Radford farewells Japanese exchange students

By Michele Sharp, Head of Languages

Radford has a long history of reciprocal long exchange programs with our sister schools. This term, we welcomed two students from Konko Gakuen School, Japan on this program. The Japanese students were hosted by Year 12 students Theo and Arabella, who spent the previous summer holidays at Konko Gakuen living with a host family and studying at the school.

The Japanese long exchange is a six-week immersion opportunity that languages students can apply for at the end of Year 11. It is a reciprocal program, meaning those who participate must be willing to host a student in return. We have a similar opportunity for French students, and three students will be travelling to France at the end of this year to undertake this wonderful immersion opportunity.

The aim of the program is to:

• Gain first-hand insight into other cultures to develop a tolerance, understanding and respect for different ways of life and different values.
• Improve foreign language skills through the practical use of the language in a native-speaking country.
• Widen perspectives and social experience.
• Gain experience as a host to an overseas visitor at home and school.

We are thankful to the schools we have relationships with and the host families who ensure the continued success of this very beneficial exchange. Below are reflections from the visiting Japanese students on life and school in Australia.

Kaho Namba

When I welcomed two students from Radford in the past, I learned about some differences between Japan and Australia, but there are several differences that I was surprised to learn about when I actually came here.

I was most surprised by the classes. In Japan, everyone must face forward and copy everything the teacher writes on the blackboard into their notebooks and memorise it. Students are only allowed to speak when the teacher asks a question during class. In Australia, several students sat at one desk facing each other and exchanged opinions with their friends during class. They asked the teacher questions when they had doubts. They seemed to be learning on their own.

I was also worried about whether I would make friends as not all of my subjects were with my classmates like in Japan, with students changing between subjects. However, I became friends with the students I ate with during lunch breaks and even the students in my classes talked to me, which made me very happy.

My host family was very important to me. I was not confident in my English and nervous at first, so even though I could answer, I could not express my opinions in my own words. However, I was very happy when my host family told me that they could understand me and that my English had improved since I arrived.

For me, this sister-school exchange was a very valuable time, even though it was only for a month. I think that coming into contact with people from other countries and learning about other cultures has become a source of hope for me. I will never forget what I experienced at Radford. Thank you so much, everyone.

Daiki Miyamoto

First of all, I was surprised at the school building style. My school has one large building with four floors, and we have most of our classes in one classroom, so I wasn't used to moving to a different classroom for each class. I was surprised at the style of class as well. The difference between my school and this school is that you have recess, flex and there is more time to spare. I think this style is much better than ours because I felt more comfortable.

Many students treated me kindly. Particularly, my host brother's friends. Talking with them was the most fun thing for me. Some students spoke to me in Japanese, which was very helpful. And we could teach each other Japanese and English. What particularly sticks in my mind is Japanese class. It was interesting for me to learn Japanese with foreigners and know how they learn Japanese.

I enjoyed time with my host family as well. They are so kind, and they often asked me if I needed help, which was so helpful for me. They also took me many places where I had great experiences. I'm amazed by the stars in the night sky. I saw them from my host family's farm and I'll never forget that landscape.

I had a great experience. It will be very helpful for my future. Thank you so much everyone!