Mirai Futures Incursion Report
On Monday the 17th of June, the year 10 Japanese class were given the opportunity to participate in the Mirai Futures zoom incursion. This incursion provided us with an insightful idea of the opportunities that come with studying Japanese into the future.
Within this zoom call, various speakers discussed their experience of going to Japan as an exchange student either in highschool or University. All of them spoke of their time as an exchange student highly, saying that it was a great opportunity for them to improve their Japanese, fully immerse themselves in a new culture and meet new friends. They had all stated that they had left Japan feeling a new sense of independence and confidence, contrary to the anxiousness they had felt when they first arrived. Additionally, due to the success of their exchange trips, many of them were given various studying and job opportunities in Japan.
Alyssa, one of the speakers, had gone on a semester exchange to Japan as a university student. She attended Waseda University in Tokyo and had discussed her daily life while studying abroad. At her university, she joined the volleyball club and attended classes almost everyday on a 9-5 schedule. She explained that her first experience living alone allowed her to become free and independent as she didn’t have her family and friends from home to rely on. However, during her exchange trip, she was able to make many new friends and was even given the job opportunity to work in the JET program.
Audrey, a Working Holiday Youth speaker, discussed her experience with being a current exchange student, living in Japan on a gap year. After solo travelling in hostels, she now works as a lifeguard at the hotel pool and beach. Her experiences have made her more confident in trying new things and has motivated her to continue her Japanese language studies. She advised that when cultural differences get challenging, to lean into them and make the most of it to create a learning experience you’ll get the most out of.
The Mirai Japanese zoom incursion was a great experience and provided us with an insightful look into the kind of opportunities that come along with studying Japanese. It was interesting to listen to the kinds of experiences that the various speakers had from their exchange trips in Japan and learn what kind of opportunities they were given because of it. Ultimately, encouraging us to continue with our Japanese studies into the future.
- Micaela S
The incursion was quite informative as it explained to us the program in great detail. For example, a way they did this is by showing us vlogs of exchange students and informative videos with people who have jobs in japan telling us about their experience and challenges. Therefore the incursion provided us with a range of information enough for us to think about what we will do in the future relating to Japan and the language.
- Alyssa S
This zoom incursion helped me understand the various opportunities I have if I consider taking Japanese as a major in university. I was very enthusiastic and attentive to everything Presenter Benjamin had to say about the options available for my future as a Japanese Continuers student. I enjoyed the Kahoots because it was so surprising to see all the many different schools around Australia that study Japanese like our school!
- Ethan E