Cultural Experiences

Japan Study Tour

On behalf of the 2017 Japan Study Tour group, we can honestly say that our trip was an incredible experience that none of us will ever forget. We experienced so many amazing activities and wonderful moments that not only were enjoyable, but also brought us closer together as a whole group. The Study Tour allowed us to experience many different aspects of Japan.

We spent our first week in Tokyo, exploring modern Japan. We visited the man-made island of Odaiba, where we visited the Miraikan, a museum that makes us question how much technology will impact our future, as well as seeing the massive Gundam statue and exploring Akihabara at night. We also spent a day in Harajuku, the trendiest area in Tokyo, and Shibuya, the location of the famous scramble crossing.

Our first taste of a different type of Japan was Mobara, Salisbury’s sister city, where we spent the day at Mobara Elementary School. The incredible welcome we received from the students and staff was complete with a marching band and flowers. Another highlight of our trip was our day at Disneyland. We had the best time of our lives going on the rides and spending our hard earned money at the souvenir shops. Our last day in Tokyo was spent in Asakusa, visiting the oldest temple in the city, Senso-Ji, as well as Tokyo Skytree, where we viewed the metropolis from over 350 metres high.

After spending a week in Tokyo, we slowed down by visiting Kanazawa. We went to the beautiful Kenrokuen Garden, ate gold leaf icecream, and met two tour guides who showed us some incredible places in their city, such as the ninja and geisha districts. After this, we visited Tokyo’s former capital, Kyoto. Some of us were lucky enough to dress up in kimono when we visited Kiyomizu-dera. We also visited Arashiyama, the famous bamboo forest and Kinkakuji, the gold leaf covered temple. During our time in Kyoto we also visited Nara which is famous for the deer that inhabit Nara Park.

Another major highlight of the trip was visiting Hiroshima. We visited the Peace Memorial Museum and learnt more about the tragic events that took place. We also got the opportunity to speak with a survivor of the bombing, and listening to her share her story was a sad but very moving experience. Getting to place 1,000 cranes on behalf of Endeavour College and ring the peace bell at the Children’s Memorial was an incredible honour.

For many, the major highlight was our homestay with a student from Sundai Kofu High School. My host family did their absolute best to make me feel as welcome and comfortable as they possibly could. On our days that we got to spend with our family, I was taken to Fuji-Q Highland Amusement Park and got to ride some of the fastest and scariest roller coasters in the world, and on the second day I was taken shopping. Spending time with my host family was a great chance for me to practice some of the Japanese that I have been learning and I also got to try lots of new and exciting foods. Getting to see what daily life at home and at school in Japan was like, was a fun and interesting experience.

Travelling together for three weeks gave all of us the opportunity to get to know each other and form new friendships. One of the most positive experiences on the trip was getting to know the people around us, having a chat and a laugh and experiencing a whole new and exciting country with them. From this opportunity, we have not only experienced a whole new country and learnt so many things about the language and culture, but we are also walking away with a new set of friends.

Overall, our three week fun-filled adventure travelling around the amazing country of Japan was an excellent chance to make new friends, step outside of our comfort zone, learn something new every day, and experience another culture firsthand.

Sophie Green and Kira Howell

Japan Study Tour participants

Host Families Needed 2018

Japanese Exchange Program March 2018

We are excited to confirm that students from Sundai Kofu Junior High School in Japan will be coming to visit Endeavour in March next year. We have hosted students from this school for the past two years and students and families have really enjoyed this special experience. Many of our students who participated in the Japan Study Tour this year were able to stay with their host student, and most considered this the highlight of their time in Japan!

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 2018. We are asking Endeavour families to consider hosting a student from Japan, even if your child does not study Japanese. Here is some feedback from families:

“Give it a go. It is a very worthwhile experience that helps you become aware of things you weren't before. It's always nice to have more company for your other children; it teaches them to think of others besides themselves. It also gives you a chance to spend more time with your own children going out to places.”

“It gave both students an opportunity to learn more about each other’s culture. Our student was able to join in soccer training as well as play a soccer match and this gave her the opportunity to feel what it is like to be part of a sporting team in Australia. It has given my child a feel for what it would be like for her to be an exchange student if she gets the opportunity to travel to Japan and some of the challenges that she may face. They are now continuing their friendship via social media and hopefully this will be a life-long friendship.”

For Endeavour College students who wish to participate in future Japan Study Tours, hosting a student from Japan in any year prior to departure is a requirement for selection.

An allowance is offered to contribute towards the cost of hosting. Application forms to indicate your interest are available from Katsikitis-sensei or from Student Services, and need to be returned by Friday 18 November. Alternatively please email lisa.katsikitis@endeavour.sa.edu.au or call 8368 3311 if you have any questions.

Lisa Katsikitis

Languages Learning Leader