Languages - Exchange Students

Exchange Students

During Term 3, St. Peter’s College Cranbourne has been very lucky to host two exchange students from our Sister School, Sapporo Seishu High School. Yuka Kato and Moeka Shima have become part of our College community while embracing life in Australia. They have particularly enjoyed assisting Year 12 students with preparations for their oral exam in October and accompanying the Year 10 Japanese class on their excursion to Melbourne city. We hope the students enjoy the rest of their memorable stay and are grateful for the opportunity to extend our international relationship with Japan.

MY EXPERIENCE IN AUSTRALIA

"Waking up actually looking forward to school.

Doing stupid stuff with friends and dying from laughter.

Seeing buildings like movie sets.

 Being asked about my American accent.

Learning something new every day,

And… finding everything unique and beautiful.

There are so many things that I’m going to miss when I leave. This 10 week experience has changed so many aspects of my life. Learning doesn’t always have to be memorizing for tests; it could be something interesting if you try to think of your own opinion rather than just listening and assuming the teacher’s right. Pushing yourself is scary but sometimes necessary. The Japanese education system is terrible and should be improved. So many things that I wouldn’t have realised if I didn’t come here. Not to mention, I met so many kind-hearted, sweet goofball friends that I’m going to miss like crazy. So basically what I wanted to state is that I’ve enjoyed every second here, and I’m devastated to leave. But I have to. So I’ll go, bringing all of these memories and feelings with me. And I’ll come back someday, hopefully, being a bigger, better version of myself."

- Yuka Kato

AUSTRALIA

"I have been in Australia for over two months. During this time, I particularly enjoy going to church on Sundays with my host family. The people in church always talk to me and they are nice to me. On Father’s Day, their children were singing and dancing to give thanks for their fathers. I cried at that time, I don’t know why, they were so cute and I was just impressed. I looked at my host sister, Trinity, while I was crying. She was also crying. And I also looked at her sister, Cadence, she was eating an apple.  And seeing that made me burst into laughter because we were in our own world. I felt feelings that I’ve never felt before. Last Saturday, I went to Phillip Island with my host family, and I ate fish and chips for the first time on the beach. It was really yummy and also the view from there was pretty beautiful. I went to an attraction called The Nobbies, it was incredible, I really like that spot. At the Penguin Parade, I watched penguins walking. They were so cute. I saw the Milky Way for the first time and it was breathtaking. In Japan, I can’t see wild penguins, so I enjoyed seeing them. If I can get a chance, I’d like to go there again. I will never forget memories with my host family."

- Moeka Shima

Ms Natasha McKenzie

Languages Coach