Experiences - 2009

Real Life Stories

Nayomi – Japan 2009

"Being on exchange is really hard to explain. Its probably one of the most challenging, demanding, straight forward, satisfying, best thing I have ever done. I know that doesn't really make sense. But it does in a way….or maybe that's just my English failing me.

Challenging in the way being away from family and friends, its hard especially not knowing anyone at the start. Accepting the difference in culture and trying to learn Chinese characters on top of the Japanese letters was just insane.

However totally worth it for I get to travel all over Japan, meet amazing friends who in turn, turn into family and to finally understand where I come from. Me being half Japanese and half Australian I have always been unsure of where I belong. People would always ask where I was from. Having lived in Australia all my life, and knowing nothing about Japan I always replied Australian. Now knowing my other half and understanding the Japanese culture I would now reply I’m Japanese and Australian.

I’m happy that I did this exchange and am looking forward to the last 3 months here. Living here has made me aware of other cultures and what my mum had to go though with living in Australia. I’m so happy I did exchange and even more thankful that it was Japan.

With only 3 months I am so mixed with emotions.

I don't want to leave Japan!! It has my friends that have been with me through out this exchange, matsunaga family (my second host family, which is like my own), and now I feel like I belong.  Walking around my town and catching the train to Kyoto or Osaka just feels great! I’ve gone to some great places, experienced so many things and I don't want to lose all this!!!!

Australia on the other hand, is my home. It has all my lovely’s in it. I want to see so many people and live my own life again.

But time is going by, and I know that this isn’t going to last. Soon I will be home :)"

Kate – Germany 2009

"I'm at the point of my exchange where I have 3 months to go. I have had some of the best and the worst times of my life this year. I have challenged myself both physically and mentally with experiences that I will never forget. I have made friendships that I know will last a lifetime. Being an exchange student is about discovering yourself and the world around you. I would not change anything about this experience that I have had, because what I have had is unique to any other exchange student, however it is our differences as people, our cultures and traits which unify exchange students together."

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