Ara International English students embrace learning and leisure
23 July, 2025
Students share highlights as short courses come to a close
Hime Kato, Minami Tozaki and Shiori Yoshikashi from Teikyo University cook up a storm during their Hospitality studies
The latest cohorts of international students at Ara Institute of Canterbury are heading home with unforgettable memories, newfound confidence, and glowing praise for their “kind and easy to understand” tutors.
From jet boating on alpine lakes to exploring New Zealand's pristine wildlife and enjoying city attractions, students’ camera rolls are overflowing with wide smiles and stunning backdrops.
Ara recently welcomed 24 students from a number of Taiwanese universities for a 4-week English Plus Activities programme, alongside a cohort of 20 students from Jeonbuk National University in Korea completing English Plus Business studies. Another group from Teikyo University in Japan wrapped up a 14-week experience, which included three weeks in Timaru and 11 weeks completing a range of programmes at Ara’s Christchurch City campus.
Heather Knox, Ara’s Business and English Portfolio Manager, said the international English offerings were carefully crafted to combine language learning with meaningful real-world experiences.
Students visit the local Two Thumb Brewery as part of their English Plus Business studies.
“Our popular programmes include morning English classes, followed by themed afternoon modules – ranging from volunteering and hospitality to business and leisure activities,” she said. “Students engage with locals, experience hands-on learning, and get time to explore top attractions around Christchurch and the wider region.”
Teikyo University students spoke warmly of their time in New Zealand while creating their own “Kiwiburgers” in their final hospitality class in Ara’s commercial cookery kitchens.
“I had my first experience of camping with my host family which was a very special memory,” Minami Tozaki said, adding that her English had improved “a lot” during her three-month stay.
Her friend Hime Kato said a Wanaka trip with “beautiful weather and good views” with her host-mum and a seeing a kaka close up on a trip to Willowbank had been particular highlights.
“My English has also really improved. My teachers Josie and Tim were so kind and made things easier for me,” Kato said.
Knox said the Timaru-based portion of the programme was often enjoyed by students from big cities who enjoyed the chance to experience a smaller provincial town with amenities and the beach all within walking distance.
Shiori Yoshihashi confirmed the southern stay had been a highlight. “I loved being close to Caroline Bay and going on the camping trip with my host family,” she said, placing a scoop of chips next to her burger.
Ara’s programmes go beyond traditional English study. Past bespoke offerings have paired language learning with outdoor education, nutrition, sports science, early childhood training, nursing, and aviation hospitality.
“We’re fortunate to have access to Ara’s wide learning portfolios and can build programmes that suit specific industries,” Knox said.
“Because Ara is Cambridge English CELTA-certified, we can also provide professional development and teacher training programmes to English language teachers or educators teaching their subjects in English.”
For now, it’s farewell to our latest cohorts from Taiwan, Korea and Japan, whose time at Ara blended language learning with the best of a Kiwi cultural experience.