What I Learned from a Multinational Country and a Memory for Life

Newcastle University

3rd-year student in the Department of Business Informatics：IWASAKI Miyuu
Study Abroad Period: August 24, 2024 – September 30, 2024

I participated in a language training program at the University of Newcastle, located in New South Wales, Australia, for about one month from late August to the end of September.

At the University of Newcastle, we had two hours of classes in the morning and another two hours in the afternoon, focusing on writing, reading, listening, and speaking. The students came from a variety of countries—not only Japan, but also China, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, France, and others.

Each week had a general theme, such as transportation, customs, and the environment in our own countries, as well as topics related to the SDGs. The teacher used slides to explain the topics, and we often broke into small groups for discussions. Because the classes involved a lot of group work and collaborative problem-solving, I quickly became friends with a student from China in my class.

Final Day of Class

After class, I joined the university’s Japanese language club and interacted with local students through basketball and volleyball sessions held twice a week. Many of the club members either liked Japan, were interested in Japanese culture, or hoped to visit Japan someday. I took the opportunity to share with them what makes Japan—and Yamaguchi Prefecture in particular—so special.

With Members of the Japanese Language Club

During my daily life, I stayed with a host family. I experienced what it was like to be part of a family by eating meals together, watching TV, and helping with household chores. On weekends, I went sightseeing with my host mother to places like the zoo and the beach, making my days in Australia very enjoyable.

Also, during this training period, I celebrated my birthday. On the day itself, my host mother, a Chinese student from my class, and my homeroom teacher gave me a big celebration. I was very happy and had an unforgettable birthday.

Having spent about a month with my host mother, I was filled with gratitude and sadness when it was time to say goodbye, and I even shed tears. This experience gave me a new goal—to definitely visit her again someday.

How I Spent My Birthday with My Host Mother

A Bouquet of Flowers Given by a Chinese Student from My Class

Australia is rich in nature, and at the zoo, I was able to see not only koalas and kangaroos but also rare animals and colorful wild birds. During my sightseeing in Sydney, I visited many beautiful buildings and numerous famous tourist spots.

Through my language training in a multicultural environment and daily life with a host family, I experienced Australia’s unique nature, culture, and customs.

I was deeply impressed by how people in Australia respect and support each individual’s personality.

Commemorative Photo in Front of the Opera House

Queen Victoria Building

Through this training, I realized how important it is to accept the individuality of those around me. I want to become someone who not only values my own personality but also respects the uniqueness of others.

The kindness and friendliness of the Australian people helped me many times. The countless memories and wonderful encounters made my study abroad experience truly meaningful.

I will continue studying English to build on this language training and hope to visit Australia again in the future.

About translation

Translation is automated by computer,it is not necessarily guaranteed to be accurate.
Please be advised that there may be some difference between the original Japanese site and the Google translation.
Thank you for your understanding.