Mudgee High School (MHS) has enjoyed its 17th visit from 23 students and three teachers from Osaka, Japan.
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The visit which took place from Tuesday, July 30 to the Saturday, August 10 saw students from Ohkanmuri, Suita-Higashi and Hokusetsu-Tsubasa High School enjoy and participate in a variety of comprehensive lessons at MHS.
MHS Japanese teacher Jayden Saunders said students participated in lessons such as cooking, drama, music and ESL.
"We had a full day excursion to Red Hill to learn about colonial life and how the region has changed over time," he said.
"Students got to pan for gold, visit the museum, and learn about Aboriginal culture among the comprehensive program that Red Hill had planned.
"Students were also integrated into some lessons during their visit, they went to classes with their host buddies to experience what everyday lessons for Australian students looks like."
Mr Saunders said that it allowed Mudgee students to have an authentic experience using their Japanese knowledge, and allowed them to make new friends.
"The program benefits everyone at MHS regardless of if they study Japanese or not as it showcases our international relations," he said.
The exchange students ages ranged from 15 to 17 and they stayed with host families in the Mudgee region.
"The program also highlights the generosity of our parents and carers who take billets into their families which is a good representation of MHS school spirit," he said.
Mark and Kim Bastow were two parents who graciously hosted Japanese exchange student Miu. It was their first time hosting a student from another country.
"[Miu] was wonderful, she was very polite and such a well mannered young lady," Mr Bastow said.
"The language barrier was hard at times but getting to learn about their culture was just fascinating."
To get around the language barrier, the family used picture diagrams, hand signals, photos, and a combination of Japanese and English.
Mr Bastow said that it was a great experience.
"You have to be patient and understanding and take time to help them out but the reward you get from it is brilliant," he said.
Mrs Bastow said ways of connecting with their exchange student was by playing games and watching movies together.
"She liked Disney so we would watch what she liked and then show her some movies we like," she said.
"We also pulled out a map so she could show us where she came from."
On a free weekend the family took Miu down to Sydney to show her different landmarks.
"We showed her sites such as the Queen Victoria Building, the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, the Rocks and China Town," she said.
They also couldn't let Miu go home without trying some iconic Australian food such as Tim Tams, meat pies, Lamingtons, and Vegemite.
"The smell was enough to turn her off Vegemite," Mr Bastow joked.
In a coincidence, the family also had a spare ticket to see Hugh Jackman on his musical tour, which Miu said she enjoyed.
"We would definitely do this again," Mrs Bastow said.
Mr Saunders said that he hoped that Mudgee students gained an understanding of how everyday life in Australia is very different to that in Japan.
"I hope that the students take on board everything taught to them in the classroom and that the friendships made are long lasting," he said.
MHS student Sarah Gatley said it was her third year hosting a student and once again it was an amazing experience which she enjoyed every minute of.
"The first couple of days were tough but after that she became like a sister to me," she said.
"Sometimes she would say something we wouldn't understand or vice versa but we got through it."
Sarah said they played games such as Uno and Jenga, went to the zoo and went to many different restaurants.
"I enjoyed it as it gave me an opportunity to not only help me improve my Japanese but helped them with their English," she said.
"You build such a great bond and we became so close, like family."
Student Siobhan Bastow said she was a little nervous being a first time host but overall she loved the experience.
"We got along so well, it was a bit awkward at first since it is like having a stranger stay at your house but it ended up being fine," she said.
"The language barrier was a bit of a struggle but luckily I could use hand gestures and I knew some Japanese so it was okay."
This is Miss Bastow's forth year studying Japanese and she said she loved being a buddy for the students.
"You get to know about their culture a bit more and see what they like," she said.
"I love studying Japanese, because learning another language is a lot of fun and you can interact with people from a different culture easily."
Mr Saunders said that on the day the Japanese exchange students were set to go home, many tears were shed.
"Judging by the tears and the commitment of everyone involved to stand out in the freezing cold as the bus was ready to go back to Sydney, I do think that both schools enjoyed the experience," he said.
"It is a big change for young people to be away from their families and support networks, but I believe that after the first night most students settled in quickly, with some not wanting to go home so soon."