Cultural Experiences

Global Connections and Taking Risks

I was fortunate to travel to Japan in the recent holidays with Lisa Katsititis to formulate a sister school arrangement with Sundai Kofu High School in Kofu, two hours from Tokyo.  Sundai Kofu families will host our students in September this year when we have our inaugural Japanese Tour.

Lisa and I were hosted by the Chair of their Global Education Committee whose aim is to encourage students to think about the world and work with people from other countries and cultures to make it a better place.  To achieve this aim, they are focused on providing exchanges and home stays to assist in the student’s language development.  The school is a beautiful school set on two campuses  where all students learn English from their primary years and throughout their secondary education.  We were warmly welcomed and enjoyed meeting the staff, visiting students in class and even visiting families in their homes. Our students travelling to Japan later this year will greatly benefit from the time they will be hosted by Sundai Kofu families.  Strengthening their language skills, and living with a family is a wonderful and enriching learning experience that few people are privileged to experience. 

Endeavour College will also host Sundai Kofu students here in March this year.  These students are looking to experience life in an authentic Australian home, which is very different to their homes.  They are excited by the opportunity to travel here and experience a new country and develop their English skills.  We are still looking for families to host these students, and I urge you to consider hosting one, and giving them a taste of Australia and our culture!  Take a risk and enjoy the wonderful benefits this experience will bring you and your family.

Heather Vogt

Principal

Host Families Need

Japanese Exchange Program March 2017

We are in urgent need of a few more families to host a student from Sundai Kofu Junior High School. Male and female students aged between 14 to 15 years of age will be arriving on Tuesday 14 March and departing on Sunday 26 March 2017 – that’s in Week 7 and 8 of this term.

We are asking Endeavour families to consider hosting a student, even if your child does not study Japanese. Exchange programs like this are not only beneficial to language learners, but they help to develop intercultural awareness and understanding. It is a great opportunity to build friendships and networks with people from the other side of the world.

An allowance is offered to contribute towards the cost of hosting. Exchange students do not need their own room – a mattress on the floor is fine! Application forms are available from Katsikitis-sensei or from Student Services, and need to be returned as soon as possible. Alternatively please email lisa.katsikitis@endeavour.sa.edu.au or call 8368 3311 if you have any questions.