Japanese language exchange

By Ms Michele Sharp, Head of Languages

During the school holidays, Ms Lisa Bourne and I travelled with a group of Year 10 Japanese language students to visit our sister school, Konko Gakuen, in Okayama, Japan. It was Radford College’s fifth visit to the school and our largest contingent yet.

We experienced Japanese 'Omotenashi' (the spirit of hospitality), and I was pleased to see our students putting their classroom learning into action by making the most of every opportunity to speak Japanese. My thanks go to our kind host families and the staff at Konko Gakuen, who developed a program offering rich cultural experiences and language-speaking opportunities. I hope you enjoy reading the reflection below by Year 10 student, Methmal.

Student reflection

During our recent trip to Japan, we had the incredible opportunity to experience the country’s unique culture, history and hospitality firsthand. Our journey began in Okayama, where we stayed with host families and attended Konko Gakuen High School. We joined club activities, enjoyed delicious school lunches lovingly prepared by our host families, and had the opportunity to practise our Japanese language skills every day. This homestay was a valuable cultural exchange, helping us gain confidence in communication and a deeper appreciation for Japanese school life.

Next, we travelled to Kyoto, a city rich in heritage and tradition. Visiting its stunning temples and shrines gave us insight into Japan’s long and fascinating history and architectural talent. We also had plenty of fun at Universal Studios Japan and the Osaka World Expo, where we experienced the modern and playful side of Japanese culture.

Our stay in Takayama was especially memorable. We lodged at a cosy country inn run by a kind elderly couple, where we enjoyed homemade meals and learnt about rural Japanese lifestyles. It was a special bonding experience that highlighted the warmth and generosity of our hosts.

Tokyo is a city full of energy and excitement. We explored its bustling streets, sampled amazing food and experienced the thrill of shopping in one of the world’s busiest cities.

Overall, the trip was an unforgettable educational experience, deepening our understanding of Japan’s culture, language and way of life.