EAP Term 2 2025

Revise your essay on your ideal school & upload it to the blog with a relevant image. Title your post 'The Ideal School: My Vision -- Your Name' & illustrate it with a relevant image.

  In Japanese high schools, there are many rules. For example, students must wear the same socks and bags, and they are not allowed to wear makeup, piercings, or accessories like necklaces. They also have to tie their hair. Because of these rules, many students look the same and wear the same clothes. At my school, even our indoor shoes, sports shoes, and school shoes were all decided by the school. However, in New Zealand, I think the rules are more relaxed. Students can enjoy fashion more freely and wear different styles.

 I think that the Long vs Short Term Orientation of the six dimensions best illuminates the differences between Japanese culture and Kiwi culture.  According to the values for the 6 dimensions of The Culture Factor Group, the score of Long Term Orientation in Japan (100) is considerably higher than in New Zealand (55). It means the Japanese are Long Term Orientation culture, and Kiwis are relatively Short Term Orientation culture.  In my homestay, there is always a lot of uneaten food because my host sisters leave a lot of food on their plates. When I saw this situation for the first time, I was shocked and confused, because in my culture, it is not good to leave uneaten food. In Japan, parents, grandparents, or teachers strictly teach children to eat all their meals and raise them to be open-minded about food. However, my host parents don’t mind that my host sisters leave a lot of food on their plates, and they are even picky eaters.  Japanese people are intolera...

  Country comparison tool shows, in japan,the score of power distance 54 is two times higher than New Zealand's 24 which very low score, means japanese values hierarchichy, whereas New Zealanders prefer equality and informal relationship. I was very confused the first time I talked with teacher in NZ since I did not how to talk with politeness and show respect for them in English. In japanese school, we are required suitable attitude and  proper behaviour for teacher. On the other hand, In NZ, the students and teacher have an informal conversation like a friend. Therefore, I am convinced this Hofstede's cultural dimention, especially, in Power balance.

     In my opinion, according to Hofstede’s cultural dimensions, one of the big difference between Thai culture and Kiwi culture is high Power Distance.  The score of power distance in Thai culture and Kiwi culture are 64 and 22 respectively.  This shows that Thai culture has a high power distance when I compare to Kiwi culture.  In other words, Thai culture values more hierarchical levels than Kiwi culture.        One example of my experience is when I was in Thailand, we always call people who are older by adding one word which is similar to Mr or Ms before their first name in order to make it is polite and respectable.  Therefore, I have never called someone who is older than me by just their first name without this word in Thai.  However, when I first came here, my host mother told me to call her by her name without Ms. which at first it was very unusual for me to call her because it made me feel like I was impolite....

 The biggest difference dimension between Korean and Kiwi culture is Indulgence vs Restraint. For example, in Korea, many people usually don’t spend much money on their hobbies because they are very busy with work and tend to save their money for their future. In contrast, in New Zealand, many people invest a lot of money to their hobbies. They consider their work-life balance very important, so they highly value in their leisure activities. 

 From my perspective, the difference in ‘Power Distance , between Japan and New Zealand is huge. According to 'country comparison tool', the score of 'Power Distance' is 54, while New Zealand is 22.  It indicates Japanese society is highly more hierarchical than New Zealand. I felt this cultural difference through my experience. When I was in Japan, I always call my teachers  'Teacher +last name'. For example, if I call David in Japan, I call him 'Teacher Woodfield'(in Japanese 'Woodfield sensei'). This habit is common way to show the respect to superior person. In contrast, in New Zealand, we call teachers with first name like 'David'. So, when I arrived here, I hesitated to speak to them like that.  Therefore, the dimension of 'Power Distance' is the most notable difference between Japanese culture and Kiwi culture and the way of calling superior people illuminates these characteristics.

