my first 2 weeks

Hello. I am Yuki Otsuka who is from Japan and take study abroad with English in INTO Newcastle University. This time, I will tell you my first two weeks in Newcastle.

19. April
After about 13 hours of flying, I finally arrived in Newcastle. At the same time, my precious 10 months was started. I had already decided I try to do everything as much as I can in this country without forgetting appreciation for the people who support me especially my parents.
I went to my host family from airport to my host family home by taxi and my host family welcomed me warmly. By my long flight and time differences (there is 8 hours between Japan and England) I was a little bit tired but I was relieved by them.

20. April
Today is the first day to go to Newcastle University in this time. To tell the truth, first I was surprised the number of Japanese students because they are more than I thought.
However most of them have decided not to use Japanese here, so I felt we can heighten each other. I also could make friends who are from other countries like China, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Taiwan etc… Then I took some guidance about entrance and joined a small welcome party.

22 April
Today I took guidance by police officer and fireman about what we should do in emergency. I could not understand clearly what they said because of my poor listening skill. However I did not have to worry about that because kind staffs explain again later if I could not hear. After guidance, I joined the small tour which was planned by INTO staffs and went to quay side which is one of the famous parts in this city. I could see many beautiful bridges there. (Periodically, there are small tours to go around England which are planned by INTO staffs)

24 April
Finally, I have gotten smart card which is student ID card. If we can show this, we can enjoy shopping with discounted price in a lot of shops in Newcastle.

25 April
Today I joined the INTO tour and went to Hardian’s wall and Hexham which is west side of Newcastle. I could see many traditional buildings, ruins and a church which is called Arebey. I could grasp the geography of Newcasle a little and study history of England a little

27 April
From today my classes was started. There are students from Syria, Saudi Arabia and China in my class. There is no Japanese except me but everybody is friendly and study hard to aim each purpose. I would like to help each other for our success from today. After classes I went to St. James Park which is home stadium of Newcastle United football club to watch the match with my friends. Unfortunately the game ended in a draw but I felt the edge and passion of players and supporters.


This is most of my first two weeks. After classes, I usually have a lunch with my friends and play them or go library to study, or go somewhere and in the night, I try to spend time with my host family like have a dinner, chat, watch TV programs or movies. I am having really nice time here but I have a lot of things to try here for my aim and I have not done yet. As I told first, I would like to try everything as much as possible in my Newcastle life.