Testimonials


Hostfamilies

My host family (Roy, Margaret, Simeon, dog - Wishbone, cat - Boss, birds) was so sweet. My host mother was very funny and kind. Her cooking tasted very good. Some Japanese said “Big meal” but my home’s meal was just right. My host father was also funny. In the morning, he prepared meals for the family. After dinner, I played games with Simeon. I went to the beach, shopping, etc with my host family. They were very friendly. I think that this host family was best for me. I will never forget this experience in my life. Yohei

My host family was very kind. There were four people in the family: Dave, Laurie, Alex, and Jordy. They had a cat called Henry. Dave and Laurie were very good cooks. One day, Dave and I made Sushi for dinner. They had a bamboo sheet for making Sushi, some Japanese plates, and two pairs of chopsticks. It was very happy for me to share Japanese culture with my host family. Laurie told me many stories about Australian culture and children. So, I could talk with her many times. All of her stories were very impressive for me, and my stories about Japan sometimes surprised her. Girls were also very kind, and we played together. They were very cute and clever. They gave me some nice pictures. I will never forget their family and the time we shared. Yuko

My host mother is Noreen and the father is John. Their pet, Minnie is a dog. They are very kind to me, including Erika who is also staying with us. First Saturday we visited Q1, Surfers Paradise. After school, we visited Kirra Beach, Rainbow Bay…and so on. John went for a drive with us after school. He showed us many beautiful sights. Besides, he shows many kinds of birds (parrots, kookaburras) in the morning. Also his jokes are always very funny. Noreen cooks beautiful meals everyday. I got fat! But it is OK. And she speaks correct English slowly for us, and plans various things kindly. I’m very happy staying in this house. My gratitude is beyond description. I hope to talk to them through letters, E-mail, and telephone when I return to Japan. Ayako

There are six people in my host family: mother, father, two sisters, brother and a little child. They are very nice people and I learned a lot from them. My host mother, her name is Maree, taught me many things. She is very kind and knows a lot. Every night, she talked to me in simple English that I could understand easily. I talked with her about how to pronounce words, food, TV programs, Christianity and custom differences between Australia and Japan. It was the best time when I talk with her at night sitting by ourselves on sofa and eating something. My younger host sister, her name is Jessy, she cooks very well! I liked to cook dinner with her. In order to adapt myself to the Australian family’s daily life and know about Australia, I asked them many questions. I could learn and experience many things that I cannot in Japan. Megumi

There are 2 members of my host family. Gloria and Jessica (dog). Gloria often tells me about Australia. She is very helpful. I cook with Gloria every night. So I learned how to cook Aussie food. Gloria and I liked to walk around the beach. So we went to the beach with Jessica. Jessica also likes to run around the beach. In my house, my favorite place is the garden. Gloria likes gardening, so there are some flowers and herbs. I like to have tea and talk with Gloria in the garden. We were well matched together for this homestay program. Akiko

There are five people in my host family. Their names are Colin, Sharon, Maggie, Ellen and Calan. Colin is my host father, and he is a hard working and kind man. Sharon is my host mother. She is very, very, very kind and humorous woman. Children are also kind to me, and they are very cute. Maggie and Ellen are clever girls. Calan is a very active boy, and he is pretty cute for me! I’m so grateful to them for their kindness. On the 22 February we had a barbecue party at Rainbow Bay (beach) because that day was my twentieth birthday!! They held the party for me! After the barbecue finished, they gave me a birthday cake and sang a birthday song for me. I was very happy to spend my birthday with them. (*^o^*)/ I like all of them in this family, and I enjoyed living with them. Haruna

There are five people in my host family: the parents and three children. David and Debbie are very nice. They are open to me and always take care of me. And, they took me to some places around the house to see beautiful landscape. On Sunday, we went to a church, and then we went on a picnic. We had lunch in the nature reserve and went for a walk. That was beautiful. Chloe is 14 years old and she is very beautiful. I went to a youth group every Friday night with her. Emma is five years old and Jacob is three years old. They are so pretty. They always talk to me and we play together, for example, Tag. At first, I could not understand their English and had a hard time but we have a good relationship now. Sometimes it was hard for me to communicate with my host family in English, but they always listened patiently and tried to understand what I said. So, I could talk to them without any hesitation, and I think it was good for me to improve my English skills. I am very glad to stay with such a lovely family. Haruka

My host sisters are Kristen and Lauren. They are very cute and lovely. I am very happy to spend this time with them, because I don’t have sisters. After school, we often go to the beach and go swimming in a pool. They are really energetic, so I play with them like a child! And, they are very kind to me. When I can’t understand what they say, they speak English slowly and use easy English. I thank them very much for their kindness!! I really like their lovely smiles!!! Miho

