Year 11 student develops Japanese skills through exchange
Posted on October 29, 2026
Experiencing life in a Japanese high school gave Macleans College Year 11 Japanese Language student Joshua Xu (Batten House) the opportunity to put his language skills into practice and gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture.
During a two-week exchange at Ashiya Gakuen High School in Ashiya, Japan, he experienced daily school life, formed connections with local students and discovered new ways to learn beyond the classroom.
Through lessons and everyday conversations, Joshua applied his Japanese language skills in real-life situations. Getting to know his classmates also helped him understand Japanese school culture and how the language is used in everyday communication.
Living with a Japanese host family further enriched the experience. Sharing meals and conversations provided opportunities to practise Japanese while learning about local customs, festivals and daily life.
Outside school, exploring Ashiya and its surrounding mountains and coastline allowed Joshua to appreciate the local environment and experience more of life in Japan.
The exchange strengthened his understanding of Japanese language and culture and encouraged him to continue developing his language skills.