  As a Japanese student studying in New Zealand, I noticed a clear cultural difference in the dimension of Uncertainty Avoidance. In Japan, people usually prefer to follow clear rules and make detailed plans. When I was in school in Japan, the daily schedule was always fixed, and sudden changes were not very welcome. However, in New Zealand, people seem to be more relaxed and flexible. For example, at my language school, teachers sometimes changed the class plan depending on the situation, and students were comfortable with that. At first, I was surprised, but I gradually learned to enjoy this flexible way of thinking. Another dimension I found interesting is Power Distance. Although Japan and New Zealand have different scores, I feel that both countries value respectful but equal relationships, especially in schools. In both countries, teachers listen to students and allow them to share their opinions. Of course, New Zealand feels more casual, but in Japan too, younger people ar...

Have a look at how your country compares to New Zealand viewed through the framework of Hofstede's cultural dimensions, using the following website: https://www.theculturefactor.com/country-comparison-tool Which of the six dimensions do you think best illuminates the differences between your culture and Kiwi culture, rather than perpetuating stereotypes? Describe contrasting experiences you have had in your home-county and in New Zealand to support your argument. Title your post 'The Dimension -- Your Name' e.g. 'Indulgence vs. Restraint -- David Woodfield' and accompany it with a relevant image.

  3MT Competition - New      Our class went to attend the 3 Minute Thesis Competition on 20th of July, 2025.  I think it was a really good opportunity to experience student’s presentations even though it was very challenging for me to understand their speech.      In my opinion, Mr. Md Salauddin Saimunthe who was the fourth speaker had the most interesting ideas for me because he suggested that “The right to connect an internet should be human rights”.  Therefore, I personally agree with him because I think internet is essential for people nowadays as it gives more opportunities for us to have a better quality of life.  For example, children can use an internet to do self-study via online websites to improve their skills and knowledge.  In addition, people from remote areas can access to health cares in case of emergency such as they can get initial doctor supports before they reach the hospital which can be far away.  Moreo...

  I my opinion, Mr. Morgan Edwards’ presentation is the best because his speaking is clear and he used presentation slide effectively. In terms of interesting facts, I’m interested in Ms. Katie de Roo’s facts. Her idea might help people who have debts. Therefore it is practical for people. Actually, all of the presentation is too difficult for me to understand and I could not catch any point. But, I’m  significantly curious how NZ government spend their money in ‘The Mechanics of Government finance’ presentation. So, If I had enough skills to understand this presentation, this topic would fascinate me. I found a lot of academic words, such as ‘mechanics’ and ‘algorithms ’, so I’d like to try to remember these words. Besides, as I wrote, I realised that I don’t have enough English communication skills for academic situations. Therefore, I’m  going to learn academic vocabularies and try to practice listening about some academic topics. Of course, I will concentrate on the E...

I found that Morgan Edward gave the most engaging presentation. His gestures, voice tone, and eye contact were directed towards everyone, which made it easy and comfortable for us to listen. His topic was a study about money, and since money is something very important in our future lives, I found it very educational. At the beginning, he said, “Government has money,” and that part especially stayed in my mind. I strongly agreed with that statement. Through this opportunity, I realised that by doing research by ourselves, we can learn more deeply. I also understood that the results of three years of study can be very useful in our future jobs. At the same time, I thought it is wonderful that through research, we can help raise the next generation who will lead the future, and that such research can be used effectively in society.  

 1) Who were the best presenters & why? Salauddin Saimum He had a confidence and emphasised some points in his speaking, so it made me easier to understand important parts clearly.  2) Whose ideas did you find most interesting & why? Katie de Roo's idea was the most interesting. Her idea was about helping people who were in personal debt problems. They don't need to accept the bank's rule and they can negotiate. 3) What are some fascinating facts that you've learned today? The facts that many people still disconnected to internet was very interesting, because I thought these days, most of people are connecting to internet. 4) What are some words that you've heard today that you'd like to remember? run out 5) How will you improve your ability to communication in spoken English in an academic context as a result of attending today's event? I should emphasise some important points of my speaking. 

