On Friday, August 22, our Grade 9 students departed for Brisbane, Australia to begin their study tour.

This study tour is part of a school-wide program for all Grade 9 students. They are divided into 10 groups, with each group of around 20 students welcomed by one of 10 local schools near Brisbane. At the local schools, students will join classes and activities, study alongside their peers, and deepen international exchange through shared experiences. The tour will last until Friday, September 5 — approximately two weeks in total. During their stay, students will live with host families and experience life as a member of an Australian household. For many, this is their first time flying or living abroad, making each step a valuable opportunity to open new doors to the world.

This Australian study tour represents a culmination of the students' three years in junior high school. It provides a real-life setting for students to apply and expand the language skills and global awareness they have built so far.

Learning in a different cultural environment fosters independence and flexible thinking. Although the period is short, we hope this firsthand experience as “international students” helps them feel closer to the world and inspires them to pursue further global challenges in high school.

Our students, filled with both excitement and anxiety, set off on their journey. Through new encounters and challenges in Australia, we are confident that each of them will return home with personal growth and unforgettable memories.