Midori City Study Tour
Eatons Hill State School have been building international relationships between students, teachers and schools with Midori City in Japan for over 10 years. We are connecting through consistent communication with schools in Midori City. Mutual School Study Tours are highly important for both schools to engage in. The benefits are invaluable and will provide greater language skills and fluency as well as greater cultural understandings in relation to both countries.
Selected students from 3 junior high schools in Midori City visit us annually. During the time, Japanese students have the opportunity to experience another culture and make lifelong friends. The opportunity to stay in the homes of our school community allow students to develop deep cultural connections. Studying in English overseas is one of the most beneficial experience for students from Midori City. Eatons Hill students also gain a wealth of knowledge and experiences by having our guests from Midori City in their homes and wider community.
There are a range of exciting activities that occur during the Study Tours including but not limited to integration lessons, buddies, cultural tours and our highly anticipated Japanese Culture Festival. This wonderful opportunity is a highlight in the students’ year and it is always difficult for the students to say goodbye to their new friends.
Eatons Hill State School Japan Tour
In 2019 an excited team of staff and over 20 students participated in our first international tour. After over 12 months of preparation our students engaged in a once in a lifetime experience touring Japan with their peers. This wonderfu opportunity helped our students develop a deep understanding of the complexities of another culture while improving their language skills. Insights and experiences in Japan open our students’ eyes to a wide variety of language entwined with cultural experiences. It’s those every day experiences that are authentic and the ones that students will learn the most from and will remember in years to come. This tour was set to be repeated in 2021 however due to Covid restriction it will be reviewed for potentially 2022 or 2023.
International Collaboration
International relationships and global education are the key to enhancing all components of our language and culture program. EHSS students are connecting face-to-face with Japanese students via digital platforms. This learning opportunity enhances our student’s language and cultural understandings. Students enjoy chatting with their Japanese friends, while it is fun, inspiring and motivating to have the opportunity to communicate with others. The opportunity to communicate with native Japanese speakers ensure that students explore the nuances of this complex language.