  It was the first time for me to watch a presentation competition, so I felt the atmosphere was very different from what I usually experience in class. The presentation I found most interesting was about how the internet is a part of our lifestyle and has become essential in our daily lives. The speaker explained the topic clearly and I agreed with their opinion. The second presenter was the most effective communicator for me. Their speaking speed was easy to follow, and they used gestures to help us understand better. I thought their style of presentation was very clear and engaging. Before attending this session, I had never really thought about going to graduate school. But now I think it could be a good opportunity to explore a topic I’m interested in and deepen my knowledge. If I find something I really want to study in the future, I would like to consider postgraduate study as one of my options.

1) Who were the best presenters & why?  In my opinion, Katie de Roo was the best presenter because her presentation was the easiest to understand. There were several tips to understand easily such as using body language, attractive linking words(Interestingly...), and "numbering". 2) Whose ideas did you find most interesting & why?  Md Salauddin Suimum's idea was the most interesting for me. His idea was that the internet should be human rights/Goverments should all people connect to the internet as human rights. The reason why it was interesting for me is that I had never heard such an idea. And I also thought that it was a really important idea to avoid poverty around the world. If this concept was standard, it would be a blight society.   3) What are some fascinating facts that you've learned today?  In the session, I was surprised and shocked by a fact that 6.2 millions people connot still access to the internet. And I was also interested in a fact of New...

Write a post on the experience of attending the 3MT heat for humanities subjects on the 20th of July. Explain which presentation you found most interesting and which presenter was the most effective communicator. Finally say what insights on the possibilities and challenges of post graduate study you have gained from this session. Title your post: 3MT Competition -- Your Name.

  Dear Professor Garfield, My group gave our presentation last week and Mr. Anderson suggested that we should visit you at your office and ask for your advice about marketing, specifically in the food sector.  Therefore, what time would suit you?  Is it possible to make an appointment next Wednesday at 10 o’clock.  Would it be convenient for you? Sincerely yours, Boo Riley Business Studies 2C group   Hey Faisal, I noticed that you haven’t uploaded your part of the presentation yet.  This was due yesterday.  Then, if you don’t send me your part on time.  We will get low score on this project.  We want you to upload asap! Thanks :) Lucy and Mike  

 Hello, Prof. Garfield,  the other classmates and I submitted our presentation last week, and Mr. Anderson suggested that we come and discuss with you because you are an expert on marketing, especially marketing in the food sector. So, when would suit you? How about next Wednesday at 10.00- would that be great for you? Boo Riley business Studies 2C group Hey Faisal, Are wondering why you haven't uploaded your part of the presentation yet. We'd like to let you know that this was by yesterday. What's more, if you don't get your part in on time, our marks will suffer. Hope you will upload this ASAP. Lucy and Mike

 FORMAL Dear professor Garfield Some students in my group have done our presentation last week and Mr. Anderson suggested that we are given advice from you because you are an expert on marketing, especially marketing in the food sector. I was wandering when would be your availabele day for you.How about next Wedenesday at 10.00. I look forward to hear from you. Best regards, Boo Riley Business Studies 2C group ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ INFORMAL Hi Faisal, how are u getting on? We’re still missing ur part of the presentation.  U had to send it to us by yesterday, do u know? And u don't submit ur part on time, our project’s scores will go down. Hope you upload it ASAP! Cheers. Lucy and Mike

Make the below email formal & the below chat message informal. Title your post with your names.

         Yesterday, we went to join Club day event at the Central library.   When I got there, I was quite nervous because there were many students attended there.   However, student staffs at booths were very welcome, friendly and actively introduced their activities in the club to me and my friends.   So, I started to feel more relaxed.   Moreover, I remembered one of the techniques that we learned in class in the video, The Secrets of Networking, that we should be ourselves.   As a result, I tried to be calm and went to the booths that my friend and I are interested in.   Therefore, we went to a few booths such as the Movie club, the Students for Environmental Action club and the Animal Aquatic Plant Ecological Society booth (AAPES).  While we were at the AAPES booth to ask about their club information,  the  student staff there was very nice and she explained that students who join the club will have a chance...

