Ten Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School students have recently returned from Setagaya, Japan, as part of the inaugural Setagaya-Bunbury Sister City junior high school student exchange program.
While visiting Bunbury’s sister city that has a population of 2.2 million people, the students had the opportunity to put their language skills to the test when meeting the Setagaya City Assembly in Council Chambers and Mayor Nobuto Hosaka.
One of the participating students Cameron Roth said it was interesting to see the faces behind the city and learn a little about how they operate.
The students were accompanied by two BCGS staff members and immersed into Japanese life through a two-week homestay.
Students lived with host families and attended class with their host student at a number of different junior high schools within Setagaya enabling them to participate in daily Japanese society and to improve their language skills.
The group also had the opportunity to travel around Tokyo and Kyoto, and experience a variety a variety of cuisines and traditional Japanese lifestyle and cultural activities.
“One of the more exciting days was when we visited Tokyo Disneyland,” Cameron said.
“Even though it was wet and very cold, the park was incredibly busy but we all managed to get on the best rides.”
In the true spirit of exchange, secondary students from Setagaya Junior High Schools will travel to Australia in September 2018 and stay with a host family to gain an authentic Australian experience.
The exchange program aims to strengthen ties between Bunbury and its sister-City Setagaya.
The relationship celebrates 25 years in 2017 and will be marked by both cities in various civic and community events.
The City of Bunbury currently have applications open for students in year six and seven who would like to join the 2017 Goodwill Tour to Setagaya later this year.
The City of Bunbury will send 16 students and about four parents to Setagaya for a 12-day visit during the October school holidays.
People interested in finding out more can attend an information session at the City of Bunbury Function Room (4 Stephen Street) at 5.30pm on April 6 and April 13.
Enquiries can also be made by contacting Carol McDowall on 9792 7075 or cmcdowall@bunbury.wa.gov.au
