Students from Hiyoshigaoka High School had fun pontoon boating on the Noosa River today.
There was no stopping for the boys: in they jumped despite the rather brownish colour of the water after all the rain. The girls just got one leg wet but all had a go at steering the boat. Well done everyone!
Hiyoshigaoka students visited Noosa District High School in Pomona today.
Sensei Mick gave a tour of the surroundings and introduced his students. Our Japanese visitors gave wonderful presentations on Japanese culture and showed off their amazing English language skills. The Australian students taught them drama games and involved them in circle discussions. It was a great day for everyone.
Experiencing school in Australia close to nature and looking for …… and finding the Kangaroos hidden in the bushes! Part of school life at Noosa District State School!
Hiyoshigaoka HS visited the famous Steve Irwin Australia Zoo this week!
It was a jam-packed day interacting with animals from all over the world including the new African section with giraffes, cheetahs and more! They also got to meet and cuddle Koalas, Kangaroos and many other native Australian animals. Looks like they had an amazing time! Crikey!
Hiyoshigaoka students were out and about today making the most of a break in the rain.
The local supermarket was a welcome change to the classroom at Coco Bay resort and students were busy answering Quiz questions and talking to local customers.
Back in the classroom we had a real hands-on-lesson: Student Master chefs created Scones, Anzac Biscuits, Lamingtons and Cupcakes for an All Australian Afternoon Tea. Teachers Mayuka and Shinji acted as judges! The verdict: “Yuuuuummyyyy!!!!
Chiyoda HS students had a birthday party to celebrate their classmates who were born in March.
There was chocolate cake, tim-tams, lamingtons, shapes and chips to celebrate a traditional Australian birthday. As you can see from the pictures, the Chiyoda HS students seemed to enjoy the party!
Chiyoda students teamed up for some WII bowling fun today.
Each team had to think of an English word to call their team. We had the Kangaroos, WII Masters, Tiger and Tiger 2. After some spares and awesome strikes… it was looking like Tigers had eaten up the competition. That is till the very last throw when Tiger 2 striked three times to win by only 2 points! Now it was the Tiger 2 team against each other. Whoever got the first strike out of Koshin, Takashi and Koki would win the competition and a free surf lesson. Congratulations to Takashi who struck a strike on the first throw!
Kindai HS students went for a leisurely boardwalk stroll from Lexis English Noosa to Noosa River mouth and back.
The students were very keen to meet locals and tourists visiting Noosa. As you can see from the photos below, they are anything but shy when it comes to social situations and making new friends. I’m sure the boys will go home with some very interesting pictures to show their friends and family!
On our last day together we went to the beautiful Noosa River to have a go at stand up paddle boarding. We arrived in the early afternoon and the blazing heat made the river sparkle and look amazing-we couldn’t wait to get in!
All the students were given bright yellow life jackets as there was a strong wind and a strong current. Once safe it was time for our lesson! World surf champ Merrick showed us how it was done by demonstrating on the sands of the river bed.
The students firstly paddled out on the water on their knees before coming ashore for the stand up demonstration. Easy enough on land……now for the rocky river! We pushed out on our knees and placing the paddle carefully in the centre of the board we had to try to stand up. Although this looks easy enough the choppy current made it difficult.
Some of the boys practise paddling on their knees before attempting to stand up.
Atsushi gets the hang of stand up paddle boarding and Rena survives a little wobble on the board and keeps her balance! Great effort!
Nomads Noosa offered the students their volleyball court and their swimming pool to cool down in the hot sun.
The guys at Nomads Noosa!
On a really hot summer afternoon we went to Nomads Hostel to play some volleyball and have a swim. When we got there the students had a few arguments about who was going in who’s team but we eventually settled on two teams of eight players each.
The energy was high and they played very well. Each team scored some excellent points accompanied by great screams from each team and soon after we had started the teams were changing and everybody was throwing themselves at the ball to try to win.
Playing on the hot sand, directly underneath the sun was tiring and the girls soon decided to take a dip in the pool to cool down where they found another ball and volleyball net and continued to play their own game in the rather cooler water.
The boys on the other hand were running around and playing their own games of volleyball, hide and seek and one game where they began by lying on their stomachs and then pushing up to turn around and chase each other to an obstacle.
