The Japanese intercultural exchange program is very beneficial in giving students an experience of different cultural perceptions, expectations and values. Experiencing a different culture and engaging in intercultural communication provides an oppurtunity for us to reflect on our own societal expectations and values, and gain a deeper understanding - beyond the stereotype - into different cultural practices and belief systems.
Cultural exchange allows a greater understanding and exposure to many unique cultural aspects that differ from our own, including:
- Language and communication styles
- Societal values
- Cuisine
- Entertainment
- Education
- Social behaviour
Cultural exchange allows a greater understanding and exposure to many unique cultural aspects that differ from our own, including:
- Language and communication styles
- Societal values
- Cuisine
- Entertainment
- Education
- Social behaviour
"Wow! This experience has been such an eye-opener! Before I went on exchange, all I knew and understood about Japan was the cultural stereotype - but living with a wonderful family and learning the practices & values of this amazing culture has allowed me to understand and celebrate the differences between my Australian culture and this one, rather than 'othering' Japan like I did before the program. For example, through living with a Japanese family, I learnt how to interpret and decode non-verbal communication which differs (and is used in conjunction with language differently) to Australia. Instead of thinking that this differing communication style was weird or abnormal (like I would have before the exchange!), I learnt to appreciate it and understand that it comes from Japanese society's collectivism and inherent values of harmony and cohesion. I would definitely recommend this exchange program for anyone willing to broaden their horizons and gain insight into a different cultural perception and values."
- Sheila, Australia
"I wanted to go to Japan to eat all their sushi, but when I got there my mind was blown! They also had UDON NOODLES!! I thought it was really interesting how Japan was a mixture of traditional customs and globalisation, like in Tokyo everyone was shopping late at night and catching trains everywhere, while in Yudanaka it felt a lot more spiritual with the snow monkeys and everything. It was a bit weird how everyone was bowing all the time so I just nodded my head and it seemed to work. The most awkward experience was when I went into an onsen and I had to strip naked. Thank fully I had read up on the rules beforehand otherwise I would've made a complete full of myself. Yeah, so overall Japan is super fun, culturally different to Australia, and sushi isn't their only food!"
- Shane, Australia
- Sheila, Australia
"I wanted to go to Japan to eat all their sushi, but when I got there my mind was blown! They also had UDON NOODLES!! I thought it was really interesting how Japan was a mixture of traditional customs and globalisation, like in Tokyo everyone was shopping late at night and catching trains everywhere, while in Yudanaka it felt a lot more spiritual with the snow monkeys and everything. It was a bit weird how everyone was bowing all the time so I just nodded my head and it seemed to work. The most awkward experience was when I went into an onsen and I had to strip naked. Thank fully I had read up on the rules beforehand otherwise I would've made a complete full of myself. Yeah, so overall Japan is super fun, culturally different to Australia, and sushi isn't their only food!"
- Shane, Australia