From July 21 to July 22, our Junior High School Grade 7 English Camp was held at the Ritsumeikan University Biwako-Kusatsu Campus (BKC).

During the two-day program, students participated in a variety of activities in English alongside seven international student volunteers (Senior Buddies) from Bangladesh, Benin, the Dominican Republic, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, the Philippines, and the United States.

On the first day, students introduced themselves to their Senior Buddies and learned about their home countries, including greetings, traditional foods, and cultural customs, through questions and interactive activities. Each team also designed and presented its own team flag, providing a wonderful opportunity for students to bond with their teammates and enjoy working together.

By the second day, students had become much more confident in using English and actively communicated throughout a variety of games and activities. As the final task, each team gave a presentation about its Senior Buddy's home country. Students were encouraged to choose their own presentation style, and some groups delivered their presentations as interviews or short skits, showcasing their creativity and unique team spirit.

For many students, this was their first overnight school program since entering Ritsumeikan Uji Junior High School. Living and learning together gave them the opportunity to build friendships with classmates they had not previously interacted with, making these two days especially meaningful. Using English in authentic situations also allowed students to experience the excitement of communicating with people from different countries and cultures. We hope this valuable experience will inspire them to continue developing as future global leaders.