International Studies

Kandai Hokuyo Study Tour Visit: August 2026

Aberfoyle Park High School was delighted to host 17 students from Kandai Hokuyo High School, together with 17 APHS ambassadors, for a memorable week of cultural exchange and new friendships between 1 and 9 August.

During their stay, the group enjoyed an array of Adelaide experiences, including a city excursion with visits to the university campus, South Australian Museum, Art Gallery, and Central Market. 

The tour explored the natural beauty of the Adelaide Hills, making stops at Mt Lofty Summit, Cleland Wildlife Park, and the historic town of Hahndorf.

Participants enjoyed a variety of special lessons, including Anzac biscuit making, a First Nations cultural lesson, and an opportunity to join a Japanese senior class. The week concluded with a farewell party, featuring classic Australian activities, dancing, and a wonderful celebration of cultural exchange.

Our host families also gave the visiting students a true taste of Australian life, organising beach outings and traditional barbeques. The Japanese students were especially impressed by the stunning coastline and delicious local food.

The Study Tour was a resounding success and a memorable experience for all involved. Thank you to the Host Families, students and staff who made this visit possible.

Article by Kayoko Mino | Languages Coordinator | ISP Manager

First-Time Hosting Experience – A Wonderful Journey

Have you ever wondered what it is like to host an international student? The Crawford family recently took part in our Japanese student hosting program for the very first time and kindly shared their reflections:

“This was our family’s first time hosting a Japanese student, and it was the most amazing experience for everyone. 

The communication with the school was excellent and really put our minds at ease from start to finish. The student we were placed with, Sakurako, was a perfect fit for our family. 

We learnt so much from her, and she fell in love with Adelaide too. We would definitely host again in the future!” – The Crawford Family

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Crawford family for opening their home and hearts, and to everyone involved in making international student hosting a rewarding experience for all.

Article by the Crawford Family | Homestay Family

Thinking of Hosting an International Student? Read the Sifa Family's Story

We truly value the feedback from our host families about their experiences. The Sifa Family, who recently hosted Ryunosuke from Japan, shared this heart-warming message:

“We cannot recommend being a host family enough. We had such a rewarding and enjoyable time with our home stay student. 

We miss Ryunosuke very much already! We learnt a lot about Japanese culture and were able to share many things about Australia. 

We are already looking forward to hosting again in the future.” – Sifa Family

Becoming a host family offers a unique opportunity to build lifelong connections and broaden your cultural understanding. If you are thinking about hosting, the Sifa Family’s experience is a great example of the rewards and lasting memories that come with welcoming an international student into your home.

Article by The Sifa Family | Homestay Family

Welcoming Kanna Inoue – A Memorable Homestay Experience

We were delighted to welcome Kanna Inoue from Osaka, Japan, into our home and share a slice of Adelaide and Australian life with her.

Our time together was filled with memorable moments, from celebrating a family birthday, feeding kangaroos and meeting koalas, to discovering the excitement of the UGG shop, sampling Aussie snacks, and enjoying plenty of shopping. We even found ourselves on an unexpected adventure when we got a little lost along the coast.

One of our favourite days was walking the Witton Bluff Trail and showing Kanna the stunning beauty of our coastline. No Australian experience would be complete without a few lessons in Aussie slang, and Kanna took to it with great enthusiasm!

Having Kanna become part of our family, even for a short while, was truly special. We hope she returns home with fond memories of Adelaide—as we certainly have many wonderful memories of her time with us.

Article by the Arbuckle Family | Homestay Family

Spanish Immersion Day at Flinders University

On Friday 21 August, our Year 9 and 10 Spanish students were invited to attend a Spanish Immersion Day at Flinders University. Students joined others from across South Australia for a range of interactive language and cultural activities, quizzes and challenges.

A highlight was hearing from a former Spanish student who shared her experience of studying Spanish in Years 11 and 12 before spending six months in Spain as an English teacher assistant. Her story provided students with an inspiring insight into the opportunities that learning a language can create.

Our students represented the school wonderfully, participating in challenges en español and demonstrating their knowledge of geography, music and celebrities. They also enjoyed some Latin-style dancing and tasting delicious Spanish snacks.

¡Qué excelente día!

Article by Simon Bell | Spanish Teacher