From Saturday, August 17th to Friday, August 30th, Junior High 3rd-grade students participated in a study program in Brisbane, Australia.

Homestay Experience

Students stayed with local families in pairs, immersing themselves in the Australian lifestyle. Over the weekends, they enjoyed activities such as barbecues and beach outings with their host families. For about two weeks, they experienced life as part of an Australian family, gaining valuable insights into a different culture.

Interaction at Local Schools

On weekdays, the students attended local schools where they took English lessons, participated in classes alongside local students, and enjoyed playing with their buddies during breaks. They also had the opportunity to introduce Japanese culture and games, presenting them in English to their peers.

Excursions

Two excursions were held during their stay. The first was a visit to downtown Brisbane, where the students, along with university student mentors, explored the vast campus of the University of Queensland and visited popular sites such as South Bank. The excursion was not only about sightseeing but also included interactions with university students in English. The second excursion took them to the Gold Coast. They visited Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, where they saw Australian animals like koalas and kangaroos. Later, they moved to Surfers Paradise, where they enjoyed taking photos and shopping by the beautiful beach.

For the students, living abroad away from their families for two weeks was a significant challenge. Through this study program, they not only grew mentally and physically but also gained valuable experiences that broadened their perspectives.