welcome to IPC" - the Arrival of the Exchange Students from IPU on the 2009 Exchange Student Program

Translated by Shirley Ghozalli. Edited by Moira Blake.

Support Staff members introducing themselves

A group of 17 exchange students from IPU Japan arrived at IPC Campus on Friday, 13th February.

Lively songs and dances from the Maori community welcomed the group. As they performed to welcome the guests, their singing voices and war cries during the traditional Haka filled the IPC Senior Common Room.

After the performance, IPC President Mr. Ken Cunningham conveyed his gratitude to the performers, and then welcomed the exchange students himself on behalf of the College. The staff members who would be in charge of different parts of the exchange program were then introduced. After that came ice-breaker activities to mix up the students and their buddies. There was much laughter as different groups competed to make the tallest tower, using just newspaper and selotape.

The exchange program was established last year. This year's group includes 11 students from this year's IPU Education Studies programme, and 6 students from the Sports Studies programme, plus their lecturer, Dr. Motoyuki Iemitsu, who has a Ph.D in medical research.

The students will be staying at IPC Campus for 6 weeks until 28th March. As well as experiencing life on Campus, they will study English and take other classes related to each student's special field of study. Aside from studying, they will enjoy many activities, such as a home-stay, field trips to wildlife sanctuaries, scuba diving, horse riding, sheep shearing, and rock climbing. They also intend to participate in the local charity event Relay for Life.

It was hoped that this exchange program wil result in students from IPC and IPU motivating one another to achieve and grow together.

The exchange students from IPU Japan arriving at IPC Campus

Going into the IPC Senior Common Room for the official welcome

Members of the the local Maori community giving their welcome performance

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