Emiko Yukawa

Emiko is now taking A levels at d'Overbroeck's Sixth Form, having studied on the GCSE Programme 2008-9

Why did you choose to study in the UK?

English has been my favourite subject since I was 14, because I love to learn languages.

I went on a summer course when I was 16 and it made me want to study more seriously. I strongly felt that the way of teaching in England is more suitable for me. Europe was very attractive for me because there is a huge cultural difference between Japan and countries in Europe. I was interested in other cultures and relationships.

What is a typical day like?

I studied a lot of subjects this year so I had many classes in a week: three in the morning and two after lunch. Each class lasts 75 minutes and there is a break time between second and third lesson.

In the afternoon, twice a week, we have activities after class, where we do either a sport or a club like Dance, Cooking, Drama or Arts and Crafts. When the school day finishes early, I often go to the Oxford city centre with my friends to have a cup of tea and chat.

The teachers give us a lot of homework every day. I try to finish my homework before supper in about 2 hours. There is then enough free time to spend on our hobbies such as dance, music and relaxing which is much better than school life in Japan! I can read a book or newspaper after supper with a cup of tea which is my favourite relaxation technique. It depends on the day but I usually go to bed before 11.

Which lessons do you enjoy most, and why?

Every subject is a pleasure to learn but particularly I adore History and Geography classes.

The teacher is great in our History class because he knows a lot of extra stories which relate to the facts. Everybody is enthusiastic and interested in the class so every single lesson is enjoyable. I can say that all of my classmates liked the History classes.

Geography classes were very different from the Japanese style of teaching – so, at first, it was shocking for me. In Japan, the teacher always writes important notes on the board and we copy them. However, we don't write a lot notes in our Geography class; instead we discuss and learn about physical and human geography. Both subjects were very different from the classes in Japan so I particularly enjoyed these two.

What do you do at the weekend?

Normally, I go out with my friends at the weekend. There is a lot of free time so I watch films or go shopping. Our school is very close to the Oxford city centre so it is quite easy to go there, so I meet a lot of my friends there.

Normally I have supper in my host family, but once a fortnight I eat dinner out at a restaurant with my friends. We try to taste different type of food, for example, Italian, Thai, Chinese or French.

When there is a weekend trip organised by the school to a place of interest like Stratford-Upon-Avon, London, or Bath, I always join in.

What sort of activities do you take part in?

Dance is my favourite sport so I joined the school dance club at the beginning of this year. There were dance shows in Oxford city and our club performed in them so we practiced every week. It was my first time representing d'Overbroeck's, and these special memories of the displays will stay in my mind forever.

By taking part in clubs, I can make friends who are in the d'Overbroeck's Sixth Form so it is also a very good chance to talk to them.

We also did a pantomime at Christmas. Everyone had their role and practised for it – which really helped our English and our confidence. It was great fun and everyone had to work well together and by doing this we made fantastic memories!

At the end of the second term, one of our Citizenship groups organised an International Arts Festival and for that, we did Cooking, Drama, Dance and Arts and Crafts clubs. I also participated in extra activities run by our teachers like Punting, Quizzes, Longridge Outdoor Centre (Rafting, Bell boating and Climbing), Fireworks Party, Halloween Party, Baking, Picnics and Rounders. I gained so much from these events: I learned about British culture and mixed much more with other people at the GCSE programme rather than just staying with my friends.

How have you changed since becoming a border in the UK?

I strongly believe that d'Overbroeck's has changed me a lot. Since I came here, I have become more sociable and optimistic. My friends are now from all over the world and it is fantastic and a great pleasure. I have more time on my own here, so this means I have learned to manage it much better.

I'm also more interested in international news, and my opinion of other countries has changed a lot. I am more open minded and sensitive to cultural differences.