Students take life-changing trip to Japan

Western Heights High School students Steven Reedy, 15, (front) Liam Bennett, 16, and Te Ota Ratema, 17. Photo / Stephen Parker

An exchange programme sponsored by the Japanese Government has "changed the lives" of three Rotorua students.

The programme called JENSYS2.0 recently sent 18 New Zealand students to Japan to help increase interest in the Japanese tourism sector. The fully-funded programme has invited 362 students from around the world to take part this year, delivering feedback on their experience.

Western Heights High School teacher Sumiyo Motegi was contacted by the Japanese Government asking to put forward three students for the programme. "I was shocked when they got in contact because we hadn't even applied. It was a huge opportunity for the students that were picked."

Steven Reedy, 15, Liam Bennett, 16, and Te Ota Ratema, 17, were hand-picked to take part.

"I learnt so much about the country and the Japanese culture that by the end of the trip, I was more in love with Japan than I was before," Liam said.

"It really changed my life. Before going I saw myself following a music career but now I know without a doubt that I want to study Japanese at university."

The students were guided through Tokyo and Kanazawa during their 10-day stay becoming "fully immersed" in both Japanese pop and traditional culture.

"During the day we explored temples and historic monuments but at night we could experience the bustling markets," Steven said.

All three agreed the time spent with their homestay families was the most rewarding.

"They were such welcoming people, the minute you walked into their homes you were treated as one of them. The whole time we were fully immersed in the culture ..."

The students have submitted a report for their school and will be asked to take part in a survey about their experience in the coming months.