From Monday July 29th to Monday 5th August a group of eleven Japanese students and their teacher, Noriko Yamasaki from Kochi Ozu high school, spent a week at Don College. The Japanese students presented information related to their culture, food, hobbies, sports and school to different classes at Don College and Port Sorell Primary. They participated in a variety of classes with their host student and experienced student life at Don. On Wednesday afternoon the Japanese students and the Don hosts enjoyed competing in Ten Pin Bowling. In the evening the hospitality students prepared and served a delicious Australian dinner for all the host families. Highlights of the evening included the singing of the school song by the Japanese students and the games organized by Danielle James and Kaori Suto. On Thursday the Certificate II Business and Tourism students and the Japanese students visited Wings Wildlife Park and Gunns Plains Caves.

Many thanks to the host families, teachers and students who made this year’s visit so enjoyable and successful.

Responses from the Japanese students:

Thank you to everyone at Don College for a good time! l had fun with the Outdoor class and the Tourism class. I am glad that I could talk with people who study Japanese and are integrated in Japanese. It is good for me to have a welcome party. Thank you very much, I love Don College and Tasmania! Marin

Thank you for the four days. I was very nervous at first, but the Don College people were so nice especially the students in the Japanese class. We had a lot of fun playing and talking in the class. Thank you very much Tomoko

We had a lot of fun with many surprises and discoveries. The students helped me if l didn’t understand and l felt more confident. I want to come again next year. Thank you very much. Kako

I was surprised to come to this school. There are twice as many meals and long classes. I felt envious that the break was so long. I will never forget my experience at this school.  Thank you for everything. Ran

Thank you for teaching me a lot of words l didn’t understand. The lessons were fun especially Japanese classes. I will also come to Australia if I have the opportunity.    Ami

In art class, it was a good to make an original shirt! The people at Don College were very kind and understanding with my English. Although it was a short time, it was very fun!    Sakura

The experience I had here was amazing and I am glad that I came. I would like to apply what I have learned in the future. Thank you, I had fun every day. Thank you to my host family and the host student.    Kohei