2017 Japanese Outbound Exchange Program

As we begin 2018, we welcome senior students Austin Beasley and Tamika Cheney back to Pacific. Austin and Tamika attended our sister school in Japan, Seishin Gakuen, for a one term exchange in Term 4 last year. Both students have reflected on their experience below.

“My time in Japan was an unforgettable experience. Every day was full of amazing things to learn and people to meet. I am now proud to call myself an international citizen. The people who I stayed with and the friends I made were amazing and kind. Even though there were times when we couldn’t understand each other, we would always eventually come to an acceptance. School life in Japan was very different for me coming from an Australian school. There are so many afterschool activities including Japanese archery, Kung-Fu, music, tennis and tea-making. Japan has so many things to see and do. My time visiting Tokyo and the Tokyo Sky Tree was fantastic. Visiting Asakusa and its iconic ‘Thunder Gate’ was breathtaking. I will never forget my trip to Japan and I would highly recommend it. It’s a life changing experience that you will never regret.” – Austin Beasley

“During my stay in Japan, I learnt many different things that didn’t all relate to the language. I built lifelong relationships that I will keep forever. I grew my outlook on life and how I viewed myself. I also became a more responsible person as I had to do many things for myself. I experienced tremendous growth in so many aspects of my life. I had many friends at school and before I attended Seishin, I noticed that at lunch times, the boys and girls were segregated. Eventually however, everyone sat together and began having fun. I feel I was able to bring in a bit of ‘PLC’ to Seishin. My Seishin friends now show more of an interest in the English subject and as my Japanese improved, I noticed that their English became so much better also. We all became a team and helped each other throughout my stay. I was sad to leave Japan and my new friends, however, I still video call my best friends and I have made friendships I will keep forever. I highly recommend this exchange to anyone who chooses to study Japanese. You grow, see and do amazing new things, bond with a different culture and learn to understand one another.” – Tamika Cheney

The Outbound Exchange program is open to Year 10 students studying Japanese. Information about the program will be distributed later this term.

Mrs Michiko Hauser, Head of Japanese 6-12