2019 Japanese Exchange Week:

The Japanese exchange student program has been happening for 27 years, between Shiroi schools and Keilor downs college. When we all first met, we never would’ve thought how strong our relationships would become. After a very short visit to Australia, we made amazing relationships between each other and made the best of memories. The goodbyes at the end of their visit, were sad and teary. None of us will ever forget each other and we have all promised to stay in contact. We can’t wait to continue this tradition next year. When Keilor Downs College travels to Japan.

Elly: Saturday

Shortly after our first meeting, we went on our first excursion to Sovereign Hill. Although we were still a bit awkward, we bonded over the trip, reading aloud words of things we had previously learnt in Japanese or English. We went in the shops, examining the products displayed on the shelves. Both the hosting students and Japanese visitors left the shops in awe, amazed at the tiniest details of each souvenir. Despite the long walks, we had all fun exploring the history of Australia as well as improved our Japanese skills, familiarising with the ways native speakers express themselves. Even though there were some communication difficulties, we all, in the end, had the opportunity to experience one another’s culture and get to know them. Overall, the experience taught me that language barriers do not matter in attempts to friendship.

Bethannie: Monday

After a fun weekend, we all came back to school on Monday. But that day we weren’t staying at school. On Monday we all got a bus to Melbourne city. Our first stop being the famous Eureka SkyDeck. In the famous building, we took the high speed elevators to the Sky Deck level. When the girls walked up to the window, they all looked down at the small roads and people and took a step back saying かわい (SCARY). Then after walking around the sky deck, taking in the Melbourne City views, they went on to the edge walk. The glass box that extends out of the side of the building. As it extended out, over 80 stories high. The girls looked down at the frightening view, they all started hugging each other and squealing. After the edge walk, we all went downstairs to the gift shop. The girls bought they’re souvenirs and then we walked to federation square. There the teachers gave us $15 and we split into groups and went our way. Visiting Federation station, Swanston Street cuisine. Stopping at all the shops to take a look. Buying starbucks and bubble teas and waffles. The girls having a blast, buying gifts for their families and friends back in Japan. Experiencing Australian cuisine. With every mouthful they say

“おいしい” (delicious). Then we head back for federation square, to get on our bus and go back to school.

Sarah: Wednesday

The Japanese trip to Australia was a short but plentiful experience. With the many friendships made and the fun experiences, the goodbye was a sad and tearful experience. However, before the girls from Japan left, we took them to Watergardens for some last minute gift shopping and the last selections of souvenirs, the day lasted four hours but felt very short. As we shopped around, many fun and happy memories were made. Touring the shopping centre, we had many experiences where we would have to display English, and Japanese skills. Things such as ordering, asking if something was still in stock and even asking if the girl’s liked something or not all of a sudden became a task that both students would have to work around. The Japanese students though, really did aid our Japanese skills and will aid us in our language studies. I am very thankful for the student’s visit and will remember the girls forever!

We encourage everyone to host a Japanese student as it is a wonderful experience. And if you have the chance to visit Japan, don’t hesitate about going. Whether it’s hosting or travelling to Japan, it’s an incredible experience. And everyone should be able to enjoy the fun we had.

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