During the last two weeks of the Summer Term, we had the pleasure of hosting two Japanese exchange students, Reina and Rio, from Jiyu Gakuen, Tokyo. They attended IB classes, and Hayden and Vanessa from our SFC1 Japanese IB class served as their guides, helping them navigate the school.
Reina and Rio participated in various classes, including Chemistry, English, and Biology. In our Japanese class, they enriched our learning by sharing firsthand insights into Japanese traditions and daily life. They explained how they commuted to school, what to do during an earthquake, and what a typical school day looked like in Japan.
For their final Japanese class, they delivered a presentation about their school and daily routines. We were fascinated by both the differences and similarities between our cultures, which deepened our interest in Japan and its captivating traditions. We also played a treasure hunt game, where the entire class went around the school to find candy hidden next to Sakura trees. Overall, all the activities we played during these two weeks strengthened our bond with the girls and our understanding of Japan, and it is safe to say that we are now more knowledgeable about the traditions and cultures of Japanese people.
We are incredibly grateful to Reina and Rio for sharing their knowledge and experiences with us. We hope to see them again someday and wish them a safe journey back to Japan!
Nicole, SFC1 IB & Japanese Language Rep
This is the second successful year that we have hosted two students from Jiyu Gakuen in Tokyo to attend CLC IB classes. This opportunity continues to offer an enriching cultural and educational experience for students on both sides.
SFC1 students enjoyed hosting Japanese native students, and it was also a chance to apply their new language skills outside the classroom after just 10 months of learning the Japanese language from scratch. It’s a remarkable achievement and a testament to their dedication.
SFC2 students Harriet and Millie, have been accepted to spend part of their gap year working at Jiyu Gakuen as English Teaching Assistants. Harriet will begin her post in October 2025, with Millie following in April 2026. They will live in university residence in a beautiful Tokyo suburb, experiencing Japanese daily life while gaining valuable international work experience.
As well as using their language skills in a real-world setting, they will also build their confidence, independence, and cross-cultural understanding that will benefit them for years to come.
The position is open to all SFC2 students interested in taking on a meaningful role abroad in their gap year. It’s a rewarding challenge that brings language learning to life beyond the classroom.
Mrs Takahashi, Teacher of Japanese
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