My host family includes Max, Sharon, Alexia, Jesse and Joel. They told me various things and took me to many places. I had precious experiences. For example, I went skateboarding, body boarding, and fishing. Each activity was for the first time. I have had a good time. I understood a lot of Australian culture. I think my host family is the best. So now I have two homes, one in Japan and one in Australia. Seisuke

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Australian beaches

I went to Byron Bay on 21 February. First, I went to the lighthouse at Byron Bay. It was so hard to walk along the way so I got tired. But the sight of the sea was very beautiful and I forgot that I was tired. Next, I went to the beach. Many people were swimming in the ocean. I wanted to swim there but I didn’t have my swimmers. Then I went shopping in town and I had an ice-cream. It was so big and sweet. I got many interesting memories in that time. Eri

I had never seen such beautiful beaches, so I was impressed when I first saw beaches in Australia. The beach shines brightly. I can see the subtle gradations of color from light blue to green and the sea is so transparent that I can see the sand. I felt contented just looking at the sea. Megumi

I went to the beach with Enid, my host mother. The sands were white and very smooth. I walked barefooted. On this day it was windy and there were some jellyfish including blue jellyfish on the sands. The ocean was big and blue and the cool breeze was very comfortable. I thought I would like to live near the sea. Yae

I went to the beach many times in Australia. It was very clean and clear with the golden sun, sparkling water, and big waves. There were many fish species, many trading ships. I liked to swim at the Rainbow Bay. I swam with many friends. It was fun. Ayako

I went to Byron Bay as a first excursion. Byron Bay is located the most easterly of the Australian mainland. There was the really beautiful and sparkling ocean. Usually, we can see dolphins, but I couldn’t see them. The tall white lighthouse looked beautiful in the emerald green ocean. I walked a long way on the cape and on the beach. The sand was very smooth, so I felt comfortable. Anyway, I was surprised at the beautiful ocean!! Akihiko

We went to Byron Bay on the 21 February. The most impressive thing was that we went to the most easterly point of the Australian mainland, and the landscape was fantastic!! There was the sparkle, pure and vivid blue sea. I want to show this wonderful place to my family. Haruna

I like the beach of Australia very much. It is so blue, clear and beautiful! The wave is shining and looks like dancing. The sand is white, soft and good to touch. And there were comfortable breezes. I want to swim again! Yuko

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Australian animals

I went to Currumbin Wildlife Park on 27 February. At Currumbin Wildlife Park, there were many animals I had never seen before. Especially, I was impressed with the koalas and kangaroos. Koalas were very cute but they were always sleeping. I touched a koala when I had my photo taken with it. It was very soft and warm. In the afternoon, I saw a lot of kangaroos. They were smaller than I had thought. Their joeys were so cute and I wanted them to be my pets. Moreover, I looked at many other animals such as snakes and pelicans and had a fun time. Kento

I really enjoyed the excursions very much. At Currumbin Wildlife Park, I saw many animals that I haven’t seen before. There were many kinds of birds. It was very interesting. I liked the colorful parrot which I saw in The Bird Show. I could see, touch and feed kangaroos. They were soft and cute. In the pocket, I could see the baby kangaroo – a joey. The Sea World is also a good memory. The Dolphin Cove Show and Seal Show were fantastic! And I like the scream machines. I rode the corkscrew three times and the pirate ship once. I screamed and went flying along. These were so exciting! Risa

We went to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. I saw a lot of Australian animals. For example, koala, kangaroo. My best memory is that rolled by a snake. It’s fun so much. Seisuke

At first I was really scared of the birds but I was excited. At Sea World, I watched the dolphin show. They were so clever and cute. I would like to swim with them someday. Then, I rode a roller coaster three times. It was really fun. I have done a lot of things during this three weeks and everything has become my special memories. I am really happy to spend a wonderful time in this program. Haruka

I visited Currumbin Wildlife Park on 27 February. I really looked forward to seeing koalas and kangaroos. I could cuddle a koala, and then took a photo with a koala! The koala was very soft and warm. After that, I saw kangaroos. They were bigger than I had expected!! I fed a kangaroo. It was very exciting!! And also, I saw a kangaroo with a joey. The joey was very small and cute. It was the first time for me to see koalas and kangaroos, so I was very satisfied to see them!! Miho

In the park, I watched lots of animals: koalas, snakes, pelicans, and birds. I had a picture taken of me holding a koala. Before coming there, I had never taken a picture with a koala. And I hand fed some kangaroos. So I had a wonderful experience. So

“All of the AAES staff members are kind are caring" (Motoko)

“AAES designed a program that met our needs” (David)

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Australian and Japanese cultures

In Japan, everyone takes off their shoes to go inside a house. But in Australia, it is popular to wear their shoes in a house, particularly as most days are sunny. When it is raining some families take off their shoes before going inside the house. It had been very strange for me not taking off my shoes. But I was satisfied by finding out that an Australian floor is much harder than a Japanese one. In Australia, a floor is made by tiles or hardwood. On the other hand, in Japan, it is made by tatami or wooden floor. Misae

