Written by : Jonathan Wicht, rugby player and student at Languages International
When I choose to come in New Zealand it was because I wanted to play rugby in this country which is famous for the quality of the players and the game. I knew that would be a big challenge but I thought that would be worth it and I wasn't wrong. I found exactly what I was looking for in New Zealand.
When I arrived at Languages International in Christchurch, Isaac Savage, the Student Services Coordinator, gave me the e-mail address of John Haggart who works for R80, a company which is specialized in the contact with rugby players and he introduced me to the Sumner Rugby Club which was perfect for me because I was living in Sumner.
Sumner had just gone up in the Division 1 and had a lot of ambitions for the season which was about to start. I met the coaches of Sumner who are Scott Robertson and John Tainui, both professional rugby players and they were very friendly and helped me to integrate the team as for a lot of new players from New Zealand and overseas.
As I thought the level of the game and the speed were higher than in Switzerland and I had to acclimate myself to this new environment but the team helped me a lot and I could easily take part of my new club.
We had two trainings a week and one game on Saturday and after the game we always went out together which was great to make the team’s spirit stronger and I had a lot of awesome times with them that I will never forget.
I think I've improved my game and my skills because of the time I spent playing rugby with Sumner and that was one of my best experience so far. I recommend doing that to any rugby player who wants to practise this sport abroad.
22 September 2010
Want to learn English and improve your rugby skills? - Come to New Zealand!
21 September 2010
Here in New Zealand
Written by: Cecile, a student at Languages International
09 September 2010
Christchurch recovering
Our plan was to re-open for lessons on Wednesday, September 8th, but in the end, we decided to remain closed all this week to give stressed staff the opportunity to deal with the effects of the earthquake on their own homes and families, and because it is obviously taking a few days for the centre of Christchurch City to get back to normal. However, it’s important to note that the NZ Government and the local authorities in Christchurch have done an amazing job of getting basic services operating as quickly as possible: electricity and telecommunications, health services, water and sewerage and public transport are all operating normally again in Christchurch. It’s worth remembering that the media do tend to focus on the most shocking aspects of events like this and therefore may present a distorted picture of what’s really happening.
07 September 2010
Open again
We're very lucky that our staff and students in Christchurch have come through the earthquake safely, and our school premises in Worcester Boulevard have escaped any serious damage. After being closed on Monday and Tuesday, September 6th and 7th, we will open again for classes on Wednesday, September 8th. If you'd like more information, please call Languages International Christchurch on +64 3 365 6022 or email us at info@languages.ac.nz.
05 September 2010
Canterbury earthquake
The Canterbury region of New Zealand suffered a serious earthquake in the early morning of Saturday, September 4th. As a result of this, Christchurch's central business district has been closed to all non-essential access. Languages International's school at 69 Worcester Boulevard will remain closed on Monday, September 5th. For further information, please call Brett Shirreffs on +64 9 302 7327 and leave a message, or email bretts@languages.ac.nz.
03 September 2010
Ramadan Challenge 2010 in Christchurch
For the 3rd year in a row Languages International was proud to host the Annual Ramadan Challenge. Each year the Ramadan challenge has brought something new and this year staff and students were given the privilege of visiting the largest Mosque in the South Island.
Students and staff from Korea, Japan, Thailand, China, Brazil, Mexico and New Zealand all participated in what was a culturally rich and educational experience.
Below are statements from students who took part.
It was challenging, actually it was quite tough for me! Not to drink water during Ramadan. After 6.00pm I felt like I managed to do something special It was worth trying it Arabic coffee and dates were fantastic!
So Young Lee
Korea
Fasting, Mosque, Hejab and prayer… everything was new for me. It was a great experience!
Maki
Japan
It was my first tome to do a Ramadan challenge and visit a mosque. I don’t belong to any religion so it became a precious experience in my life. I only knew of a Mosque and Ramadan from a textbook when I was a student. I couldn’t imagine one day that I would experience them. We were really lucky! And I loved wearing Hejab.
Eriko
Japan
Yesterday I went to the Mosque for Ramadan. I fasted for just 1 day for God. I think it was so hard for me it was my first experience and I was hungry. My friends told me not to think about food or hunger but I couldn’t do that. My stomach screamed all day I think if my stomach had a mouth it would say I’m Hungry Ha Ha Ha, but then I went to the Mosque. It was good because everybody did the same. The first time I didn’t know the food was just a starter and we ate a lot of bread, but when we finished the Muslim people told us to go to dinner. We didn’t understand that the starter wasn’t dinner and we ate again. It was very filling for me and my friends. It was good because I didn’t know anything about Muslim Culture and I learnt a lot.
Pinpet (Wow)
Thailand
My name is Shelly, I am from China. That was the first time I have taken part in Ramadan. I was really surprised at the culture and enjoyed it very much. I am extremely interested in Arabic history. If I had not taken part in Ramadan, I would not have had such a special time.
Shelly
China
Wow !!! It was amazing. I really enjoyed the day. It was a good activity to fast and go to the mosque to eat for a non-Muslim group and Feras’s presentation was very interesting and easy to understand.
Ahmed
Saudi Arabia
I’ve tried to Ramadan 3 times in NZ. The first and second time I tried with my classmates. After that we had a party in a Saudi Arabian’s house. It was very interesting. The third time I tried it was on Thursday.
I thought that Ramadan is a very hard challenge for m, because I was very hungry. If I am hungry, I’ll be able to eat something anytime, but I couldn’t eat yesterday. Therefore, I could understand the poor people’s feelings. I think that I’m very happy because I can eat anytime, I can do anything. But many people, all over the world can’t get enough to eat. Many children die from hunger.
I studied Ramadan in junior high school, but I didn’t understand what Ramadan means. However, I joined the Ramadan workshop and visited the Mosque. I could understand very much. It was a good opportunity for me. I’m thinking now what can I do for the poor people.
Thanks
Yuri Kuwabara
Japan
It exceeded my expectations ! The food was great and the tour of the Mosque was informative.
Feras
Saudi Arabia
How wonderful it was when I saw the girls start eating. They were really hungry and they looked beautiful when the were wearing hejab. So….. It was a really good experience for them and they were really kind. Thanks
Ghofran
Saudi Arabia
It was a very interesting night, I like to learn about other cultures and customs and this was a good opportunity for it. All the people were so friendly and the food was really good. Thanks!
America Holdene
Mexico
I thoroughly enjoyed the Ramadan challenge activity. The presentation done by Feras the day before was very informative and interesting. At the mosque, everybody was so friendly and the meal was delicious. Thank you LI for an amazing cultural experience.
Ana Neves
Brazil
What a remarkable experience! The generosity of the community was awesome. Great experience for all those involved and opportunity to try something new and challenging
Isaac
New Zealand
Once again thank you to all the students, staff and volunteers involved. The Ramadan Challenge was a unique and humbling experience!
