Another Successful Study Tour To Japan
Fifteen students across four campuses of ACU travelled to Japan with Haruko Asakura for 19 days late November to December 2004. This study tour was again a huge success, encompassing a dynamic array of cultural and language activities each day as well as sightseeing famous historical sites, museums within Tokyo and Kanagawa Prefecture and a courtesy visit to the Mayor of Atsugi City. We were truly welcomed wherever we visited and articles on our visit appeared in the local newspapers on two different occasions.
Shohoku College with whom ACU has a cultural exchange agreement, is sponsored by the Sony Corporation. During the day our students undertook activities, which were organised and hosted by Global Communication Center at the Shohoku College. At night we stayed at one of Sony's company dormitories situated at the Sony Technology Centre and the accommodation was very modern. The breakfasts and dinners were provided at the Sony company employees' dining room, where the students were able to eat an assortment of Japanese cuisines. They were fortunate enough to have had to pay for only a few meals as many exchange-gathering occasions were organised for lunches also. Many students said that the home stay experience was one of the highlights in Japan. They were taken care of by local Japanese families who were so eager and happy to spoil our students for one full weekend. The Australian students were amazed with their generosity.
Each day had been filled with a variety of interesting activities, which incorporated further learning of the Japanese language and opportunities for cultural exchanges.
All of the students who participated in this year's tour had given the best feedbacks ever received. Some sample comments included:
"I believe that the program was incredible. There was a perfect balance between learning experiences of traditional Japanese culture and modern life. We got to experience so many great things and learn so much."
"I had a blast. This stage of my life I felt like I was in a rut but coming on the tour has allowed me to find myself and realize what I want in life. It has allowed me to become more independent. Japan was a fantastic experience - I would definitely come again."
"You have made my first trip overseas amazing. I don't want to leave! I would love to come back. I would like to learn more about the history of Japan so I can understand more about where all the aspects of the culture I have experienced came from."
The candidates and I are very appreciative of Dr Toshiyuki Yamada, President, and the staff of the Global Communication Center at Shohoku College for their tireless efforts and generosity in order to make the study program so successful.
Shohoku College was given prestigious recognition by the Minister of Arts and Sciences of Japan in 2004. In fact, a significant factor which attributed to this recognition was the International Cultural Exchange Program with ACU (and University of New Castle) which was given high praise.
In conclusion, the Study Tour to Japan 2004 had once again been an invaluable experience for all the students who had participated. In addition, I would like to mention that this year's students were particularly cooperative and pleasant which made the whole trip a safe and enjoyable one.
あさくらはるこ/朝倉晴子
Haruko Asakura
Ph: 02-9701-4206
Fax:02-9701-4263
e-mail address: h.asakura@mary.acu.edu.au