Year 11 student Ruby Taylor assisting another student with her English during her visit to Japan.
Year 10 student Ailish Flynn being welcomed by her host family, during the Newhaven College students visit to Japan in September.
Newhaven College students pictured with teachers and students from Ibaraki Christian Junior High School in Japan.
Newhaven College has had a long running association with Ibaraki Christian Junior High School in Honshu, Japan.
It started in 2000 and has been flourishing ever since. After a four-year hiatus, the College is delighted the relationship has been reignited.
Sixteen enthusiastic Year 10 and Year 11 students took the opportunity to visit Japan for two weeks in September. The Japan tour offers an opportunity to soak in Japanese culture as well as providing an opportunity to broaden Japanese language skills.
On arrival at the school in Ibaraki, the students were introduced to their host families who welcomed them into their homes.
Students were immersed in the Japanese way of life, including visiting onsen (hot springs), local sites and sampling traditional cuisine.
At school, Newhaven College students became involved with classes assisting with English lessons and mixing with the students.
One of the participants, Ruby Taylor said, I was absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to go on the Japan exchange tour .
It was incredible to learn and immerse myself in the Japanese lifestyle and schooling.
I made new friends at the Ibaraki Christian School and got closer to my existing friends from Newhaven College. This program is something I will never forget.
The students were accompanied by three Newhaven College teachers, Ms Mitsuko Horiguchi, Mr Sam Foura and Ms Alycia James.
Ms Horiguchi has been coordinating the tours for over 20 years.
It was wonderful to resume the Japanese Exchange program this year, reconnecting with our sister school and hosting Japanese students in July, followed by our visit to Japan in September, she said.
We are immensely proud of our students, who represented Newhaven College and Australia admirably while adapting to a new cultural environment and overcoming language barriers.
Through the exchange program, we believe our students have discovered new aspects of themselves and experienced personal growth. Spending time with our students and creating unforgettable memories together has been a joy.
The enriching experience brought together students from diverse backgrounds, fostering cross-cultural friendships and promoting mutual understanding.
It also provided a perfect opportunity for Newhaven College students studying Japanese to practice their language skills.
