SAC Languages

A Wonderful Seven Weeks with Our Exchange Students from Isahaya Commercial High School

This year, we had the pleasure of hosting three female students from our sister school, Isahaya Commercial High School, for seven weeks during the last term. Azusa, Karin, and Yoko successfully completed their homestay program at St Andrews College and safely returned to Japan on 14 September.

Each of them had a wonderful Australian cultural experience during their stay and greatly enjoyed their English immersion education at our College.

Here are some highlights from their reflections on their time in Australia:

By Azusa

My school life at St Andrews College was very enjoyable. I participated in various school events like Reflection Day, as well as a wide range of classes such as Religion and Art. On Sports Day, we went rock climbing, and I played volleyball with other students. During break times, many people came and talked to me. I had a great time.
Through this study abroad experience, I was able to learn about the cultural differences between Australia and Japan. I also realised how difficult it is to communicate in a language I’m not used to. Using English was very challenging for me, but I was really happy to see that many students at St Andrews College were working hard to study Japanese.

By Karin

Joining this program was a big challenge for me. Trying something new always requires courage, but I believe there are things you can only gain by taking that first step. This experience helped me grow and expand my possibilities in ways I never imagined.
I love St Andrews College so much, and it’s really hard to say goodbye. When I return to Japan, I will treasure this valuable experience and continue to work hard to improve my English. If anyone is thinking about coming to Japan next year but feels unsure, I encourage you to be brave and take the leap—it will be an amazing and meaningful experience.
The lessons and connections I gained through this study abroad program are treasures to me. With this experience in my heart, I want to continue taking on new challenges in the future. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart.

By Yoko

Through this experience, I was able to feel cultural differences very deeply. It wasn’t just about speaking English—it was about living in a completely different environment, seeing the world through a new lens, and growing as a person.
A large part of this program was experiencing school life, which was very different from what I was used to in Japan and full of surprises. Through these experiences, I became even more interested in learning about Australia.
I’m truly grateful to all the teachers who supported us. Through this program, I made up my mind to come back to Australia one day. Australia has become like a second home to me. Every moment I spent here is a treasure. I will continue studying English even harder in Japan so that I can return one day. Thank you so much for these unforgettable seven weeks.

Now it’s our turn to send St Andrews students to Japan!
If you are interested in joining the homestay program in Japan, please speak to Mrs Suzuki for more information.

Mrs Mariko Suzuki

Leader of Learning - Languages

Year 10 Japanese Cooking Lesson – Making Futomaki ?

In Term 3, Week 8, our Year 10 Japanese course students took part in a fun and delicious Japanese cooking lesson, joined by three students from our sister school, Isahaya Commercial High School in Nagasaki.

Together, they learned how to make futomaki (rolled sushi), a traditional Japanese dish known for its colourful ingredients and carefully rolled presentation. All the ingredients were prepared in advance, allowing students to focus on the step-by-step process of assembling and rolling their sushi using the proper tools.

Some students even brought their own fillings from home to add a personal touch to their creations. By the end of the lesson, each student proudly made two sushi rolls, showcasing both teamwork and creativity.

The classroom was filled with laughter, conversation, and the delicious aroma of freshly made sushi. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the experience — not only tasting their own work but also sharing their rolls with friends. It was a wonderful cultural exchange that combined language, food, and friendship in the best possible way.

Stay tuned for more exciting and flavourful cultural experiences coming up in our Japanese courses!