Newhaven College Japan visit

Fifteen enthusiastic Newhaven College Year 10 and Year 11 students took the opportunity to visit Japan for two weeks in September.

The College's annual tour to Japan offers students the chance to immerse themselves in Japanese culture while broadening their language skills.

The college has had a long running association with Ibaraki Christian Junior High School in Honshu, Japan.

Starting in 2000, the program has flourished ever since.

Students stayed with host families in Ibaraki and quickly became engaged with the Japanese way of life, while visiting onsen (hot springs), local sites and sampling traditional cuisine.

At school, Newhaven College students were involved in classes, assisting with English lessons and making new friendships.

One of the participants, Scarlet Jongejan said the experience was one she'd never forget.

My homestay family was so warm and welcoming, easing all my nerves from day one, and creating an incredible bond.

"We were fully immersed in Japanese life, connecting with our sister school students and taking part in traditional Japanese activities."

The students were accompanied by Newhaven College teachers, Ms Mitsuko Horiguchi, Mrs Ruth Turton and Mr Lachlan Gale.

Ms Horiguchi has been coordinating the tours for over 20 years.

"It was a joy to travel with such an enthusiastic and respectful group of students," Ms Horiguchi said.

"We hope they carry the friendships and lessons from this journey with them and continue to embrace opportunities to explore the world beyond the classroom."

The exchange program created valuable experiences and friendships, connecting students from different cultures.

For Newhaven College students learning Japanese, it was the perfect chance to use their language skills in real-life settings.