All in all the students had a very active afternoon in one of Noosa’s popular spots had some well earned relaxation in the hot sun.
The girls relaxing after enjoying a swim and the boys exhausted after playing volleyball and running around.
After a great surfing lesson last week we went back for more! Another beautiful day in Noosa brought blue skys and calm waves making it ideal for surfing.
When we arrived we hopped about on the boiling hot tar mac trying to get changed into the school’s bright red tops. We were then given our surf boards (smaller than the last lesson because we had improved so much) and marched down to the beach.
Here, surf instructor Alex practised his Japanese and went over the three step approach to standing up. The students tried really hard and many laughs were had as they practised on the sand. Now it was time to test the waters (literally).
The instructor showing everyone how to stand up!
The students were so, so excited that they ran into the sea with some so excited they forgot to put their leg rope on! Once in the sea they played and paddled and caught those waves! Despite being on harder board the students were fantastic! Everyone tried so hard and everyone did really well. The instructors were so impressed!
After a long few hours in the water we waved goodbye to the waves taking with us some awesome memories of Noosa’s surf!
Waka and Yuki Surfing Noosa style!
Students show us their shots!
We arrived at the beautiful Noosa Springs Resort to be greeted by two top tennis coaches. The students first task was to hit a ball over the net. After each student did this they were assigned a group, orange or green. Then the games began!
The coaches taught the students how to fore hand/back hand/volley and serve! The step by step approach was a fantastic way for the students to learn. The instructors ensured everyone had the correct position so that they were ready to tackle their tennis on the court!
We played an exhausting game of hitting these shots over the net. If the ball remained on court the students stayed in the game. If it went out they had to run to the other side of the net and try to catch other students balls (if they did this they were back in the game). This caused lots of laughter as well as some tense moments on court!
Finally we were ready to play each other. Students played aginst each other in some great rally and were even serving over arm (despite the blinding sunshine). Everyone improved and had a fantastic day! With the Australian Open just around the corner, tennis proffessionals had better watch out-the TAPs are on their toes!
End of match celebrations!
The students enjoyed another another water based activity today, when they jumped in a kayak and paddled up and down Noosa river!
Upon arriving at the river, the kayaks were already laid out waiting for the students. All we needed was life jackets and paddles and then we were ready to go! The students were put in pairs or in groups of three and jumped in the boats ready to go.
With a little push from the instructors they were in the water and eagerly paddling away with one instructor leading at the front and one instructor at the back.
Drying off in the sunshine!
After seeing Noosa the day before and watching the surfers in the sea the students had the opportunity today to get in the sea themselves and have a lesson with a professional.
The students arrived at school very excited about their surfing lesson in the afternoon and it didn’t disappoint! With a large group we took to the beach with 3 surf instructors. Upon arriving on the beach we spread out and lay on our boards. The instructors gave a lesson on how to position themselves on the board, where to put their hands and feet, how to paddle and how to push up ready to stand. Step 1!
Step 1, the students were told how to position themselves on the board!
After plenty of practise on the beach the students then ran to the water to give it a go. In the water the students were eager to get going and after a few shrieks and screams about the cold water the were enjoying themselves practising.
Having mastered step 1 the students went back to the beach so they could learn the most important technique of how to stand up on the board. Push up from the legs ready to stand. Step 2!
After a fantastic and energetic visual display from the instructors the students were then told how to get from the push up position into the standing position on their board. Step 3!
The instrucor gives a demonstration and the boys all practise their technique.
Uiru, Mai and Junki looking cool!
The students enjoy Noosa’s scenery and the national park!
After the students had settled in to their new school we took them for a walk around Noosa. A short bus journey away is beautiful scenery of lakes, mountains, the Noosa river and of course the ocean. The students walked around and took in the amazing views and excitedly took some pictures.
One can’t come to Noosa and not see the bustling Hastings Street which was our next stop where the students had the opportunity to shop in the many souvenir and surf shops on offer. The best things about Hastings Street is its short distance from Noosa National park which is covered in trees, plants and flowers as well as providing incredible views of the sea where the students could see some of Noosa’s local surfers catching the waves. We were even lucky enough to see a Koala sitting in one of the trees!
