After being put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic, AMICUS’s annual summer short-term study abroad program is finally back!
From August 6 to August 22, 14 students from Grades 5 to 9 traveled to Melbourne, Australia, for an exciting two-week experience abroad!
Since the seasons are opposite in Australia, Melbourne was in the middle of winter. Melbourne is known for its changeable weather, sometimes said to have “four seasons in one day.” Temperatures can drop to around 6–7°C in the morning and evening, while daytime temperatures are usually around 13–15°C.

During the program, the students attended “Oakleigh Grammar”, a private school that AMICUS began working with for the first time this year. They joined classes together with local students and experienced a school environment quite different from what they are used to at AMICUS.
They were surprised and impressed by many of the differences, from religious education classes, which are not part of the AMICUS curriculum, to having lunch and spending time with friends in the school cafeteria. There were so many new experiences to discover!
Although some students felt nervous at first, they gradually became more comfortable in their new environment and enjoyed their two weeks to the fullest. ♪

As part of their classes, the students had the opportunity to introduce AMICUS and Okinawa to their new classmates. Representing AMICUS, they also gave presentations in front of local middle and high school students!
In a home economics class, they had another unique experience. Students received coffee orders online from their teacher and then prepared the drinks themselves. It was a hands-on lesson inspired by Melbourne’s well-known café culture!

Life in Melbourne was just as exciting outside of school!!
Students staying with host families went to zoos, markets, and Chadstone Shopping Centre, the largest shopping center in the Southern Hemisphere! Some students also visited Phillip Island, famous for its penguins and beautiful scenery.

Students staying in the residence had a great time as well. They enjoyed playing pool, and on their final night, they were treated to a special Australian-style dinner and warm hospitality! They also loved trying classic Australian treats such as Tim Tams and fairy bread, as well as enjoying plenty of delicious food!

On the weekends, the students explored some of Melbourne’s highlights, including the Great Ocean Road and Queen Victoria Market in the CBD. They fully enjoyed Melbourne’s beautiful nature and cityscape!
On their final weekend, the students staying at the residence spent the day together, visiting Luna Park and the aquarium!

On the way home, they even had time to explore a little of Taiwan during their layover.
The students were full of energy and made the most of their trip right until the very end♪ ✈️

The two weeks flew by, but the students got so much out of their time in Melbourne. They learned at a local school, experienced life in a multicultural city, and had the opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds and experience different cultures!
Through attending school in a new environment, living with host families, and taking part in a variety of activities, they built valuable learning experiences and created many unforgettable memories.

With these once-in-a-lifetime experiences to take home with them, the students returned to Japan safely with big smiles and a real sense of accomplishment!
We look forward to seeing what they will tackle next!

We can’t wait for next summer’s Short-Term Study Abroad!