JAPANESE CULTURAL VISIT - HOST FAMILIES NEEDED IN 2023
Meidai High School first visited Balaklava High School in 1999 and for over 20 years students from our school have enjoyed hosting Japanese students in their homes and around the school. Many of our students have kept in contact with their Japanese buddies and there are stories of our students going over to Japan to catch up, go skiing or stay with the families of students they hosted years ago.
COVID-19 has interrupted international travel for the past two years, however, Meidai High School and it's students are very keen to resume these visits in 2023.
Students arrive in Australia around the start of Term 3 (July/August) and spend 14 days living with an Australian family and attending Balaklava High School where they participate in our special cultural program. They visits local farms, Wakefield Regional Council Chambers, The Rocks Reserve, Balaklava Primary School, Balaklava Community Children’s Centre and Balaklava Courthouse Gallery. A school excursion to the Adelaide Hills and Central Market is a highlight with their host buddies and then a final celebration at the Sports Club with an enjoyable dinner for all the host families.
Hosting a Japanese student is a very enjoyable experience, and you don’t need to make special arrangements or plans. They participate in everything your family does – including the local football and netball competitions, training nights during the week, catching the bus to school, shopping down the street or just hanging around at home. Families do receive some monetary funds to assist with additional costs during their visit.
Planning is underway to facilitate a visit in 2023 – currently international arrivals to Australia need to be double vaccinated and the visit will only occur if conditions around COVID-19 make this possible.
We are eager to hear from families that might consider hosting a student or are keen to know more. Cherie Cmrlec, Trish Langdon and myself have a wealth of information about the Meidai visit and I encourage you to call the school or send messages via email or Daymap.