After a wonderful walk, we went back to the school and the students were picked up by their host families!
Safety comes first at Noosa’s beautiful Main beach and is followed by a very musical afternoon!
What a great day! Noosa has some beautiful beaches and none more so than it’s main beach where we went for our first outing of the day. Safety is so important when swimming in Australian water and the students were given a talk about how to be safe whilst enjoying the beach, how to read the signs and even how to look out from the lifeguard tower and spot trouble.
The students learn all about beach safety and have the chance to be a lifeguard!
After the morning at the beach the students had some time to go shopping on Noosa’s famous Hastings Street which were busy as usual while the locals did some last minute christmas shopping.
Then it was back to the school for a lesson on how to play the didgeridoo, an old Aboriginal instrument they called the ‘yidaki’ that the natives used for rituals and entertainment.
The instructor ‘Scott’ told them that each song had a story behind it and that the Aboriginal tribes each had their own unique songs. Celebratios are common within these tribes and special songs are performed for these. One in particular is the ritual of when a boy becomes a man at the age of 12 or 13. These celebrations can last up to a week.
Inspired by the stories that Scott had to tell the students found these oddly shaped instruments interesting and were soon keen to give it a go themselves. For the next hour students were blowing into their didgeridoos and successfully making the desired ‘drone’ sound of the instrument.
The students and Scott with their didgeridoos!
More music was to follow when we went to a local church for a Christmas Carol service. The church and the service were both beautiful and we watched a video of the nativity made by the church themselves and all sang songs which the students throughly enjoyed.
After a long day and lots of singing, music and celebration the students went back to their host families to celebrate an Australian Christmas!
Students enjoy kayaking on the river and an Australian BBQ!
After meeting the instructors and finally getting everybody a life jacket they all grabbed an oar and gathered round Intructor Tim for a lesson in how to paddle.
Once they were sat in their Kayaks and the other instructors had pushed them off they all started to put into action Tim’s careful instructions. With one instructor leading from the front and one instructor at the back the students all floated in the middle and went in various different directions up the river.
After a couple of rescues and collisions with each other the students who were starting to get tired began to paddle back to shore with continuous shouts from all instructors and teachers of ‘Migi Migi!’, ‘Hidari, Hidari!’
Relieved to be back on dry land the students made their way a few hundred yards down the river where some amazing food had been prepared and delivered to our barbecue station.
The students host families arrived and everybody enjoyed a drink and some food before getting involved in Australia’s most popular game – Cricket! Despite the girls holding the cricket bat as if it was a baseball bat they all got the hang of it and a mix of host mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters were all running after the ball and having great fun.
It was a very hot day and a beautiful place to go Kayaking and have a barbecue but in the heat and after all that hard work the students were ready to go home with their host families early in the afternoon.
A great Australian day!
The students of Poole Gakuin High School from Japan enjoyed a day at Australia Zoo for the first day of their Lexis English Junior Australian Tour experience.
The crocodiles were not the only one’s snapping away at the zoo. We got a few happy snaps of the students too!
CLICK HERE to see pictures of all the fun and action from the Lexis Junior Program from July to August 2011.
This could be you spending Summer in Australia… Awesome!
We asked Capucine from France a few questions about her experience in the Teenage Activity Program.
why did you choose to study at Global Village Noosa?
To learn English and surfing at the same time in a pleasant place with sun
what did you learn, how much did you improve your english?
I learned a lot of vocabulary and I’m more confident with my English
which was your favourite activity and why?
Surfing because I made a lot of new friends and it’s fun
what activities did you prefer?
Shopping, surfing, barbeque, Australia Zoo
What country did your new Global Village Noosa friends come from?
French, Germain, Brazil and Russian
how did you find the residence/ host family?
They are really nice and make me feel welcome and I Iaugh a lot with them
what will you remember most from your stay?
The kangaroos and the koalas
what did you like most during your stay?
The atmosphere of the day and the night with friends and the barbecue and surfing
would you recommend it to friends and why?
Yeah of course! Because it’s a really good experience and after this trip we’re more confident in our English. We make new friends too.
Kounosuke from Japan joined the general Teenage Activity Program for 3 weeks in August 2011.