 The Clubs Day was very good opportunity for me! Because I could discover and sign up to new clubs. Actually I’ve already joined a club which is the Student For Environmental Action. In this club, I take care of the garden with other members. But it’s not enough for me because I had wanted to do different types of things and be more active. So, the Clubs Day was a big chance to find a new community. At that event, initially, I was nervous because I was worried about talking with native speakers. However, I tried first to speak with a woman who was a member of the Seishinkan society(Jujutsu). I did this because I thought that woman was more approachable and welcoming, as mentioned in the textbook. She was kind and answered my questions gently. Eventually, I attended four clubs’ booths, the Seishinkan society(Jujutsu), OJSA(Otago University Japanese Student Association), AAPES(Animal, Aquatic, Plant, Ecological Society) Otago, and the Movie club. All of them were interesting to me ...

       The Clubs Day was very interesting because I was looking for a new hobby in Dunedin. I found some attractive clubs there, such as the movie club and the animal club. However, after talking with a member of the movie club, I thought it might be very difficult for me. They always have discussion time after watching movie, which would be quite hard for me. Eventually, I signed up to AAPES, a club for all things related to natural, such as tree planting, documentary nights, sanctuary maintenance, glowworm walks, camps, penguin volunteering. It sounded really fascinating because I love nature, especially animals.      At this event, I had many opportunities to meet new people. During that process, I used some tips from the video. I focused my energy on the right people. There were a lot of people from a variety of clubs, but I only focused on clubs which I’m interested in and asked about them. In addition, while listening to their explanations...

  It was a great day for me. I was able to join in the AAPES(Animal Aquatic Plant Ecological Society) with my friends. I hope it will be a first step for expanding the network. I have visited to not only AAPES, but also OPC(Otago Photography Club), and Otago Uni Birding Society. However I did not sign these club up at that time because I’m too indecisive person. Perhaps I join them someday.  I tried to some methods in  English for the 21st Century , but I was so nervous, and I forgot everything I learnt.   In AAPES, we are given opportunities to do some volunteering work related to the nature and animals in Dunedin such as planting or cleaning beaches. My goal is to attend these activities as many as I can, and I meet new people and make some friends in this club. Therefore, I will apply for volunteer work or event as soon as possible to achieve the goal. Besides, I’ll decide whether I join OPC and birding society, and if I joined, I’ll do my best.

   I could not find my ideal club,  so I asked some quick question to strengers. There was no interesting club for me, but I have already applied to football club, OUAFC. We need preparation that to research what kind of club is there and witch club is interesting before we go to there. I have already  signed up to online.

  When I had a conversation, the other person spoke quite fast, so I couldn’t catch everything. I couldn’t communicate perfectly like we learned in class, but I was able to ask the questions I wanted and got to know more about the club in depth. Right now, I’m thinking of joining a club that is partnered with UNICEF. The reason is that they organise various events to raise money, and then donate it to children in countries where poverty is severe. I thought that was really wonderful. Also, they only meet once a month, which I appreciate because I’m quite busy with my studies every day. I believe that by joining a club, I can make my study abroad life more fulfilling and also broaden my perspective. I’d like to take a bit more time to think carefully before making my final decision about joining.

  How was Clubs Day for you? Do you feel like you were able to do some successful networking at the event?  When I just came here,I joined similar event, but I couldn’t see properly.So it was good for me to check Otago’s clubs. What were some of the clubs whose members you interacted with? Have you already signed up to any clubs? Did you find any of the pointers outlined in the textbook,  English for the 21st Century , or the video,  The Secrets of Networking , useful? No,I wanted join a  club,but noe of  them interested me. What do you need to do now to ensure that you make the most of the opportunities afforded at this event? What are the next steps you need to take? Are there any clubs you are going to sign up to online, but haven't yet? Are there any events you are planning on attending? To make the most of the opportunities at this event, I think I need to take action soon.  I need to participate volunteers,so I’m exciting that I can meet new...

