Through an exciting new partnership, UOW College Australia has partnered with Otaru University of Commerce in Hokkaido to launch a Gap Year program for Japanese students
The Gap Year program is designed to provide selected Otaru students with the opportunity to study in Australia, focusing on English language studies and academic subjects within the business discipline.
“Living in Australia and studying at UOW College has been an unforgettable experience. I’ve not only improved my English but also learned about a new culture,” said Momoko.
When the students began their studies at UOW College on the main University of Wollongong campus in Australia, they started with an intensive English Program before studying two subjects from the Diploma of Business: Introduction to Management and Marketing Principles. Following the completion of their business subjects, they returned to full-time English studies for the final six weeks of their program before returning to Japan in early November.
“My English has improved so much, and I feel more confident,” says Yui.
Throughout their stay in Wollongong, Australia the students lived with local homestay families, immersing themselves in Australian culture, community life and the English language.
“My homestay family made me feel welcome and loved. They helped me to live in Australia, and their support made my studies easier,” says Yui.
“Wollongong is beautiful and fun. Everyone at UOW College is so supportive, and nice.” says Yuma
Both UOW College and Otaru University of Commerce are proud of the students’ achievements and look forward to seeing them thrive in their future academic endeavours.
“I’m happy and sad too, to go back home, but I’ll always remember my time in Australia,” says Momoko.
This collaboration began in 2021, during the height of the Covid Pandemic, when students from Otaru University of Commerce first participated in a Virtual Study Tour Program with UOW College, establishing a strong foundation for future initiatives.
“We are incredibly proud of this collaboration between our institutions and the opportunities it creates for students to come to Australia, learn English, deepen their academic studies, and experience life in a different country," Felix Lanceley, General Manager, UOW College.
Building on this relationship, UOW College General Manager Felix Lanceley visited Otaru University of Commerce. The visit culminated in an agreement to host students for an in-person Gap Year program, and in April 2024, we were fortunate to welcome the first participants.
As we celebrate the success of our first cohort, UOW College is eager to continue our collaboration with Otaru University of Commerce and looks forward to welcoming many more students to our campus in the future.