Japan Study Tour
Being able to travel to Japan for fourteen days for the second time with Strathmore was really special to me. This study tour not only allowed me to see more of Japan in person, but put what we learn in the classroom to the test out in the real world. Travelling to Kyoto, Hiroshima and Osaka allowed us to learn more about Japanese customs, traditions and life in its biggest cities, but what was most special for me was visiting Akaigawa. Having the opportunity to stay with families in the community was a really great experience, and visiting our sister schools to learn, understand and immerse ourselves with their regular school life was really fun. We all made friends with the students at their schools, played games, shared stories and laughed about the funny differences in our ways of life. This time in Akaigawa really strengthened Strathmore's relationship with them, although I as well as the other year 12s graduate this year, Strathmore's relationship with Akaigawa will continue for many years to come, and I am happy that so many more students in the future will be able to enjoy what I consider the best part of high school, and what always makes learning a second language worth it.
As a student with an invisible disability, travelling accompanied with the most open minded, flexible and resourceful teachers Strathmore has was really reassuring. Shimizu Sensei, Maia Sensei as well as Sue Sensei were not only constantly checking up on me to make sure that my additional needs were covered for no matter where we were, they made sure that every student, no matter their circumstances and required additional accommodations, was able to have the absolute best experience they could both when sightseeing and visiting Akaigawa. In addition, their ability to adapt, persevere and solve any unforeseen hiccups that arose on the trip proved most useful above everything else. And for that, I on the behalf of all other students on the trip, thank them so much for their tremendous efforts, and are grateful for their support and still providing me the opportunity to travel abroad and have the time of my life, even when requiring additional accommodations.
- Alex McNaught, Year 12
Over the course of the school holidays, we visited many places across Japan and made many memories in the process. From the beautiful shrines in Kyoto to the picturesque landscapes of Akaigawa, there was something for everyone to enjoy on the study tour. One of my favorite places we visited was an island in Hiroshima called Miyajima, which is famous for a floating Torii gate, as well as the many deer across the island! The deer there notoriously like to eat paper, and it was really funny watching them attack tourists for their maps. Another activity that many of us enjoyed was the guided tours by ‘Tad’ Tadashi and Takeshi. Both tour guides were extremely passionate and friendly, as well as fun to talk to. They felt less like tour guides and more like friends to us, which heightened the whole experience. When visiting the golden temple, Tadashi famously said “don’t eat ice cream in the garden, or I scream!” which we still quote to this day. What a funny guy.
Of course, the most important part of the trip was the 5-day homestay in Akaigawa. Here, everyone got to meet their host families and attend school, as well as go out on adventures with their host families on the weekend. My host dad Gen-san was very kind and, to our excitement, a very skilled cook. He prepared lots of delicious dishes with beautiful flavors that I'm still savoring long after the trip! My favorite part of the homestay was the night that we had a barbecue with lots of the other families, where we enjoyed delicacies like takoyaki (ball-shaped japanese snack) and yakitori (skewered chicken). The residents in the town are all very close with each other and it was so heartwarming to see everyone together enjoying good food and sharing stories with one another. Overall, the entire experience was something that I'll be sure to never forget; and I hope I can visit everyone again soon!
-Alexander Sartorello, Year 10
