This term we welcome back 3 of our exchange students, each of whom has had an amazing time in their chosen country. Please read about Tam’s exchange below.

Tam Do: Exchange reflection

This September, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in Wilderness’ exchange program, living in Tokyo, Japan. This opportunity was an incredibly inspiring and eye-opening experience, allowing me to fully immerse myself in a culture that was vastly different from my own. I was able to see the life of a typical Japanese student my age, and experience how different their lifestyle is compared to my life in Adelaide. From trying new foods and customs to getting to know new people, this experience has certainly shaped me into a more confident and curious individual, and I am deeply inspired to continue learning about the world and broadening my perspective.

A major highlight of my exchange was my host family, who made me feel so welcomed, cared for, and really apart of their family. They took me to visit many places in Tokyo, including areas in Central Tokyo like Shibuya, Shinjuku, Harajuku and Ginza. Seeing the vibrant city lights and busy streets was such a surreal experience for me, quite a contrast to life in Adelaide. Additionally, they also took me to many traditional sites in Tokyo including Asakusa and Kawagoe, which were beautiful. These were very special moments for me, as it really showcased Japan’s rich heritage, and allowed me to develop a greater appreciation for Japanese culture.

School life at Kogakuin High School was also an incredible experience, allowing me to see firsthand the differences in education between Japan and Australia. I was amazed by the dedication and work ethic of the students, especially when participating in Kogakuin’s annual school festival (Yumekosai), a major highlight for me that I am so grateful to have experienced. Joining the Matcha club in my school also enabled me to learn so much about traditional Japanese culture, where I made so many friendships and was also able to improve my Japanese language skills through being immersed in these club activities.

Outside of school activities, the friendships I formed at Kogakuin are among my favourite takeaways from my exchange. Seeing my friends 6 days a week, working in class, and our conversations about various topics, will be things I will forever cherish. I was also fortunate to explore many parts of Tokyo with my friends throughout my time there, including Shinjuku, Harajuku and Disneyland, which were all highly enjoyable experiences. I am so grateful to be able to make such strong connections that I will deeply treasure, and I am excited to visit them again in the future!

Overall, this experience has allowed me to grow so much as an individual, teaching me the importance of adaptability, resilience and stepping outside of my comfort zone. I have also developed such a deeper appreciation for culture, and this experience has truly inspired me to continue expanding my understanding and perspective on the world.