FORT ST. JOHN – Three special visitors from Japan toured the Fort St. John Campus Sept. 9th in anticipation of enrolling future students in NLC’s International Education program.
The group, from the Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology (TUAT), was especially interested in learning more about the College’s English as a Second Language Program, and enjoyed observing the live classroom setting.
“I teach language and watching the instruction in the classroom was interesting for me,” said Ms. Tomoko Hongo, associate professor, International Center at TUAT.
Dean of Trades and Apprenticeship Rene Tremblay and new associate dean of Trades and Apprenticeship Robert McAleney toured the group through the Electrical, Industrial Instrumentation, and Oil and Gas Field Operator classrooms and pointed out that the simulated laboratories help give NLC students hands-on experience valuable to a smooth transition from classroom to live work site.
“We have seen four schools in four days,” said Ms. Ana Furukawa, international exchange coordinator at TUAT. “I like the cozy environment of NLC that is very different from big schools. Students look very happy here.”
A stop in the Heavy Duty/Commercial Transport shop yielded a surprise in the form of a bubbling cauldron of moose meat hotpot cooked by instructor Ed Ditner in honour of the group’s visit. When asked about the impromptu meal and their first taste of moose meat, the group laughed and gave the thumbs-up sign.
“Very impressive!” smiled Ms. Rie Tamura, chief of the Educational Affairs Section at TUAT.
City of Fort St. John councilor Byron Stewart spoke on behalf of Mayor Lori Ackerman at a luncheon attended by administrators and faculty. International Education coordinator Pamela den Ouden said she enjoyed meeting the group and looks forward to welcoming students from TUAT.
Administrators and faculty attended a luncheon for the delegation at which International Education coordinator Pamela Den Ouden welcomed the visitors.
A highlight of the tour was a stop in the Heavy Duty/Commercial Transport Shop where instructor Ed Ditner had rigged up a moose meat hot pot in honour of the delegation’s visit. The moose meat was hunted and donated by two of the program’s students.
Dean Rene Tremblay and Association Dean of Trades and Apprenticeship Robert McAleney toured the visiting delegation to several simulated laboratories including the Oil and Gas shop where Dean Tremblay also illustrated the importance of having fun on-campus with a bit of floor hockey practice.