Radford College has long standing relationships with sister schools around the world with which we do reciprocal exchanges. This not only enables Radford students to broaden their horizons through travel but provides them with a deeper understanding of the languages they are studying. They are also granted the opportunity to host foreign language students and to introduce them to the sights and sounds of Radford, Canberra and surrounds.

Two students who have taken part in the language exchanges – one a collegian and the other a Japanese student – have written to our Head of Languages, Ms Michele Sharp of their experiences and we're happy to share them here today.

Zara Imhoff

My name is Zara Imhoff, and I am from the graduating class of 2021. I studied French all the way through Secondary school.

In 2019 I had the amazing opportunity to go to France on a study exchange. I was matched with a French student, Mathilde and lived with her family for a week in Le Mans, west of Paris. Mathilde came to Australia the following year to stay with my family for a week. Once the exchange was over, we stayed in touch and have developed a strong friendship.

Last Christmas and New Years, my family and I travelled to Le Mans and stayed with Mathilde’s family for three nights. Both our families were happy to finally meet each other and got along very well. It is so amazing that Mathilde and I have become lifelong friends through this experience. While in France, I enjoyed practising my French and I am looking forward to seeing Mathilde’s family again in the near future!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mme Rhiannon Richards and Mme Di Lefebvre for providing me with this wonderful experience. If students are able to, I would encourage them to participate in a language exchange. It is definitely the opportunity of a lifetime.

Sara Shishido

I came to Australia earlier this year and gained many valuable experiences. For me, living here was a month of constantly coming into contact with various differences – both cultural differences and in school life.

The first thing that surprised me when I came to this school was the high level of enthusiasm of the students. I was very shocked to see them immediately speak up and share their questions and realisations in class. I was impressed by the lively atmosphere during discussions, where not a single person was left behind. In Japan, everyone is required to take designated subjects for a set number of hours, but I thought that a system like Radford, where students can choose subjects that they are interested in or good at, is very good for students.

Another thing that surprised me was that this school offers many languages and in class you can learn not only the language, but also the culture and traditions of each country. I felt that the students at this school are tolerant and accepting of diversity, and this learning has a big influence on them.

I was touched by the kindness of many people when I came to this school. At first, I was very nervous and anxious, but the students around me welcomed and accepted me. I was able to spend time listening to stories about Australia and talking about Japan. When I was alone, some students would ask me if I needed anything, and many teachers and students would say hello and show interest in Japan. Radford is a school full of really warm and wonderful people.

Canberra is a really beautiful city, rich in nature. I was instantly fascinated by the abundant greenery and large parrots that you don't see in Japan. I was also impressed by the various animals I encountered, such as kangaroos and wallabies, and at the same time, I felt that Canberra must be a wonderful environment for animals to live in.

My most enjoyable memory was the Canberra Show, because there are no travelling amusement parks in Japan. There were many tall and large attractions. I was a little scared, but I tried the tallest of them all, the spinning swings, which was about 40 metres high. The view of the Canberra Show from above was very impressive.

Studying abroad is sure to have a positive impact on your life. If you muster up the courage to take the plunge, you'll be greeted by amazing sights that you can't see where you are now.

And the reason my study abroad experience was so wonderful was because I was surrounded by the kindness of so many people, including my uncle’s family, who I stayed with while in Australia; my teachers at school; and my friends. This study abroad experience has become a treasure unlike any I've ever experienced. Thank you.