I wanted to come to Noosa to study English so my parents gave me a money advance. I have learned more English speaking and writing since I have been here. I feel more easy to speak with English people now. I really enjoyed the surfing activity. I have not done surfing before but now I want surf more. I also had fun at bowling and the barbecues we have for all TAP students.
I have made new friends from Korea, Brazil, Switzerland, Japan, France and Germany. My host family is great too. They are kind and friendly and the house is big. They cook good food too. I will remember all the new people I meet here and how friendly the Noosa people are. I liked very much doing the activity each afternoon and the beach here is very beautiful. I am happy for the experience!
Clarisse from France did the TAP General Course for 3 weeks. Below are some inserts she wrote in her school diary whilst she was in Noosa.
Wed 20 July 2011
In the classroom we learnt how to use the future tense and the different futures and vocabulary. It was amusing because we played some games. In the afternoon we went to the beach to go surfing. Since I couldn’t go into the sea, I took a lot of photos for Cindy the TAP co-ordinator. The weather was wonderful! I sun bathed, tanned and watched my friends surfing. It was brilliant!
Thursday 21 July 2011
It was a perfect day because it was my birthday. A lot of people wished me happy birthday and i was very happy. I had a delicious chocolate cake and a lot of cards with writing ‘happy birthday’… I had tears in my eyes… thank you very much. In the afternoon we saw a lot of snakes at a reptile show… I was scared and excited at the same time. It was a wonderful day! Thank you so much everybody!
Global Village English Centres Australia have rebranded today as Lexis English!
Thank you to everyone for your support as we’ve moved through the rebranding process. We’re very excited to be up and running now as Lexis! If you have any questions at all about the new brand, please ask Becky and she will be pleased to discuss it with you.
It is the final day of the July to August Junior Program and it’s time to say goodbye…
In whatever language you say it, goodbye is always a sad word to hear. Especially after making new friends from around the world and being a part of a new Australian family. We enjoyed meeting each and every one of you. We hope you return home with fond memories, new found friends, a smile in your heart and above all… improved English! And to all the potential new students out there… we look forward to meeting you and sharing some good times and laughter from December 2011!
TAP students got a workout at Franks Gym with some boxercise from Joel the personal trainer.
Punching, kicking, skipping and flexing was this afternoon’s activity. Joel had the TAPs start off with a few jabs and kicks then got their heart rate up with some skipping exercises followed by an abdominal work out. They definitely burnt off the calories from the bowling lunch on Tuesday!
The surfing spirits awoke today and gave the TAPs a mighty swell to ride for their last learn to surf lesson.
The waves were so huge that even local experienced surfers were out to play on the outskirts of our learn to surfers. There was set after set and whitewash followed after swallowing up most of the sandy stretch. The weather couldn’t make up its mind if it wanted to be hot and sunny or cold and windy. Either way the students didn’t seem to care… they were concentrating on catching their last huge wave in Australia for the TAP season. What a huge way to end a huge few months of English and Surfing. Another TAP season wiped out… See you in December with a group of new TAP students!
Meiho celebrates their final day with BBQ at the river.
Although we told them “ No speech , No meat”, the BBQ was ready for them when they arrived. However, we did not make it that easy! “No speech, No certificate”.
All of the Meiho students were asked to write a speech about their Australian adventures. Seijiro was just about to make his speech when he turned around and start putting eye drops in his eye… then he start his speech with tears…. well fake tears!
Shota our resident hip hop dancer said in his speech, “I am in Australia for the first time. This language study and training is a very good experience. It will remain in my memory. I loved the music student presentation at Peregian Beach College the best. Because I asked “can you play Dance music?” by the high school. After I danced, everybody gave me applause and said, “Good, cool, great!” the last day in GV Noosa I danced. I am glad to dance successfully. Some day, I want to dance again. Some day I will come to Australia again”.
They all succeeded in making speeches and received their certificates…. oh and they also got to eat barbecue!
It was party time at Noosa Ten Pin Bowling!
The lights went down and the music was turned up for some glow in the dark bowling fun. The game was followed by a staple bowlers lunch of pizza, chicken salted chips and a can of coke. They students left with a fun experience and a weeks worth of calories!
The TAPs have been loving their surfing lessons in Byron Bay!
