Hosting a student from another culture in your home is a rewarding and educational experience. Thousands of families across Australia have experienced the joy of learning about another culture by opening their homes to overseas students through AIIU’s short and long-term programs. If you would like to host with AIIU, please contact our National Office by phone, fax or email.
AYP Returnee - Continued Success - Brittany Arthur
"BEEP, BEEP, BEEP". The hello kitty alarm clock reads 5.30am. The -4 degree morning seems colder than usual but if there is anything that I've learned here is that there is no such thing as usual. But most of all I love it that way! With one motivated leap I have to jump out of bed or else I'll be late. It's all worth it when I see the beauty of the blanket of white snow coating the city from my bedroom window glowing in true Hollywood movie style. After my favourite seaweed miso soup, bowl of rice and steamed fish breakfast I'm ready for anything that this 10 hour school day can throw at me. The change over of inside shoes to outside ones with my school bag, sport bag and kendo poles have been mastered to a mere 10 second change over. Maybe the Australian F1 team will need me for the tyre change team for their next meet? "Ittekimasu" I shout out and I'm responded with "Itterashyai". And as such another day in an exchange student's life starts, I quickly glance at my watch after the 1 hour of commuting. 7.30am and I think to myself that my Australian friends should start to be rising about now and laugh. I can't wait to meet with my friends at school to catch up on last nights TV drama happenings. I love this place!
It is not often that you find an organisation that is utterly committed to the enhancement and growth of a nation's youth in such a supportive, caring and understanding environment as AIIU. I have been completely honoured to be an AIIU AYP exchange student. Upon your return home, you realise that you will always be an exchange student and the experiences and life lessons that you learn, are not only carried with you always and everywhere but shall shape the person that you are.
This is why I was so motivated to pay forward the amazing experience I had had with AIIU and hence, when I was asked to be a Group Coordinator I jumped at the chance. Opportunities such as these that have been facilitated by AIIU added significant weighting to my successful application for an exchange to Osaka University and for the 2008 JASSO scholarship.
And I am so thankful for this.
Brittany Arthur
The JASSO scholarship Brittany has received is valued at $11000 - CONGRATULATIONS Brittany!
New Partnerships
In July/August 2007, AIIU hosted 30 students and 2 teachers from Nanshan Bilingual School in China. The students were based at Rochedale State Primary School and Rochedale South State Primary School and the groups were coordinated by Lisa Brown and Robyn Harris. The experience was such a huge success for students, teachers and AIIU that another group of 22 students and 2 teachers will arrive in Toowoomba on January 7 2008 for a 4 week English program.
2007, A SNAPSHOT....
Ballarat University - Konan Hamamatsu HS - Victoria
Ballarat University hosted a group of 41 students and 3 TE's from Konan Hamamatsu HS. The students enjoyed their comprehensive ESL course at the University. The students had a wonderful experience with their host families and getting to know the historical city of Ballarat. During their visit they learnt about the 'Gold Rush" times from the 1850's by visiting Sovereign Hill and The Eureka Centre. They also had the opportunity to see the kangaroos, koalas and wombats at the Ballarat Wildlife Park. The students and their host families enjoyed an "Aussie Bush Dance" and attended a typical "Aussie BBQ".
Nishikata Machi Junior High School - South East Qld
17 Japanese students from Nishikata Machi Junior High School visited Coolum Primary School from 17/8/07 - 24/8/07 with Group Coordinator Jackie McMahon. The group attracted attention in the area and a feature was published in the Coolum & North Shore Newspaper to promote cultural exchange.
Challenge Homestay (PS & JHS) - South East Qld
A letter received from a student of Challenge Homestay 16 Aug (PS & JHS) with Group Coordinator, Mrs Sharon Polley. The group were hosted by Tinana State Primary School in August 2007.
Dear Mrs Polley,
I was able to return to Japan safely. I remember you everyday. On the cot tails of you, I was able to know a lot of Australia. The class that I win through up to an impression most is a story of the ginger bread game called the "Dingo and Possum". I came to love English more further more I study English and I get possible to express what I want to convey by one's words and want to meet now. I want to introduce life in Australia to a teacher and friends at school. I was really happy. Thank you.
From Miruko Hayashida.
Feeding the Australian wildlife is such a new Experience for our overseas students. Shu Kondo from Challenge Homestay 16 Aug (PS&JHS) who visited Maryborough in July 2007 with Group Coordinator Sharon Polley was just visiting another student, maybe well asking "Who is on my shoulder"? A friendly mother possum!
Yasuda Primary School - Victoria
Yasuda Primary School visited Melbourne in March 2007 and were hosted by St Mark's Primary School with Group Coordinator Zina Ferrarin. The group visited Healesville Sanctuary to see Australian animals and Queen Victoria Markets for some shopping.
Dedicated Staff
AIIU Group Coordinators do a wonderful job that is greatly appreciated by the students, teachers, host families and the staff at AIIU. If you would like to become a Group Coordinator please contact your Regional Manager or National Office.
Written by Honami Onishi before departure at the airport. Honami was a student hosted by Pimpama State Primary School with Group Coordinator Lilli Parsons.
rittany!