A lot of Australian people have a big family but the family sizes differ. Australian people eat bread with vegemite in the morning. Koalas are soft but quite smelly when they eat a lot of gum leaves. Kangaroos are very gentle. 18 years old means you are an adult in Australia. It is difficult to keep smoking in Australia as it is banned in many places. Rump is a very popular meat in Australia. Akiko

There are many shops in Australia and Japan. The Australia ones are closer than Japanese ones. Then, Australians go to bed very early. Most Japanese go to bed at about 1 o’clock. But most Australians go to bed by about 11 o’clock or earlier. However, they usually wake up earlier. Then, Australians eat so much. I was surprised by how much they eat. I think Australians could be healthier than Japanese, especially as they do a lot of walking and exercise. Misako

I studied numerous things at school everyday. I learned Australian culture, custom, money, slang, songs and dances! I can also experience Australian morning tea and lunch. And we often visited the primary school and played sports and made origami with them. I’m happy to share each other’s culture especially songs. I like Home Among The Gum Trees and Kookaburra. Megumi

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Learning English

I met some of our teachers Peter and Ros, and many students at LCC. Many students speak with us kindly. They are very lovely. Peter and Ros taught English and Australian culture kindly. Peter sang many songs in a beautiful voice. We visited Byron Bay. I went to the Lighthouse. I met dolphins! I saw dolphins in the wild for the first time. I love them. So, I was very happy. And I walked around the beach, went shopping. We visited Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and Sea World, too. Ayako

The College, Teachers and Students The first day I was nervous about speaking English with the students because I worried whether I could communicate with them or not. But this school’s students spoke to us without constraint, so I could talk with them pleasantly. I enjoyed talking with these lovely students. I felt speaking English with them was fun. Next, I am really grateful to teachers of this homestay program- especially for the teachers. They always smiled at us and taught us a lot of things about Australia. I like the songs very much!! Moreover, I liked the teaching very much! Thanks to the teachers, I enjoyed this homestay program very much. Haruna

Not only the excursion, but also the classes were exciting. Sue and Noami were wonderful teachers. We played sports with the LCC students, cooked with them, and talked with them at lunch or in the school bus. The students were all friendly and active. Erika

I want to become a teacher in the future. So, I was very happy that I visited the primary school many times. I did Origami, shared narratives, played softball, and had dances with the students. Ayako

I loved playing soccer with the secondary school students. We had lots of fun. Shingo

“I liked going on the excursions and talking with different Australians.” (Makoto)

“It was great going to many places” (Yuko)

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Interacting with Australian students

I really enjoyed this English class!! I was very, very happy to meet Peter and Ros. They were very kind!! We could study not only English but also Australian culture. In addition, I really liked listening to Peter’s songs!!! And, students of Lakeside Christian College were very friendly to us. During the breaks at morning tea and the lunch time, they always spoke to us - very friendly. We talked about a lot of things, family and school and Japanese and Australian culture and so on. Although speaking English was difficult for me, the time in this school was a very precious experience!! Miho

I really like Lakeside Christian College. The ground is so wide and beautiful. I like the contrast of green with a blue sky. We always had lunch near the field while talking with friends or LCC students. It was like a picnic for me. We learned a lot of things: Australian songs, dances, slang and so on. I could share it with my host family and talk to them about Japanese culture too. Haruka

We visited the primary school to teach Origami, to share narratives and to play softball. Primary school students were very lovely. We taught them how to make Origami, but it was a little difficult for them. When I told them the Cinderella Story that I created, they seriously listened to me talking. I was very pleased with that experience. Primary school students were very good softball players. I think we had a very good time together. Ayano

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Getting out and about

Australian Friends:

My memory most surprising in Australia is the fact that everyone is friendly. First, I worried about whether I can communicate. But, not only my host family but also Australian students are very kind and gentle. When I didn’t know how to go home from school, an Australian student guided me. And, in the bus, she asked me various questions. I enjoyed going home every day. Seisuke

Going to Church:

I had the chance to go to a Christian church on Friday night and Sunday morning. I made many friends there. They were very friendly. I’m happy that they remembered me when I went to there second time. I took photos with them. And, I sang hymns, prayed, listened sermons. I’m thankful to enjoy staying in Australia. Ayako

Picnics and Parks:

One day, my host family and I went to a picnic area. We went to Lamington National Park and Spring Brook National Park. There were some beautiful waterfalls, very old trees, nice voices of many birds, and great views. These were the wonders of nature around the area. I was surprised at the magnificence of the nature, and I thought I was very lucky to see this part of Australia. Chihiro Enid and I went to a picnic in the Kingscliff. It was a fine Sunday. The surface of the river was shining. We had a lunch there. I thought eating lunch outside was really delicious than having it in my house. A lot of families swam near by us. It was a peaceful scene. I felt happy. I thank Enid for taking me there. Yae

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