International Studies
Interested in hosting an international student?
Aberfoyle Park High School hosts 1 to 2 study tours per year. If you are interested in hosting a study tour student from Japan, please contact Ms Kim Wade by email at Kim.Wade540@schools.sa.edu.au for a host family application pack.
Please see below article written by one of our regular host families.
Hosting an exchange student opens the door to another world.
From surfing at Aldinga Beach to skiing at Appikogen, hosting an exchange student from Japan opened the door to unique experiences, cultural insights and lasting connections.
For two weeks in March 2025, Kotaro was part of our family, joining our daily life and sharing his world with our household. Polite, easy-going and tidy, Kotaro was happy to try any adventure that came his way. That included eating everything we served him (except cucumber), sleeping in our renovated shed, joining me at Parkrun, and even having a go at surfing.
While the language barrier was sometimes tricky, we managed to communicate well enough and there were plenty of laughs. One thing quickly became clear - Kotaro likes to ski and so do we. So when we planned a trip to Japan in January this year, we decided to visit Morioka and the nearby ski field at Appikogen on Kotaro’s recommendation.
Kotaro’s family were exceptionally welcoming. They went out of their way to take us out to dinner and Kotaro’s mum, Michiyo, brought a whole bag of gifts for us. Kotaro and two of his friends (who had also been on exchange in South Australia) joined us on the ski fields. The Aussie and Japanese boys had a great day together on the slopes.
Hosting a student helped us gain a deeper understanding of Japan, taking us to places we never would have gone. We’re now looking forward to hosting Kotaro’s younger brother, who is coming to Aberfoyle on this year’s exchange.
Article by Ynys, parent of APHS student.
Morioka Study Tour: An enriching cross-cultural experience
From 14 to 22 March, Aberfoyle Park High School was delighted to host 13 students from Morioka, Japan, as part of our ongoing commitment to international understanding and cultural exchange.
This memorable visit provided a wonderful opportunity for both our students and our guests to learn from one another, build meaningful connections and share in new experiences.
A key highlight of the program was the homestay component. Our Japanese visitors stayed with local families, allowing them to immerse themselves in everyday Australian life and gain valuable insights into our culture and community. Throughout their stay, the students participated in a wide range of classroom activities and lessons across multiple subject areas.
Working alongside our International Ambassadors, they formed new friendships and participated in projects that promoted cross-cultural understanding.
The week was filled with engaging learning opportunities, laughter, and memorable moments. It was a rewarding experience for everyone involved, and we are extremely grateful to our host families, staff, and students whose contributions made this visit a great success.
Thank you to everyone who supported and participated in the Morioka Study Tour. Together, we continue to strengthen our international relationships and enrich the educational experiences of all students at Aberfoyle Park High School.