Our Okinawa Branch is Almost Ready!
Okinawa Building
With only one week left until the opening of our new Japanese school in Okinawa, preparations are proceeding at a furious pace to make sure that everything is perfect for the arrival of our first students on June 16th. Teachers are practising their whiteboard calligraphy skills, reception staff are anticipating every potential question students might have, and our accommodation coordinator is investigating how to make your stay even more comfortable.
We’re particularly excited to begin offering Okinawan cultural experiences and marine activities, as this is something new for us and for our students! Our culture coordinator has prepared some really exciting programs, including traditional coral dyeing, Sanshin music playing, glass blowing, and making clay “shisa” dogs. And staff are busy testing the marine activities we’ll arrange for students, such as kayaking and snorkelling, making sure they’re up to the high quality we expect at Genki, and help you to experience the best that Okinawa has to offer.
Our wonderful homestay partner, Homestay In Japan has worked hard to build up a portfolio of Japanese families who are excited to open their homes to Genki students from around the world. And the private residence we work with isn’t just for students – staff stay there too when visiting Okinawa!
Our Okinawa head teacher Sakumi-sensei (who some of you may know!) says “のんびりとした雰囲気の沖縄で元気の学生たちといっしょに勉強できるのを楽しみにしています！” (“I can’t wait to study with Genki students in the relaxed Okinawa atmosphere!”)
The Okinawa rainy season has come a whopping 12 days later than usual this year, meaning it might end up overlapping a bit with the opening of the school. Fingers crossed for more of that wonderful Okinawa sun, but even when it rains, it’s still lovely and warm.
The opening of a new school is like the birth of a new baby – there is sure to be a lot of crying and sleepless nights (not sure this metaphor holds up), but in the end something beautiful has been created, and will bring joy to lots of people as it grows (nailed it!). We can’t wait to show off our latest baby to all of you, and we know you’ll love it just as much as we already do. See you on the beach!
