Tui Tuia/Learning Circle

Our Spanish immersion journey to Salamanca has come to a close. Over two intensive weeks at Cursos Internacionales de la Universidad de Salamanca, a group of New Zealand Spanish teachers took part in a packed programme focused on language, grammar, conversation, history, film, and art — with a touch of Flamenco for good measure. 💃

The course was delivered by a team of outstanding educators — patient, good-humoured, and true experts in their fields. Our teachers learned a huge amount from them and brought curiosity, energy, and professionalism to every session. Their engagement and enthusiasm throughout made the most of every opportunity to build both language skills and cultural understanding.

Beyond the classroom, we explored some of Spain’s most iconic cultural and historical sites: El Escorial, the royal monastery and palace; Segovia, with its Roman aqueduct and storybook Alcázar; the elegant royal gardens and palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso; and the medieval walled city of Ávila.

In Salamanca, we were granted rare access to the university’s historic library — a space usually closed to the public. There, we met with the librarian and viewed part of the university’s extraordinary rare book collection, housed in one of the oldest academic libraries in Europe. We walked the golden stone streets, experienced life in a vibrant university town, and gained a stronger sense of the people, culture, and history that shape Spain today.

This experience has strengthened both the linguistic and cultural knowledge of our teachers — and through them, will enrich Spanish classrooms across Aotearoa.

ただいま Tadaima!

Our programme group has safely returned to Aotearoa New Zealand!

In the final days of the programme, our kaiako enjoyed a wagashi (Japanese sweets) making experience. This year’s theme image connecting Japan and Aotearoa was Myaku-Myaku, the mascot of the Osaka Expo, and the kiwi 🥝 — a delicious and heartwarming symbol of cultural exchange.

We wrapped up the trip with a presentation session where our kaiako shared how they might bring their learnings and experiences into their own classrooms. Some of the teachers from the junior high school we visited also came along to listen.

It was a truly immersive trip filled with smiles, discoveries, and meaningful connections. Wishing everyone a smooth start to the new term ahead. 🌸

Time flies when you're living la vida loca on immersion in Spain!

Over four vibrant days in Madrid, our NZ Spanish teachers have experienced a rich mix of language, culture, and connection. Highlights so far include:

- A walking tour through historic Madrid to explore its stories, architecture, and cultural treasures.
- Sitting in on classes at a local high school and stepping into the role of students at an international language school.
- Devouring classic Spanish dishes: churros con chocolate, tortilla, pan con tomate, aceitunas, patatas bravas, jamón ibérico, gambas al ajillo, and salmorejo.
- A Sunday stroll through the eclectic chaos of El Rastro, Madrid’s iconic flea market.
- Admiring masterpieces by Goya, Velázquez, and others at the El Prado Museum.
- Being moved by the power of Picasso’s Guernica at the Museo Reina Sofía.
- Feeling the passion of Flamenco at a spectacular live show.
- Soaking up the buenas vibras in Plaza Mayor and the barrios of Madrid.
- Enjoying coffee and conversation with NZ Ambassador to Spain, Tara Morton, and Deputy Ambassador Blake van Velden.

This immersion programme is not only boosting language skills but also deepening cultural understanding!

こんにちは kon’nichiwa!

Our programme in Osaka is well underway!

Our kaiako captured their impressions from just a few days in Japan through etegami（絵手紙）, creating postcards for their loved ones with towel brushes. They then took part in activities that combined games with sports day fun, gaining a taste of Japanese culture. They were also thrilled by the power of taiko drumming 🥁

During Osaka orienteering, the group explored the vibrant neighbourhood of Shinsekai（新世界）, discovering its nostalgic yet lively charm.

This week also included visits to a primary school and a junior high school, where students introduced aspects of Japanese culture while our kaiako shared New Zealand culture in return🤝

Time is flying by so quickly（あっという間！）, and the programme is already approaching its finale ✨

你好 (Nǐ hǎo)!

Our Chinese Immersion Programme group has made a great start! After a warm welcome at Beijing Language and Culture University, they visited Beijing Petroleum College Affiliated Primary School, where they were warmly received by staff and students.

The group observed art 🎨 and maths ➗ lessons, gaining valuable insights into teaching approaches and classroom interaction. A truly inspiring beginning to their immersion experience in China! 🌏✨

こんにちは kon’nichiwa !

Today, we're checking in on our kaiako cohort 🗾🎌

After starting in Tokyo with samurai 🥷 and ninja 🗡️ experiences, plus a soba-making workshop, the group has now travelled to Osaka 🏯.

The Osaka part of the programme is about to start! 🌟

2025 Korean Speech Competition

1. Eligibility
- Non-native Korean speaker
(Please check your eligibility before the submission.)

2. Competition Entry
- School Entry (Year 1~Year 13)
- Adult Entry (KEC Korean course students)

3. Application and Speech file submission Period
- 11 August 2025 ~ 19 September 2025

4. How to participate
- School and Adult Entry: Only through the Video Submission (by 5:00 pm on 19 September 2025)

5. Results
- Results will be announced on October 10th at 2:00 pm on the Korean Education Centre website and notified to each school/ class.

For all inquiries, please contact the Korean Education Centre
(Email: [email protected]/ 09 303 2625)

※ Attachments
- 2025 Application with Agreement form and Guidelines for School Entry
- 2025 Application with Agreement form and Guidelines for Adult Entry

http://nzkoreanedu.com/bbs/board.php?bo_table=class_04&wr_id=58