The TAPs are embracing the Byron Bay lifestyle and heading out to catch some breaks… and wow are they catching a lot!
Underwater World at Mooloolaba was the place to be on a Monday afternoon.
What activity is there to do when it’s raining? Visit the creatures that lurk under the sea! The students were amazed at the large sharks and the lazy crocodile. They were especially mesmerised by the different seahorses that floated effortlessly and gracefully in the water. They were not too keen on the crawly creatures though!
Lexis Junior programs have been voted as being in the top 5 worldwide in the prestigious Study Travel Magazine Star Awards
Lexis is the first southern hemisphere school to ever receive this nomination, the ‘Oscars of the English language world’. Thank you to all of our suppliers who voted for us, and congratulations to Kiyo and Cindy on this acknowledgement of their hard work and dedication.
The TAP students had a visit from Daniel and a few of his cold-blooded friends today.
Some students cheered, others cried and some just hugged their bags and cowered in the corner… there is always some reaction when you pull out a snake from a bag! The most popular reaction is the worried smile as you can see in most of the pictures below. Daniel gave an informative chat about the reptiles then each student had a hold or a touch of the lizards and snakes… but not without a few wardrobe malfunctions! All the students got to take a picture with their favourite snake or lizard which was great as for some it is their last week in Australia. They will go home with a few fond memories and photos to prove it.
The new TAPs learnt to surf today with some amazing results!
It was a slow start with wetsuit and board fittings but finally the students headed to the beach for their first lesson of surfing. After a thorough lesson by the instructors it was time to test how well the students listened. To the instructors surprise the students started surfing almost straight away and the first timers seem to catch more waves than the old skool TAPs! A special mention to Takeshi who ripped it up today! Watch that dude make it to the pro circuit!
Yes TAPs have fun doing various activities in the afternoons, but what do they get up to in the mornings?
From 9am to a little past midday (including a morning break!), students are hard at work studying English. They learn everything from grammar to writing, speaking to past present. They are encouraged to talk with each other and the teacher to improve their English. There are various exercises that happen daily including combining with other classes for some fun activities and discussing topics like what is your interests and hobbies. It’s a great way to learn English and meet new people from all over the world at the same time! How does it get any better than that?
TAP students learnt how to save a life at the beach and use the different equipment that the Australian surf life savers use.
They had fun getting wet and racing around like Bondi Rescue for the afternoon!
Izumisano City students gave a presentation on Japanese culture to the residents at Hibiscus Retirement Resort in Noosa.
Each student introduced themselves in English and tour leader Katsunori gave a talk on their hometown and traditional Japanese culture. They then sang some songs and had the residents sing along with them. After the presentation the residents interacted with the students and played the traditional game of Fukawari, Japanese calligraphy, tried some japanese sweets and also tried out some Japanese toys. Hibiscus was kind enough to provide some traditional Australian cake, Lamingtons, for the students to try. It was a great afternoon and everyone went away learning something new about Japanese and Australian culture.
Byron Bay TAPs enjoyed kayaking through the waves on a gorgeous winters day last week! The fun never stops for these students!
Meiho HS have not only been studying English but also the environment whilst Australia.
Mr. Keisuke Fujii gave a speech to Meiho HS. He is well-known in Eco Tourism and has introduced the Japanese TV Program “ First Japanese”. The words refer to the young stars who work at a first class level in different industries. He not only talked about Eco Tourism, but how to live your life embracing nature! How inspiring!
Following day, Meiho visited the University of the Sunshine Coast. The University is very beautiful and has Kangaroos lying around, plenty of studying students, and barbecue’s by the lake.
Meiho HS also went to TAFE at Mooloolaba where Sonia Marshall, Director of the Sunshine Coast Institute of TAFE met them and introduced them to the “Sustainability Center” They learnt in interactive and fun ways how important it is to tread gently on the earth. Mr. Keisuke also taught the class. They had a wonderful few days!
TAP students visited the heart of Coolum today.
Some did a spot of shopping for Australian Souvenirs while others hung out on the beach and admired the view. Some Japanese students collected their own souvenir of beach sand to bring back home to their family. They said they have never seen sand so small and fine. It was a relaxing afternoon and a great start to the week!
