Seiritsu International Education

In response to the current novel corona situation, citizens all over the world are being asked to return to their homes. In line with this, the bulk of our study abroad programs have been closed and students will return to their home countries.


As always, student health and safety is of utmost importance to the school. Once the students have returned safely, we hope to help with any follow up necessary.

Though circumstances shortened their time with us, their energy and enthusiasm was infectious and we will truly miss seeing them around school and in SGC. We hope to have other chances to see them again in the not too distant future.*

Pictured below are Faith, Mona, Crystena*, Paula*, Vicky*, Victor, Ethan and Skylar.

(*Crystena and Paula from Canada went home in late 2019 at the end of their stay. Vicky from the USA is still with us. Hernan from the US was not able to attend this day.)

writer: staff  date: 5:07 PM | Life at Seiritsu

Recently I had the opportunity to harvest my own Udo in Kodaira. Udo is a spring vegetable that is grown underground. I had to climb down inside a scary hole and use a knife to cut the stem from the bottom.

After I harvested the Udo, I then had an amazing meal cooked for me. This meal has Udo served in various ways. My favourite was Udo tempura. Udo reminds me of a white asparagus mixed with celery!

Have you ever tried Udo? If you haven't you should definitely try it. It is now in season.

writer: staff  date: 9:34 AM | Life at Seiritsu

Greeting again from Japan!

Throughout the last two months, school has continued as pretty much as usual though with a lot of breaks towards the end. Crazy how similar Japanese classes feel to being normal high school now. One event that really broke the encroaching monotony was a ski trip with all the first years at the beginning of February. Before the trip, I had literally no idea how to ski. First time I put them on(a long and tedious process as well) I could barely stand up, let alone move. Mona and I were originally placed in highest level class but we eventually moved down to the absolute beginners class due to my horrid balance. After one afternoon of skiing, I actually started to get the hang of it. By the last day, we went down the highest slope in that area of the ski resort and our instructor even kept us out skiing later than we were supposed to because he liked us so much. The girls and boys were completely separated into two different hotels (as is the Japanese way) meaning we didn't get to see half of our friends for the entire trip. Our hotel was really nice though. We had all-you-can-eat buffets every night and literally the BEST breakfasts I have eaten here in Japan. The trip was a blast and I really enjoyed learning to ski.

Less exciting but we found an awesome foreign language bookshop in Shinjuku. They have tons of English books and sections of Chinese, French, German and Spanish. It's always fun to stop by and pick up a few books to read.

With corona panic at its height, the school has shut down and our spring break has been quite extended. Not sure what to do with all this new free time but I hope to spend my time productively. And yes, I do consider hanging out with my friends in Tokyo very productive.

Faith Villarreal
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writer: staff  date: 9:13 AM | Life at Seiritsu

It's hard to believe, but it has been 6 months since arriving to Japan! In just January and February, so much has occurred. Most importantly, the school year has ended! I am now a 2nd year!

January ended with our class ski trip to Shiga Loren, one of the best ski resorts in Japan. It was 3 days full of skiing and fun. Every member of the first years went on the trip, so I was able to make so many new friends. In addition, the views were gorgeous! Another event we had this term was the singing competition between all the homeroom classes of the first years. It took a lot of practice and preparation, but in the end my class did great and got second place!

Overall, a nice end to the school year and start to spring break!

writer: staff  date: 8:42 AM | Life at Seiritsu

We had a special chance to celebrate today.

Despite the current conditions, we were able to celebrate the graduation for our junior high school students. Many schools are not or will not be able to do the same for their students.
Our school has been working hard to make sure everything was as safe as possible. Just like the high school, everything was shortened, and strict guidelines were put into place. Everyone was thankful that we could pull it off though.

We hope this situation settles down soon.

writer: staff  date: 2:43 PM | Life at Seiritsu

Hi again! It's Ethan, and I'm here to talk about my amazing ski trip! It was intimidating at first have to share a hotel room with 7 of my class mates at first but by the end of the trip I created new friendships that I was never able to achieve just in the classroom. We skied together, ate together, heck, even bathed together, something completely different from the American high school experience. Definitely a trip I'm gonna remember for the rest of my life. Toodles!

writer: staff  date: 8:30 AM | Life at Seiritsu

It's my 5th and final year with Seiritsu Gakuen. It's a bittersweet moment to go through.

My students, the ones I taught since they were in Junior High 5 years ago, have finally graduated and I couldn't have been happier to see them grow up.

I can't wait to see where they'll go in their bright futures. I'm quite curious about mine too!

Let's hope the stars align for all of us.✨

Cheers,
Teresa

writer: staff  date: 1:34 PM | Life at Seiritsu

In the past month I have had a lot of fun in Japan!

For Valentine's Day I met with my friend Mona, another Seitritsu International Student, and we made chocolates together! It was super fun!

One of the big things that happened in the past month is that we also went on a school skiing trip too! I had so much fun skiing with the other students and I was really proud of myself for being able to level up in the ski groups even though it was my first time skiing!

I took photos with friends and it was really nice getting to know classmates outside of a classroom setting!

However right now, the Corona Virus has been a concern which the school has been managing very well. Classes and tests have been moved online and everyone has been making sure we are all healthy.

writer: staff  date: 4:59 PM | Life at Seiritsu

I did have a ski trip this term, please see the picture below.
However, beyond that, this term was particularly interesting because I was able to see the crunch being applied to the students preparing for the finals. I was able to see the second year students, soon to be third years, wilt with despair at the realization of what lies ahead of them in third year. Inspired by this, I have decided to start reading about the (short) history of the Japanese labor movement and other social movements here. While there are not many, they are very interesting and as things continue to deteriorate for the middle and working class everywhere. I am curious to see if the same types of social movements make a comeback.

writer: staff  date: 1:40 PM | Life at Seiritsu

Hi everyone, happy new year. For the new year I went to Mt.Takao with my host family. The view was amazing.





With school we had the ski trip. I love skiing and i have skied since I was 3 years old. I had a lot of fun there. I had to wait to have a trip for a while. Now that the exams are finished, I am reminded it is only few days before the spring break. During it I hope that I will see the famous sakura blowing. Bye and see you soon.

writer: staff  date: 1:30 PM | Life at Seiritsu

Hello everyone,

Today we had our high school graduation. Many schools will not be able to hold one this year but because ours was earlier than most, we could hold ours today. The school took a lot of extra precautions to make sure it was as safe as possible. It means the after parties for the students and parents and teachers are all cancelled but the main ceremony and the farewells could take place.

This year we had 3 students in the International Department graduate! We were so happy for them and proud of them. Completing three years in a foreign high school and being able to move onto university is an incredible accomplishment! Way to go guys!

I only have one of the pictures taken with the ID graduates so far. I will add the others as I get them.

Good luck in your next adventures!!

writer: staff  date: 3:42 PM | Life at Seiritsu