Recently we have been fortunate to have 15 students and two teachers from Toyama University of International Studies High School, our sister school in Japan, visit Pakuranga College. The group arrived on Tuesday 12 March and were here for seven days. This was an opportunity for them to experience life in New Zealand and for our students studying Japanese to learn more about Japan.
During their time at Pakuranga College, they stayed with host families, attended classes with their host students, and learnt about traditional Māori games and haka. They also delivered presentations about their school and city to our students. It was an enriching experience for all and we look forward to visiting them next month when a group of Pakuranga College students and teachers go to Japan.
Below is a write-up from Pakuranga College student, Kahlan Watchorn, about their experience hosting one of our exchange students:
On Tuesday 12 March, I had a student from our sister school in Japan come to stay with me at my home for a week. Initially, I was nervous as this was outside of my comfort zone. However, as soon as I received her information, I messaged her on social media and we got to know each other a little bit.
On the day of her arrival, I was no longer filled with nerves but with happiness to meet someone new. On the first day, I could tell she was tired from the long flight, so I was surprised when we got home and ended up talking for a long time.
During her stay, I learned a lot about her and the differences between New Zealand schools and Japanese schools. For example, she and I had a lot in common, like enjoying similar shows, having cute dogs, liking sweets, etc. I also learned that her school in Toyama is different from Pakuranga College because, unlike our school, her school has six subjects, except for Tuesday and Thursday which have seven periods. Initially, I thought that was a long time, but then she told me that each class was only 50 minutes long and had a 10-minute break period after each class.
On the weekend my family, my friend, and I took the exchange student to various sightseeing locations in Auckland. On Saturday we took her to One Tree Hill, Piha Beach, Devonport Military Base, and up the Sky Tower. On Sunday she and I went to Kelly Tarlton’s aquarium and Mission Bay. However, she said that her favourite things were the things she could enjoy in everyday life, like walking my dog and eating food.
Even though her time in New Zealand was short I can tell that she enjoyed her stay. I think that getting to know her has made me even more excited to go to Japan in April because I will be able to see her and her friends once again.
Kahlan Watchorn – Year 13