How was Clubs Day for you? Do you feel like you were able to do some successful networking at the event?  What were some of the clubs whose members you interacted with? Have you already signed up to any clubs? Did you find any of the pointers outlined in the textbook, English for the 21st Century , or the video, The Secrets of Networking , useful? What do you need to do now to ensure that you make the most of the opportunities afforded at this event? What are the next steps you need to take? Are there any clubs you are going to sign up to online, but haven't yet? Are there any events you are planning on attending? Title your post  Clubs Day Debrief -- Your Name  and accompany it with an appropriate picture, perhaps one you took at the event.

  What impressed me? Learning in a sustainable environment Learning beyond the language barrier Learning that gives back to individuals and society Learning empowers women and helps them escape poverty I’m interested in environmental issues. So, I thought that learning about solar panels, which are a sustainable solution, was very meaningful. I simply felt it was cool. I was also impressed that the campus itself was a sustainable building. When I knew that Barefoot College consists of students from different countries, I was surprised that the students could learn even though they didn't share a common language. I also felt that learning is possible without a shared language. Additionally, I thought that Barefoot College’s learning is useful. The learners become able to use electricity. Moreover, using solar panels has a positive effect on society, such as reducing CO₂ emissions and avoiding air pollution. Besides, in villages where there are men as well, women becomi...

According to the Waldorf School Education, there are many educational approaches that I’m impressed.   Firstly, the school gives important to social justice in education in which students with different social level backgrounds will have the same opportunity to study the same things.   As I think this is one idea that is hard to find these days in our society.   Moreover, I like the goal of the school as well that they want to develop a freedom to learn for students but these students will also be studying a morality in order to become a moral, high level of social competence and creativity which will help them to grow to be both a competent and a good person for our society.   In addition, the school’s main method of learning which are storytelling and experimentation is very interesting because I believe that learning by doing something is more effective than reading and memorizing it.   Moreover, it is much more fun to do it.   Furthermore, I also impres...

           When I watched this video, I was very surprised. The class using Artificial Intelligence system seems very controlling for students. It monitors how much the students are paying attention to class and transfer it to their teachers and parents. Also, it can know how many times the students check their phones and yawn. This video said these systems help boost their studying, but I think it can generate too much stress for students. I think Mental health is more important than the exam score. Actually, in Korea, a lot of teenagers kill themselves every year and one of the big reason is the high pressure from their studying. On the other hand, some technology used in the school looks very useful. For example, the chips in students' uniform tracking their location can insure their safety. However, in the point of students' mental health, I think this education system is not good.      As I mentioned, I think the mental health is th...

  I was impressed with the method in the video. Students need to remember only transistor names, they do not need literacy. It enable poor people who cannot access to education to learn professional skills such as engineering, and get their own jobs. At first, I thought people have to have a literacy to access to education, so this method is innovative for me. In my opinion, to make a positive difference, expanding the opportunity to go to the school like a bearfoot college is an important.

  I think Waldorf education is one of the best curriculum education system for learning. Experimental learning attitudes in students and getting help from the educators in these Waldorf teaching methodologies are quite a different way of lifetime learning. When I was a junior high school, everytime I had a stomachch when I faced an exam due to the students were required to get high grades. Waldolf education do not focus on grades and results, but individual character, witch extend childlen's possivility for the future.

High-Tech Education I think it is modern and helpful for our study that machines can know when  we lose concentration or how many times we touch our phones.However,I don’t like that a computer checks my action and send it to teachers and parent.I felt like someone is always watching me.I believe that learning through activities can lead to positive change. Nowadays, education focuses on classroom learning, but experiencing  something through action helps students understand  more deeply and remember things better.

  I was impressed that Waldorf education does not rely on traditional grading systems, but instead values each student’s individual expression. I also found it interesting that they include elements which help students feel the four seasons, as this seems to create a more comfortable and supportive learning environment. On the other hand, having the same teacher for a long time can be a good way for teachers to understand their students deeply. However, if the relationship between the student and the teacher is not good, it could become a stressful experience for the student. In my opinion, using grades and tests is a clear way to show a student’s effort and achievement. But I also believe it is important to look at the learning process. This helps us understand why a student did well on a test, or, if the result was not good, how they can improve in the future.