British Hills Experience- Christmas 2024

What a difference a year makes. Last year, faintly a snowflake dropped at British Hills but this year snowflakes tumbled and twirled from the sky, creating a dazzling scene that carpeted everything and everywhere to the joy of all eleven students that attended our annual English language study excursion to British Hills, high atop the mountains in Fukushima Prefecture from December 26th to December 28th. The students spent three days and two magical nights learning card magic, playing a bit of snooker, saving an egg from a certain demise by building a protective casing and dropping it from a staircase, and making scones from scratch. In the evenings after a lavish buffet dinner in the refectory, students were free to explore the Manor House with their Explore worksheets, and upon completing them, receive a special prize at the reception desk. There was also socializing in the Ballroom with British Hills teachers doing an interactive activity, or some choose a night cap of badminton in the gymnasium.

 The Ascot Tea Room and the Falstaff Pub were must-dos on many of the students’ agenda during free time on the second afternoon. For most of them it was their first experience of afternoon tea, a light meal taken in the afternoon, traditionally consisting of tea to drink with sandwiches, cakes, and scones. This was after indulging in some English soul food, fish and chips at Falstaff Pub for lunch. By the second day, students had become accustomed to wearing their Harry Potter cloaks drizzled with the offerings of a of blowing snowstorm, turning yesterday’s sunshine and clear roads into a distant memory. By the time the students made their way from afternoon classes at the Barracks far from the comforts of their rooms, British Hills had turned into a true winter wonderland. Students gleamed with excitement and satisfaction after accomplishing their science experiment mission guided by the skilled hand of a former English math teacher.

The last day had come and scone making was the task at hand. Students enthusiastically learned how simple and easy it is to make one of these delicious treats. Students even made enough to bring some home to their family to share.

Sadly, it was time to head back home and leave the comforts of this winter wonderland locked in the mountains of Fukushima for the snowless roads of Saitama. Back in Saitama, we hope this experience sets the stage for more challenges and unleashes an inquisitiveness to explore more language learning. British Hills 2024 undoubtedly will be a launching pad for these students to speak to the world, and to communicate with the world.