In the mid-year holidays, the Languages Department kicked off the Language Tours again after a three-year hiatus. Finally, forty eight students could experience Japanese culture and put their language skills to use in everyday situations. This trip was made extra special as it commemorated the 10-year anniversary of the relationship with our Sister School in Hiroshima. The following are two accounts from Year 11 Japanese students, which they delivered at the assembly last week.
My name is Ishan, I'm a Year 11 student, and I've been studying Japanese since Year 7.
This year, Japanese students from Years 9 to 11 were allowed to go on a fantastic Japanese tour. I was keen to go since I had never been to Japan. I also wanted to practise my language skills and learn about Japan's traditions and culture.
During the tour, we went to various places. A few included Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Tokushima, and Hiroshima. We did many different activities at these places, from noodle-making classes to home staying with families in Hiroshima. My favourite activity had to be in Iya Valley, where we went white water rafting, which was a bit scary but fun overall.
I enjoyed the various activities, as they were fun and provided a different experience than my daily routine in Australia. The activities also allowed me to practise the language and experience the culture I learnt about at school.
Finally, some of the most memorable parts of the tour were that I made many new connections and friends and expanded my language skills and perspective on the world.
So, if anyone gets the chance to go on these tours, I recommend taking this great opportunity.
My name is Ramya. I'm also in Year 11 and have studied Japanese since Year 7. It has always been one of my favourite subjects.
I was very excited when we got to go to Japan, especially when we missed the opportunity in 2021 due to COVID. My older brother went on the tour in 2019 and told me it was one of his fondest memories of school. It has now become one of mine and my younger sister, who is in Year 9 and came on the tour with me.
We did many things in Japan, from visiting historical places such as shrines and castles to amusement parks and a digital art museum! Not only did we have fun, but we also learned a lot, such as how to use public transport and spend our money wisely.
My favourite parts of the trip were karaoke with my friends, the hot spring experiences and the homestay with my Japanese family at our Sister School in Hiroshima.
In March this year, I could host one of the students from our Sister School when they came to Hills Grammar, and this was a great experience as I made so many new friends. When we went to Hiroshima, I was lucky to be hosted by the same student and her family! They taught me a lot about daily life in Japan and appropriate customs, such as how to take off my shoes before entering their house and manners when eating, such as not sticking chopsticks into rice. As well as this, I could communicate more in Japanese than I thought. The family was supportive when I made mistakes and helped me improve my confidence in speaking Japanese.
The Japan Tour gave me the motivation and confidence to continue my Japanese studies as I enter my HSC year.
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