Byron Bay Campus is a great small beach town location for Teenagers wanting to learn English in Australia!
Hatsushiba Hashimoto HS studied at Byron Bay Campus for 3 weeks.They shared their traditional culture of AKB48 dance, Chanbara and Calligraphy with the other International Students. A learn to surf lesson was one of their favourite activities. Teacher Makimi also caught a wave! The visit to Xavier Catholic College was definitely the highlight of Hatsushiba Hashimoto HS visit to Byron Bay.
We miss you all at Byron Bay Campus!
The TAP students enjoyed a Friday afternoon barbecue by the Noosa River.
There was plenty to do by the water’s edge on Friday. Soccer, Volleyball, playground, sunbathing, bird feeding, swimming… and eating! For half the TAP students it was time to say goodbye to their new-found friends and to Australia. It was a sad affair as the sun went down, the full moon came up and students said their last goodbyes. We will miss you all!Hope to see you back in Noosa next year!
Although there was a spot of rain, it didn’t stop the students from enjoying learning to play the didjeridu.
Rushana seemed to pick up the droning very quickly and everyone else seemed to pick up the technique soon after. Some students created their own unique sounds while others tried to learn the traditional Aboriginal sounds. By the end of the session everyone had learnt how to play a little and were very impressed with Scott’s knowledge and especially how he can breath and play at the same time!
TAP tennis students are enjoying learning from their professional tennis coach John at the luxurious Noosa Springs Resort Tennis Club.
Students say they are learning a lot and really improving their technique… they are not too keen to do push ups though! TAP Tennis students also enjoy learning to play tennis in Australia at this time of year as their country is in the middle of summer and it is too hot outside to play and concentrate on their technique.They love their coach John. They say he is funny and the girls think he is handsome. Don’t miss out on the best professional and fun training next year!
The Noosa River gave the TAPs a winding today as they attempted their first paddle boarding experience.
Even though it was a soft coastal breeze, some could not keep their balance and took a surprising dip in the river. Others headed in all directions but eventually they all made it back to shore. The adventurous TAPs grabbed a board and went back out for 2nds while the others made ‘man castles’ on the beach… cheeky boys!!
Meiho HS have been having fun in the sun and visiting all the top spots such as Noosa Main Beach, Hastings Street and climbing the famous Mt Coolum to capture the stunning view of the Sunshine Coast. Welcome Meiho HS and we know you will enjoy your work and play!
Izumisano City had an Aussie traditional dessert cook off today!
They attempted to make the australian cake ‘Lamington’ which is sponge, cocoa and coconut. For the girls it was easy and their lamingtons were perfect and square whereas the boys had a bit of trouble and their lamingtons looked like they had been dropped many times. Although they did not look yummy, they were actually quite tasty. Well done Izumisano City!
It was all spikes, digs, hits and misses today at Nomads volleyball court.
The sand was soft, the ball was hard and the students were set out to win the competition. The TAP students were divided into four teams; Team 1, B Team, C Team and Tim Tam. They all had game but, like the name says, Team 1 ended up as team 1 and won the tournament by only 2 points! We also spotted a TAP koala taking a quiet nap during the tournament… so cute!
TAPs went for a scenic walk in the Noosa National Park today.
Students walked to Dolphin Point then half of them trekked to Hells Gate while the other half walked down to Noosa Main Beach and relaxed. Both parties were desperately trying to spot koalas, dolphins and whales but they all seemed to be hiding today. Better luck next time!
The first Teenage Activity Program students in Perth were received with a warm welcome.
It is always hard for students to come to a new campus and a new country. Especially when you are a teenager and it is the first time you have been away from your parents.
The GV Perth over 18 students know what it’s like to be nervous on the first day so they all gave a special welcomed to the TAPs. They were impressed on how brave these young learners were and how quickly the nerves were gone and there was nothing but smiles all round!
PBC Students welcomed Josei Gakuen HS with BBQ and Cup Cakes.
The Josei Gakuen students were taken on a campus tour and were also treated to an improvised music session! Both schools have got talent!
Kindai HS at St. Andrews Anglican College are enjoying their stay.
They went into some regular lessons with SAAC students to see what life is like for an Australian student. Their English has been improving and they are interacting very well with their new Australian school friends.
